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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Here are some of the more frequent questions we receive
from our patients. If you have any questions not covered here please let us know
via our ask us form.
How do I get an X-ray?
In most cases you are not able to "self-refer" for
radiology examinations. General Practitioners (GPs), Specialists, Midwives,
Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and Dentists are some of the people who can
request an examination if necessary. You can approach your Doctor for a referral
for some examinations (e.g. mammography).
What will my X-ray cost?
This depends on the examination your Referrer has
suggested you need. When you telephone us, we can give you an idea of the cost
of the examination.
How long will my X-ray or test take?
This varies from examination to examination. When
you make your appointment the Reception staff will be able to help you with
this. Plain X-ray examinations usually take between 15 and 20 minutes, and
ultrasound about 30 minutes.
Can I bring someone with me?
You are welcome to bring someone with you. This is
good for moral support and particularly helpful if you need help getting
dressed. After some examinations, you may like to have someone drive you home.
However during the x-rays they will need to wait in the waiting room. If you are
having an ultrasound, we ask you restrict the number of friends and family you
bring to four. Otherwise the ultrasound room can become very noisy and squashed.
What do I need to bring for my appointment?
You need to bring your request form (unless you
have dropped it in to us or your Referrer has already send it) and any X-ray
films, ultrasound scans, CT or MRI relating to the area to be imaged today.
When will the results of my imaging test be with my Doctor?
Results from Broad Places Radiology are sent to your
Referrer electronically (computer to computer), by fax, or by mail. We would
expect most results would be with your Doctor within 24 -48 hours of your
examination.
Is Ultrasound Safe?
Will this scan harm my baby?
Ultrasound uses sound waves and not radiation.
Ultrasound has been used for more than 40 years, and there is no proven risk to
either Mother or Baby.
Ultrasound in pregnancy can be used from a foetal age of 6 weeks; and is used to
demonstrate the foetus (such as size, gestational age, body structures) and the
position of the placenta in the uterus. There have been a number of studies on
ultrasound safety, yet none have shown a detrimental effect to babies or Mother.
However, Broad Places Radiology takes care to provide quality ultrasound equipment,
and minimize ultrasound examination time and number of ultrasound examinations
required during pregnancy.
Why is CT so expensive?
After you have had a plain X-ray your Doctor may
have suggested a CT scan. Many patients question why CT examinations cost so
much more than a plain X-ray. The cost of the equipment for CT examination
(scanner and computer) is significantly higher (about 30 times more) than the
cost of a room used for plain X-rays
What is CT?
CT or computerized tomography is an examination
using X-rays that allows detailed cross sectional images of body areas. The
scanner (see CT Section) has a table lying through a large metal "doughnut" .
The bed will move until the area to be examined lies inside the circle. The
images taken by the CT are entered into a sophisticated computer system from
where the technician can select images for printing. Some areas may not be seen
clearly without the assistance of contrast material, which can be taken orally
or via an injection.
What are Contrast materials?
Contrast agents are materials used to show areas
where there is little differentiation of soft tissue areas. The most frequently
used contrast agents are barium (taken mixed with water) and iodine-based media.
Patients who have a history of allergies, asthma or previous reaction to a
contrast media should discuss this with their Doctor, and when making the
appointment at Broad Places Radiology.
What is MRI?
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. MRI
uses a magnetic field and a sophisticated computer system to give detailed
images of the body. It is used widely for soft tissue areas such as your brain,
tendons and muscles and spine.
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