By Aaron Anderson


At times it seems as though computers might one day rule the earth. However, their use in medical care helps to provide better care to patients. One of the areas where changes are most evident is in their use for diagnostic digital imaging (DDI). The integration of computers with x-rays allows for better patient diagnosis and care.

Use of this technology allows doctors to provide a more accurate diagnosis to patients. Due to the improved quality of images and the possibility of computerized analysis, the doctor is able to provide more reliable and more accurate diagnoses to patients. More accurate diagnoses means the patient is more likely to receive the correct treatment the first time.

Old fashioned x-ray films had to be transferred from one location to the next physically. Today, the images are accessed electronically. Consulting physicians can have immediate access to the records. Often, doctors in the same care group have access without the need to call a medical records librarian to locate and deliver images.

Prior to DDI, patients often were left waiting as film was developed. Today, the computerized process requires no development. The doctor or radiologist has immediate access to the images. If an image is not clear or needs to be seen from another angle, it is possible to make the adjustments without waiting for developing. The time saved has the patient out of the office and medical personnel on to help other patients quickly.

Storing images digitally recorded on computer discs requires much less space than a physical file room. In addition, there are fewer lost or damaged files. A scanner reads a bar code from the patient's wristband to ensure that files are labeled correctly.

Use of this modern system can also benefit patients and the environment in other ways as well. Use of DDI reduces the exposure to radiation for both the patients as well as the x-ray team. Lower exposure to these rays is an important way to risk one's chances of developing cancer. Additionally, since the films are no longer being developed, there is no need for the chemicals the are corrosive and harmful to the environment.

Diagnostic digital imaging offers many advantages to both patients and medical personnel. With DDI doctors are better equipped to provide an accurate diagnosis of the ailment. In addition, storing images on the computer offers many advantages to help in patient care. The newer system reduces exposure to radiation while protecting the environment form harmful chemicals used in developing film.




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