X-Ray Equipment

Having access to X-ray equipment is an important aspect of patient care, but it's also a costly purchase. There are many options available, including purchasing an X-ray machine or referring patients.

Posted in Patient Experience on Friday, January 15, 2016

Many chiropractic colleges, hospitals and privately owned outpatient facilities have diagnostic labs that provide radiographic services for chiropractors.

It is important to weigh your decision by evaluating the costs and benefits of each option.

Purchasing X-ray Equipment

X-ray equipment can provide convenience to your patients and allow you to provide a valuable service. But you must weigh the benefits against the cost, which includes not only the initial investment, but maintenance costs, additional lease expense for larger space, and time involved in taking films and maintaining the equipment.

Radiologists Reading Your Films

Since radiologists are specialists and see X-rays all day long, they're naturally more apt to detect problems beyond the chiropractic realm.

This makes the radiologist an excellent resource in offering your patients top-notch diagnostic care. If a concern arises later that you failed to detect an underlying condition, you can be more confident that a specialist reviewed the X-Rays.

Working with Other Providers

Using established community-based outpatient diagnostic facilities for imaging, clinical laboratory studies and other institutional services elevates the image of the profession and enhances your image in the community. This also may lead to cross-referral relationships.

Eliminating the Cost of X-rays

Since most health care providers already refer patients elsewhere for testing, this should be nothing new to your patients. And by paying for X-rays separately, patients may have a more positive perception of the initial office visit.