Medical Imaging's ever growing role in Healthcare
- kelseyphelan3
- Jul 16, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 17, 2022
Medical Imaging or Diagnostic Imaging are two ways we are commonly referred to. This includes: Radiography,CT, MRI,US,Mammography, and Nuclear Medicine. There are some hybrid modalities included in that group SPECT-CT, PET-CT and PET-MR. MI is an integral part of the healthcare system. We aid in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of many medical conditions.
MI is a very costly part of healthcare. Our equipment is very expensive and has to be replaced on a semi regular basis. With the ever growing increase in exams being ordered the wait lists grow. This creates a need for more equipment, Technologists and Radiologists. This is a federal and provincial government issue.Over the last decade, the overall volume of exams increased by 32% and 62% for CT and MRI, respectively. Similarly, the number of exams per thousand population increased by 18% and 46%, respectively. Examination data for the other modalities were not available in 2010. These numbers are predicted to keep increasing. Groups like CADTH gather this information to try to help the government plan for the future. The CMII data provides insight into the current context of medical imaging across Canada and raises questions related to how medical imaging is monitored and regulated, and how it is optimally used(CADTH,2021).
We also have an issue over use of many of these tests. They are not always needed. There is a nationwide choosing wisely campaign. PEI joined the campaign in 2016. The aim was to encourage Doctors and patients to make informed decisions when it comes to medical imaging tests (Huguen,2016).
References
CADTH.(2021,November 23). The Canadian Medical Imaging Inventory 2019-
Huguen,Philippe. (2016,February 23). Health PEI campaign aims to cut down on unnecessary diagnostic tests. CBC News. Retrieved on 21 May 2022.
The Conference Board of Canada.(2017,January). The Value of Radiology in Canada.
Comments