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