Something like a car accident can lead to serious injuries. But in some cases, symptoms won’t appear immediately. Whole-body scans can help detect any internal damage even without visible signs.
A whole-body scan is an advanced imaging method that provides a detailed look inside the human body. Doctors and other health professionals use this to identify fractures, injured organs, or internal bleeding.
Car accident victims can significantly benefit from whole-body scans because of their advantages. However, they also come with potential risks. In this blog, we will understand how these imaging methods work and their advantages and disadvantages.
Here at Physicians Group LLC, it is our job to provide you complete care for car accident injuries. Learn how our team of medical doctors and chiropractors can help you in your recovery.
Comprehensive Guide to Whole Body Scans
Whole-body scans use advanced imaging technology to examine your entire body. These medical scans can identify signs of injury or disease. They are valuable for detecting health issues that aren’t visible or show no signs yet. Whole-body scans can give doctors detailed images of internal body structures, which can help them make accurate diagnoses. There are different types of diagnostic imaging, each serving a specific purpose.
Full-Body MRI Scans
Full-body MRI scans or magnetic resonance imaging scans are a type of whole-body scan that relies on magnetic fields and radio waves. They create detailed images of the body’s soft tissues. MRI scans are safer than other diagnostic imaging methods since they do not involve radiation. It can detect tumors, organ abnormalities, nerve issues, and other conditions.
Full Body PET Scan
A full-body PET scan can spot tumors and monitor treatment progress. A PET scan offers precise insights into disease spread and cellular function, thanks to its high sensitivity. It’s also one of the full-body scans that use magnetic fields and radio waves.
CT Scans
A computed tomography scan or CT scans are commonly used to detect bone fractures, tumors, and internal injuries. This medical imaging procedure uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body. CT and PET body scans are usually combined to have more detailed evaluations.
DEXA Scans
When doctors need to measure your density and assess body fat distribution, they use DEXA scans. This medical imaging procedure is also safe for evaluating bone health because it uses low-dose X-rays. DEXA scans can detect osteoporosis and other similar conditions. They can also track body composition changes over time.
Key Benefits of Whole Body Scans
Before having these imaging services, you need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of whole-body scans. First, let’s understand the main benefits of whole-body scans.
Early Detection of Health Issues
Detecting health issues early is one of the major advantages of these medical imaging procedures. They can identify cancer, heart disease, and organ damage before they get worse. Doctors and other health experts also use them to find any abnormality within your body.
Comprehensive Health Insights
Identifying health problems isn’t the only thing whole body scans can do. They can also be used for monitoring your health. For example, DEXA scans can measure your body fat percentage and bone density.
Non-Invasive and Convenient
MRI, CT, and other medical imaging procedures are non-invasive. This way you will have minimal discomfort and need little preparation. After undergoing these procedures, you can return to your daily activities shortly.
Peace of Mind
Since full body scans can detect health issues without needing invasive procedures, they can give you peace of mind. Regular imaging services can give you a sense of control of your health.
Preventive Health Management
You and your doctors can easily manage your health with a full body scan. By providing accurate and detailed insights about your body, you can make the right decisions to improve your diet, exercise routines, and daily activities.
Potential Risks of Whole Body Scans
While whole-body scans are valuable in improving and maintaining health, they still have potential risks. This is why doctors will consider various health factors before recommending them.
False Positives and Negatives
There are some instances when the results provided by medical imaging methods are inaccurate. This can lead to false positives and negatives. When this issue happens, you might undergo unnecessary tests or have treatments you don’t need.
Exposure to Radiation
PET, CT scans, and other imaging services can expose you to ionizing radiation. Unnecessary exposure to them can increase the risk of cancer, skin damage, and other conditions caused by radiation.
Overdiagnosis
Full-body scans can also lead to stress because of overdiagnosis. There are instances when these procedures detect minor abnormalities inside the body that might not even cause any health issues. Overdiagnosis can also lead to unnecessary invasive operations or treatments.
Financial Problems
Medical imaging services can also lead to financial problems. Commonly, these procedures range from $500 to $3,000. Also, you need to remember that most insurance plans don’t cover elective screenings. This means that you may need to use your own money if you want to have a whole-body scan.
Need Help With Whole Body Scans?
Making the right decisions for whole-body scans can be difficult after an accident. That’s why we’re here to help you make informed decisions. At Physicians Group LLC, we understand the importance of choosing the exemplary imaging service while minimizing potential risks. Here’s how we’ll do it.
Provide Medical Consultations
Before recommending any whole-body scan after an auto accident, we will review your medical history thoroughly. After that, we’ll recommend scans only if necessary.
Offer Advanced Imaging Services
Trusting us means getting advanced imaging services for your injuries and other health issues. We offer MRIs, CT scans, and DEXA scans. Each of our scan plans is customized for your needs after an accident to minimize exposure to radiation while maintaining accurate results. Our advanced imaging services also use cutting-edge medical equipment to avoid false positives and negatives.
Provide Post-Imaging Support
We will still assist you even after your scanning sessions. Our multidisciplinary team of medical doctors and chiropractors will provide you with personalized care plans after your auto accident based on diagnostic findings. Our team will work closely with you to provide personalized health guidance, advanced imaging technology, and compassionate care.