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Radiology refers to the medical discipline that employs the use of medical imaging to understand and thereby diagnose medical conditions. Radiology is therefore a separate branch of medicine dedicated to showing and contrasting between normal and abnormal body functioning.
The word radiology is often used synonymously with X-rays. X-rays are ionizing radiation rays that were once the mainstay in radiological techniques. Patients were basically made to stand on one end of a screen and have X-rays directed at them while an image was produced on the other end.
The image that was produced was based on the relative thickness of the structures in the path of the X-rays. X-rays were long considered revolutionary for the world of medical imaging, that is until it was discovered that the ionizing radiation caused more harm than it did good.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an imaging modality that employs the use of radio waves instead of X-rays. The basic principle of the imaging modality is based on the belief that every atom holds the capacity to function as an independent magnetic field.
Isaac Rabi was the first person who theorized the idea that if an external source provides enough energy to induce a change in the direction of the atom, the atom will transmit the same amount of energy back to come to its original state.
An MRI scanner is a hollowed-out tube that employs the use of radio waves to realign protons in the human body. The protons then retransmit the energy that they’ve absorbed. The energy is detected on a scanner.
Reports estimate that around 6.6 million US citizens are hospitalized every year for knee-related injuries. The most common diagnoses are strains and sprains to the ligaments constituting 42% of total hospital visits. Then, abrasions and lacerations with 27% and 10% incidents, respectively.
Most of these injuries are sustained during athletic activities, some from road traffic accidents, and some at home during heavy lifting or repeated stresses. There are also certain conditions (such as osteoporosis) that debilitate the use of the knee and need to be examined further.
MRI scans of the knee are often indicated when your physician suspects an underlying pathology that might limit the use of your knee or restrict it in motion and function. Your physician might advise an MRI scan if he or she suspects a condition in case a regular sprain does not heal in a reasonable time frame.
Ice, rest, and rehabilitation are often indicated for sprain and inflammation of the knee joint. If, however, the inflammation persists longer than reasonable your physician might suspect an infection or tumor for which an MRI scan would be necessary.
Other diagnostic modalities include invasive and non-invasive testing. Non-invasive testing includes MRIs, X-rays, and other imaging modalities. They’re made invasive only when a special dye has to be injected for contrast imaging.
Invasive medical technology includes the use of needles for sample testing, tissue sampling, and the works. Invasive procedures such as FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) for tumor sampling are painful even under anesthesia.
Between X-rays and MRI scans, MRI scans are often advised because they are not as hazardous as ionizing radiations. They do not disrupt the normal body cells and tissues; that might metastasize if radiation exceeds a certain limit.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) modalities are therefore better options for patients.
Knee MRI scan cost between $250 to $1000 based upon the treatment center you’re visiting and the area or state you’re living in. States with more MRI scanning facilities per unit population tend to price their scanning at lower rates for competitive marketing than other states.
Hospital costs for MRI scanning are often significantly more than standalone and freestanding clinics. Your insurance also plays a factor here. If you have insurance with a high deductible, you might need to consider cheaper options such as freestanding clinics.
Additionally, MRI scanning with contrast costs more than MRI scanning without contrast. In Contrast MRIs are often indicated to study soft tissue injuries and prognosis of soft tissue diseases or to study the normal functioning of a joint.
MRI scanning is a non-invasive, painless, and quick procedure that usually takes between fifteen to forty-five minutes. The technician will ask you to fill a form to indicate whether or not you have any metallic prosthesis that cannot be removed (in which case you will not be allowed to have an MRI done), and if you’re suffering from claustrophobia or any other condition that might hinder the process.
Your regular care physician would typically advise an MRI scan of the knee if he or she suspects an underlying pathology that is not consistent with either their initial diagnosis or that might elaborate on the healing time and prognosis of your knee condition (unexplained swelling, tumors, etc).
Quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Feeling weakness when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Again when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This time will pass.Feeling weakness when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Again when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This time will pass.Feeling weakness when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Again when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This time will pass.Feeling weakness when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Again when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This time will pass.
Neha Narula, MD
Sarwat Makkani, MD
Usman Malik, MD
Yanelquis Torres, MD
Fellipe Oliveira, MD
Raga Mohamed Ali Osman
Sipra Talvikki Autio
Farah Jassawalla is a graduate of the Lahore School of Economics. She is also a writer, and a healthcare enthusiast, having closely observed case studies while working with Lahore's thriving general physicians at their clinics.
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Please note that these services are not intended for any emergency medical situations. If you are having a life-threatening or serious condition that may require hospitalization, including, but not limited to, high-grade fever; low or high blood pressure; active serious infection, including, but not limited to, COVID; chest pain; shortness of breath; severe pain; or stroke-like symptoms, please call 911 immediately or go to a nearby emergency center as quickly as possible.
If you do not have a physician's order for labs or non-invasive radiology services, you may request it through our network of affiliated physicians/providers in selected states for an additional non-refundable fee, as listed (asynchronous consultation). Please note that an asynchronous consultation or physician-order service for diagnostics is not available for radiology tests requiring IV contrast. Patients needing a diagnostic study with IV contrast must complete an online visit with our physician first and, likely, will also need to have a lab test for their kidney function before a diagnostic study with IV contrast can be scheduled.
Once you request our provider or physician's order service, you will receive an email from us inquiring more details about your medical history. Based on the information you provide, one of our affiliated physicians or providers will make a determination about processing the order for the requested service. In some cases, as determined by our affiliated medical team, you may be required to provide additional clinical information or may be asked to have a more detailed online visit (an additional fee may apply) before your order can be processed. Please note that in some situations, or based on available clinical information, our team may even decide not to process the requested diagnostic order service and rather may recommend you to seek immediate medical attention in person or go to the nearest urgent care or ER. In that case, any advanced payment for the diagnostic service(s) will be refunded, but the physician's consultation or order request fee will remain non-refundable.
Please also note that any post-diagnostic service follow-up visit(s) or treatment(s) is not covered in this service fee and the ordering physician is not responsible to provide any continued care unless you sign-up for that service separately. Depending on your situation or test results, you may be advised to seek consultation with either primary care or a specialist physician (local or online) for further work-up and treatment. If you are unsure or have any questions, please call our customer support service before placing an order.
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