7 Questions You Should Ask Your Radiographer

13 Mar, 2018

Transparency. Communication. Comfort. While some radiology practices may minimise these aspects, at Vision XRAY, they are a crucial part of our operation. Our patients’ safety and health is our top priority, and these are best achieved when a practice is open and communicative. We encourage discussion with our patients and staff, and believe that the more informed you are, the better your experience with us will be.

It’s important to be comfortable and informed when it comes to the medical field, especially because lack of information can cause undue fear and anxiety. At Vision XRAY, your radiographer wants you to ask questions and feel good about your upcoming procedures or scans.

Got a burning question? Please contact us and we’ll help you out. But if you’re not sure, here are 7 questions you may want to ask your radiographer on your next visit.

Is (x-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, etc.) a safe procedure?

Patients undergoing radiological procedures often have concerns about safety with regards to radiation exposure. You should feel free to ask any of our staff radiographers about our commitment to low dose equipment where ionising radiation is concerned. There are some scans, such as MRI, which don’t utilise ionising radiation. You are always able to discuss your options with your radiographer and/or physician/

How do you share scans/communicate with my doctor?

We make it a point to keep in close communication with any referring physicians. Aside from phone consultations, we use teleradiology, a wonderful piece of advanced technology which allows us to quickly and easily share scans with other medical practices or with your doctor.

What scans can I have if I am pregnant?

If you’re currently pregnant, it is advisable to avoid certain types of scans to ensure the health of your baby. Always let your radiographer know if you are pregnant and he or she will be certain to employ the best scans for your needs. We also offer ultrasound for expecting mothers. If you’re visiting Vision XRAY for these procedures, you may want to ask your sonographer about your ultrasound schedule and what you can expect to learn about your foetus at each appointment.

What happens during (an x-ray, an MRI, a CT scan, a mammogram, etc.)?

For more scientific definitions of how x-rays or other scans work, our website offers a wealth of resources. In addition, you can generally find details about what to expect at your appointments. If you have further questions, your radiographer will be happy to describe a procedure and help you determine how to prepare.

How do you choose what scans I need?

At Vision XRAY, we work closely with your referring physician regarding what scans you require. Sometimes, your referrer might order a specific range of tests, or leave it to our discretion. In either case, you can rest assured that we take great care to select the scans which will be of highest benefit and lowest risk to you as the patient. Curious about why a certain scan is being performed? Just ask us and we’ll do our best to explain.

When will I get my results?

A very common question when undergoing any type of scan is “when will my results be available?” Results vary by scan and based on other circumstances, but your radiographer will be able to give you an approximate date when you will be contacted. Please ask; we don’t want you to be kept in the dark.

How do I ensure my patient privacy?

A final thing that you may wish you ask your radiologist about is your privacy as a medical patient. While Vision XRAY adheres to all legal stipulations with regards to patient privacy, we take great care to ensure the confidentiality and safety of your data and records. We’re happy to discuss the processes and methods with you that ensure this protection.

Have questions or concerns? Please don’t hesitate to reach out.