Giving Your Patients Peace Of Mind, And Educating Them On The (Lack Of) Radiology Risks!
If you work in a medical practice, one thing you may have recognized recently is that there has been an upswing in concern regarding the medical issues that can result from exposure to radiation - particularly in regards to the radiation exposure children are subjected to through ionizing radiation.
Of course, this form of radiation (which is used in CT scans and X-rays) stays in the body for life, so it is quite natural for parents to feel a level of concern.
And as a result of this concern, you may also have found that a handful of parents have started asking if you are ACR accredited.
In case you have failed to take a look at ACR accreditation yourself, here is a brief look at exactly what it means: ACR is an abbreviation for the American College of Radiology, and accreditation conveys that the radiation emitted by the machines in one's facility matches exactly the dosage settings on the equipment.
Of course, while ACR accreditation is voluntary, it is certainly worth pursuing, as more and more people are beginning to become aware of this "promotor of peace of mind," and the peace of mind of your patients should be of the utmost importance to you.
Another way in which you can also make sure you are giving peace of mind to your patients is by helping them to understand the difference between repeated exposure to radiation and sparse, intermittent exposure to radiation; in fact, exposure to radiation a single time - even if the radiation in question is ionizing radiation - will have no discernible effect on a person's body (including children), as it is more the cumulative effect of repeated exposure that can put a person at increased risk later in life for cancer and other physical ailments.
In spite of the fact that this simple bit of knowledge could put a lot of minds at ease, most doctors have never taken the time to explain this to their patients! And finally, realize that it is okay when parents, as well as other patients, ask questions about your radiation equipment, and about the precautions you take, as it is quite natural for them to be concerned.
Rather than making them feel as though they are stepping out of line by asking such questions, take this opportunity to educate them on the nuances of radiation, and on the precautions you take in order to ensure their wellbeing, in both the short term and the long term.
The best doctors are the ones who keep the peace of mind of their patients intact, and who keep their patients well-informed, and when you keep these thoughts in mind, you will be able to accomplish both of those goals!
Of course, this form of radiation (which is used in CT scans and X-rays) stays in the body for life, so it is quite natural for parents to feel a level of concern.
And as a result of this concern, you may also have found that a handful of parents have started asking if you are ACR accredited.
In case you have failed to take a look at ACR accreditation yourself, here is a brief look at exactly what it means: ACR is an abbreviation for the American College of Radiology, and accreditation conveys that the radiation emitted by the machines in one's facility matches exactly the dosage settings on the equipment.
Of course, while ACR accreditation is voluntary, it is certainly worth pursuing, as more and more people are beginning to become aware of this "promotor of peace of mind," and the peace of mind of your patients should be of the utmost importance to you.
Another way in which you can also make sure you are giving peace of mind to your patients is by helping them to understand the difference between repeated exposure to radiation and sparse, intermittent exposure to radiation; in fact, exposure to radiation a single time - even if the radiation in question is ionizing radiation - will have no discernible effect on a person's body (including children), as it is more the cumulative effect of repeated exposure that can put a person at increased risk later in life for cancer and other physical ailments.
In spite of the fact that this simple bit of knowledge could put a lot of minds at ease, most doctors have never taken the time to explain this to their patients! And finally, realize that it is okay when parents, as well as other patients, ask questions about your radiation equipment, and about the precautions you take, as it is quite natural for them to be concerned.
Rather than making them feel as though they are stepping out of line by asking such questions, take this opportunity to educate them on the nuances of radiation, and on the precautions you take in order to ensure their wellbeing, in both the short term and the long term.
The best doctors are the ones who keep the peace of mind of their patients intact, and who keep their patients well-informed, and when you keep these thoughts in mind, you will be able to accomplish both of those goals!