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Posts Tagged ‘Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)’

People with back pain/problems can now skip an MRI Scan, and save the MRI Cost, a study report

MRI machine

In pain clinics, steroid shots are quite common for patients with back-pain; about the MRI cost back scans, with contrast-agent – the rates are high; in care-units, physicians routinely order an MRI scan, prior the therapy.

An MRI scanner uses powerful magnets for more detailed images, for internal anatomy and physiology; and therefore the MRI machine costs are high; would vary from one supplier to the other, per different product attributes; and, similarly for the procedures, about MRI cost brain scans, back, knee, or more – it would vary for, with and without contrast-enhanced procedures.

And, if you go through world-wide statistics, you would realize, be it MRI scan cost in US, and/or other countries, the figures may not be that pocket-friendly, for the patients; Dr. Steven Cohen (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) says, $1,500 each for the scans is not justified, and not necessary when the imaging offers a little chance to avoid a procedure (citing steroid injections from the doctors for back-pain patients), lessen complexities, or ameliorate outcomes.

Of the study results (led by Dr. Steven Cohen), the research team found that about 132 patients that have had an MRI before were being given steroid injections, by doctors, without even clarifying the test-results.

He added further that, by skipping the procedure (in advance), it could save patients significant MRI cost, and time; please refer the Archives of Internal Medicine, for more studies and observations of Dr. Steven Cohen in patients with sciatica and other.

We understand, the higher MRI cost for back, knee or brain scan definitely is a matter of concern for many out there; but then, the non-invasive imaging approach is safer than other imaging methods (X-ray, CT etc.) that use ionizing radiation.

It is like, ‘too-much’ of unneeded examinations (any) always add-up to medical bills, and that should be avoided, by the doctors.

So, be it MRI cost knee, brain, back or other: for the procedures, or information about new and refurbished equipment providers, MRI Machine Costs - people of the healthcare community can always be of good help, and you can join the MedicExchange community, for more knowledge and information.

U.S. researchers have declared that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) could help assess prostate cancers that need more aggressive treatment.

Researchers at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., report more than 90 percent accuracy in distinguishing low-grade from high-grade prostate cancers using magnetic resonance spectroscopy that maps concentrations of certain chemicals that indicate the presence of cancer in the prostate gland.

“The breakthrough we’ve had in the last few months is that we see image signatures that distinguish aggressive cancers from less aggressive ones,” Anant Madabhushi says in a statement. “Now we’re getting beyond merely identifying whether a person has cancer or not.”

In a initial case study, Madabhushi and colleagues used computer analysis of the images and spectra to differentiate prostate tumors on 19 patients who later had the prostate surgically removed.

“Recent studies suggest men with low-risk cancers receive aggressive treatment, but improved diagnostic methods outlined by this study may help patients with low-risk cancers and their physicians feel more confident with watchful waiting”, Madabhushi says.

The Rutgers findings are scheduled to be presented at the Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention Conference held in Beijing in September.