Medical practices have been around for thousands of years, but medical imaging has existed for a far shorter period. Imaging technology began with X-ray imaging in the late 19th century. Since then, imaging technologies have been widely helpful for diagnosis and treatment.
Today, you can go to an advanced imaging center to get a test done without needing to undergo invasive procedures. Here are a few reasons why medical imaging is a necessity in the 21st century:
To Get Accurate Diagnoses
When you go in for treatment, your provider generally starts with diagnostic procedures. They typically begin by inquiring about your medical history. It’s best that you expect and prepare for questions regarding previous illnesses and injuries. You’ll also likely need to undergo various diagnostic tests. These tests might include physical tests, blood tests, and other kinds of examinations. You’ll likely also undergo imaging tests to help with diagnosis.
Some of the most common medical imaging technologies include:
X-Ray
X-rays use electromagnetic radiation to show your bones, teeth, and dense material in your body. They’re used to show fractures, tumors, infections, decay, and other things.
Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan)
CT scans use X-ray imaging combined with computer technology to create detailed 3D images of your body. A CT scan can reveal blood clots, tumors, blockages, and other conditions.
Mammogram
Mammograms utilize low-energy X-rays for breast examination. They are the most common procedure for breast cancer testing.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI uses magnets to take images of your organs. It can show cysts, inflammation, and other abnormalities. At Starling Diagnostics, we offer 3T MRI scans that use a stronger magnetic field than traditional MRI scans. The stronger field creates sharper, more detailed images.
Positron Emission Tomography Scan (PET Scan)
PET scans use a radioactive tracer to help diagnose cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound scans produce images of the internal structures of your body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. Ultrasounds can help diagnose a broad range of conditions and can also detect pregnancy.
To Monitor The Development Of Medical Conditions
Healthcare providers also use medical imaging to track the development of their patients’ injuries and illnesses. For example, your doctor may ask you to get an X-ray to ensure that your bones are healing after a fracture. Another example would be mammograms, which physicians use for breast cancer testing and monitoring.
Imaging technology can help your doctor see how your condition evolves, putting them in the know at all times. Medical imaging also helps physicians determine whether you’re responding positively to a care plan. Alternatively, they can help detect if your condition is worsening.
To Assist In Decision-Making
Medical imaging results allow doctors to decide on the proper treatment plan to administer. The images help them see the extent of your condition. This data helps them decide if conservative medical procedures will suffice or if you need surgical intervention.
Since medical imaging can track your disease, it helps your provider assess the effectiveness of your treatment. It lets them evaluate whether your treatment is working for you or if they need to reconsider your care plan.
To Guide Providers Through Surgical Procedures
Surgeons and healthcare providers sometimes use imaging tests to guide them through various procedures. Cancer treatments aiming for cancer cells and tumors directly also typically make heavy use of imaging. Imaging tests may also assist in the insertion of medical devices, like catheters or stents. Stents are tubes that keep your arteries open. Catheters, on the other hand, are inserted into blood vessels to diagnose and treat different conditions.
To Aid In Preventive Care
One significant aspect of preventive healthcare is regular testing to ensure the early detection of diseases. Medical imaging allows providers to view your internal tissues and identify potential problems.
Medical imaging techniques can reveal abnormalities in your body, alerting your doctor to unusual conditions. This allows them to treat a disease before it worsens and gets more severe. Medical imaging also helps in cancer detection and identification of different diseases in soft tissues.
Advanced Imaging Center In The Bronx, NY
Medical imaging lets your healthcare providers look at your body for problems invisible to the naked eye. The technology provides vital data for making the best decisions for preventative care and treatment. Medical imaging is also used by surgeons as a guide before, during, and after surgical procedures.
If you’re looking for an advanced imaging center in the Bronx, look no further than Starling Diagnostics. We have a team of board-certified providers who can give you the highest quality patient care. Our diagnostic services are state-of-the-art, and you can rest assured that we use only the latest technology for our diagnostic tests. To learn more about our services, call us at (718) 319-1610. To schedule a consultation, you may use our online appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you!
