| When doctors order tests like x-rays and CAT scans | | | | they are unaware of the person s history with getting |
| they usually only need a simple reason for doing so. | | | | x-rays. Additionally, x-rays are harmful for pregnant |
| Unfortunately, in many cases these types of health | | | | women and for reproductive organs, in general. Too |
| care equipment is misused or ordered when it is not | | | | many x-rays can lead to many health problems. |
| really necessary. When this happens a patient ends up | | | | The misuse of health care equipment is something that |
| paying for a service they should not have had to. The | | | | is likely to go unnoticed. More and more insurance |
| costs alone from misuse of health care equipment is | | | | companies, though, are requiring further validation for |
| staggering. Not only is it putting a dent in the pockets | | | | such uses which may help to end misuse. However, |
| of patients, but it is also part of the reason for rising | | | | most of the time as long as a doctor deems it |
| health care costs. | | | | necessary, the procedure will continue. |
| Besides the financial side of misuse of health care | | | | When it comes to medical equipment, x-rays are |
| equipment, there is the health concerns to consider. | | | | probably the most used type of health care equipment. |
| X-rays, for example, are known to be dangerous. A | | | | In emergency rooms around the country, doctors |
| person is being subjected to radiation which can be | | | | usually are quick to order an x-ray if the diagnosis is |
| profoundly damaging to the body. There is a limit on | | | | not immediately recognizable. The misuse of health |
| the recommended number of X-rays a person should | | | | care equipment can lead to many problems for the |
| receive, but many times when a doctor orders a x-ray, | | | | patient. |