Digital X-rays have been beneficial to the healthcare industry for a number of reasons. In this blog, we present several examples of how and why they have been beneficial, both from the perspective of medical professionals and patients.
Saving time
When it comes to anything health-related, time is often of the essence. Before digital radiography, there was a great deal of time involved in the imaging process. Also, having to deal with developing film created another layer of complexity and costliness. Now dentists and doctors can obtain images in a matter of minutes, which ultimately speeds up the diagnosis and treatment process. This means a more pleasant experience for patients and a more cost-effective and efficient procedure for medical professionals. It also means that doctors are able to take on more patients because they do not have to spend additional hours of the day waiting for images to become available.
Improved patient-doctor relationships
Being able to show patients exactly what is going on inside their bodies has a variety of benefits. First, it helps them develop a better relationship with their doctor that is built on trust. Second, it means that they won’t be able to simply ignore an issue when it is placed right in front of them, thus they will be more receptive to treatment and more likely to follow through with this treatment in the long-term. Digital radiography gives medical professionals the ability to present clear images to patients during their visit, and use these images as a guide to explain why they are recommending a certain procedure or treatment method. Strong visual aids not only provide transparency, they also make patients feel as though they are part of the process and are being kept well-informed.
Better image quality
Image quality is extremely critical in medicine. It could mean the difference between identifying an issue and missing it completely, especially in cases where the presence of a discrepancy may be very small or difficult to see. Not only do digital X-rays provide high quality images, they also allow medical professionals to evaluate the level or severity of an issue, i.e. how bad a bone fracture is or whether an ear infection has made its way into the mandible. Digital X-rays help medical professional better analyze a health problem, which could lead to the prevention of other health issues and even loss of life.
Reduced radiation exposure
Radiation has always been an issue when it comes to medical imaging because of the long-term impact it can have on the body, especially for those that require regular X-rays. Digital radiography significantly reduces exposure to radiation up to 85%. This is critical, especially for children and women who need X-rays but are advised to minimize their exposure radiation, even for short periods of time.
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