I still marvel at the accomplishments of CAT scans and imaging studies. These technologies have revolutionized the medical profession. Imagine foretelling 50 years ago that a new technology would emerge that could perform ‘exploratory surgery’ without an incision. This prediction would be greeted with disbelief, if not scoffing. Of course, there would be similar reactions if decades ago other technological feats, such as fax machines, personal computers, emails and internet, were predicted. CAT scans save patients’ lives, prevent surgeries, make accurate diagnoses and refine treatment plans. This is the good news. However, as expressed repeatedly on this blog, there is a darker side of the story. Without doubt, too many CAT scans are performed. Accumulated medical radiation has health consequences. Resources expended on unnecessary CAT scans could be devoted to worthy health care endeavors Radiologists suffer from litigophobia and identify every tiny abnormality, whic
MD Whistleblower presents vignettes and commentaries on the medical profession. We peek 'behind the medical curtain' and deliver candor and controversy in every post.