At NIA, we do not recommend that patients facing difficult health issues second-guess their physicians in the important area of diagnostics. We do recommend that patients educate themselves about the reality of today's rapid advances in imaging diagnostics and about the problems facing both physicians and their patients.

• Not all MRIs are created equal. In many cases, scans produce such low quality images that the results may be meaningless to the ordering physician.
  
  
• "Open" scans are heavily marketed by imaging centers as a way to make the scanning process easier for the patient. Keep in mind, however, that these scans usually have less magnet strength and may produce lower quality images.
  
  
• Although first-time images may detect problems, some patients may need a repeat scan. Patients typically pay at least part of that added cost, which can run $1,500 or more.
  
  
• There may be adverse health effects of radiation that can override the value of the imaging procedure, especially when the procedure is inappropriate or does not contribute to the diagnosis.
  
  
• May lead to additional unnecessary tests.
  
  

The best solution: Ask important questions before getting a scan.

Most doctors and radiologists are trained in the latest technologies. They will be happy to answer your questions so you are confident in the path you have chosen.

• Ask about the age of the scanner and how recently the software was upgraded. Both should be less than a few years old.
  
  
• Ask about the strength of the scanning equipment. Closed machines should be at least 1 Tesla (a measure of scan strength). For open machines, half a Tesla is the norm but may be inadequate.
  
  
• Ask why you are being referred to a particular center. Does your doctor have a financial interest in that particular facility?
  
  
• Ask about the radiologist's specialty - e.g., orthopedics, pediatrics, or neuro-radiology. His or her specialty should be relevant to your condition.
  
  
• Ask whether or not your doctor and your radiologist have access to a radiology consultation program such as NIA's. That will help you to be sure that your physician obtains the most up-to-date and clinically appropriate expert guidance for all imaging studies ordered.