What is Diagnostic Imaging?
Diagnostic imaging can sound like an intimidating term. But it is a valuable tool that plays a pivotal role in keeping you healthy. If your doctor recommends you for diagnostic imaging, it means they want to take a closer look at the inner workings of your body.
Diagnostic imaging helps your doctor to get a clear visual of your body tissues, including your organs, muscles, and nervous system.
What Types of Diagnostic Imaging Exists
For many years, the x-ray was the only form of diagnostic imaging available to doctors. While x-rays gave doctors a view of bones, they did not necessarily have the picture they needed to observe problems with other body parts. Technological advances such as
- CT Scans
- Mammograms
- MRIs
- Ultrasounds
Help doctors examine all aspects of the human body.
Why Diagnostic Imaging is Important
Diagnostic imaging gives your doctor insight into problems invisible to the naked eye. If your body has an underlying issue, diagnostic imaging helps your doctor find it and treat it if necessary.
Also, diagnostic imaging plays a critical part in discovering threats that could be deadly, such as cancer. An added benefit is that diagnostic imaging helps identify life-threatening conditions in their early stages.
Many studies show that the early detection of life-threatening illnesses helps in the treatment process and improves the prognosis of recovery.
Most diagnostic image tests are non-invasive, allowing your examination without the need for exploratory surgical procedures.
Several diagnostic imaging tests, such as mammograms, are part of a routine physical exam and should be scheduled annually.
If you want to learn more about diagnostic imaging, our Show Low office can help. Call Summit Health today at 928-968-5009.
