In a previous blog, How heartburn caused a patient to lose her left leg, I discussed the problems that might occur if you have an advanced imaging test (CT or ultrasound) without first being examined by a physician. This principle also lends itself to plain x-rays, which also should be performed after a physical exam. Here’s a prime example: 6 year-old Caitlyn comes in to the ER with right wrist pain after a fall. Caitlyn and her parents first
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Note: In this series, I will discuss the direct patient-to-radiologist consult experience from real patients seen at Lightbulb Radiology. The names (and some details of the clinical history) have been changed for purposes of anonymity. All of these cases are presented with the patient’s permission. For more information on how to obtain a consult, click here. Case history: Charlotte is a 34 year-old wife and mother of three who injured her right
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Note: In this series, I will discuss the direct patient-to-radiologist consult experience from real patients seen at Lightbulb Radiology. The names (and some details of the clinical history) have been changed for purposes of anonymity. Case history: Jennifer is a 19 year-old female who presented to her primary care physician with excruciating lower back pain after having sustained a fall from 15 feet during a hiking accident. On physical exam, Je
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Note: This case is meant to illustrate the potential negative effects of inappropriate imaging. It is not intended as a diatribe towards any member of the health care team. Really the only “mistake” made here was the ordering of the CT scan in the first place. A 37 year-old woman presents to her local emergency department (ED) with a 4 hour history of heartburn and abdominal discomfort. She sees the triage nurse who initiates labs including C
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I have to admit, I’ve been excited to see radiology slowly infiltrate into the mainstream of sports. Fifteen years ago, it was rare for the public to know when an athlete had an MRI. Now I hear people in the coffee shop saying: “Man did you see Derrick Rose go down last night?” “Yeah, we’ll just have to see what the MRI shows.” In this blog I’m going to give you some things to think about when you watch or read something on ESPN or
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You’ve done the hard part. You went in and had the MRI (or other imaging test) your physician ordered. You paid your co-pay, waited patiently for your name to be called, laid still during the exam, and it’s all over. So now what? How can you get the most out of your radiology results? (Hint: the answer is not to sit passively). Here I am going to discuss the steps you can take to take greater control of your imaging and help it become as usef
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