Clipping Board » Medical Harm ─ Unnecessary or inappropriate medical procedures can also cause harm.
Update Date: 2010/10/18 00:07 [Reporter Dai Shengfeng / Hsinchu Report]
Director Wang Zikang of the Orthopedics Department at the Hsinchu Hospital under the Executive Yuan's Department of Health stated that whether in ancient or modern medicine, orthopedics has its own developmental process. Orthopedic conditions can be diagnosed through general observation as well as various imaging techniques. Since the discovery of X-rays, continuous advancements have been made. Computerized tomography (CT) scans, based on X-ray technology, have evolved rapidly. The application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has further improved the accuracy of diagnosing soft tissue disorders beyond bones. For orthopedic medicine, CT scans and MRIs have become indispensable.
Thanks to the widespread coverage of Taiwan's National Health Insurance, healthcare accessibility for the public is among the best in the world. Patients can visit two or more hospitals for different consultations on the same day for the same condition. Director Wang pointed out that while it is understandable and reasonable for patients to seek multiple medical opinions, the lack of awareness in bringing existing medical records—such as imaging results and simple medical histories—to subsequent visits often leads to redundant examinations, repeated consultations, and unnecessary prescriptions, resulting in a waste of medical resources.
Director Wang emphasized that although the issue of redundant medical resource usage persists, public health should be the primary concern. Many patients are unaware of the invisible harm caused by excessive repeated radiation exposure from imaging tests, often assuming that another examination is harmless.
Clinically, it is common for patients to insist on another X-ray, believing results might differ between hospitals or due to inconvenience in retrieving prior records, while overlooking the potential harm to their bodies.
Director Wang specifically advised patients seeking second or third medical opinions to pay attention to the following three points:
1. Bring imaging results from the past three months (preferably recorded on a CD).
2. Carry recent basic medical records, such as diagnosis reports or medical summaries.
3. Provide contact details of the previous attending physician to facilitate direct communication.
Director Wang also proposed the idea of a "Lifetime Medical Imaging CD Passport," where patients store their imaging results on a portable CD for future visits, which could help eliminate redundant examinations. Additionally, he suggested that healthcare authorities consider utilizing cloud technology to store patients' imaging records, allowing doctors quick access to data and preventing unnecessary repeat imaging that could harm patients.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……rl/ d/ a/ 101018/ 128/ 2f4tq. html
Excessive Repeated Radiation Scans Cause Invisible Organ Damage
Director Wang Zikang of the Orthopedics Department at the Hsinchu Hospital under the Executive Yuan's Department of Health stated that whether in ancient or modern medicine, orthopedics has its own developmental process. Orthopedic conditions can be diagnosed through general observation as well as various imaging techniques. Since the discovery of X-rays, continuous advancements have been made. Computerized tomography (CT) scans, based on X-ray technology, have evolved rapidly. The application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has further improved the accuracy of diagnosing soft tissue disorders beyond bones. For orthopedic medicine, CT scans and MRIs have become indispensable.
Thanks to the widespread coverage of Taiwan's National Health Insurance, healthcare accessibility for the public is among the best in the world. Patients can visit two or more hospitals for different consultations on the same day for the same condition. Director Wang pointed out that while it is understandable and reasonable for patients to seek multiple medical opinions, the lack of awareness in bringing existing medical records—such as imaging results and simple medical histories—to subsequent visits often leads to redundant examinations, repeated consultations, and unnecessary prescriptions, resulting in a waste of medical resources.
Director Wang emphasized that although the issue of redundant medical resource usage persists, public health should be the primary concern. Many patients are unaware of the invisible harm caused by excessive repeated radiation exposure from imaging tests, often assuming that another examination is harmless.
Clinically, it is common for patients to insist on another X-ray, believing results might differ between hospitals or due to inconvenience in retrieving prior records, while overlooking the potential harm to their bodies.
Director Wang specifically advised patients seeking second or third medical opinions to pay attention to the following three points:
1. Bring imaging results from the past three months (preferably recorded on a CD).
2. Carry recent basic medical records, such as diagnosis reports or medical summaries.
3. Provide contact details of the previous attending physician to facilitate direct communication.
Director Wang also proposed the idea of a "Lifetime Medical Imaging CD Passport," where patients store their imaging results on a portable CD for future visits, which could help eliminate redundant examinations. Additionally, he suggested that healthcare authorities consider utilizing cloud technology to store patients' imaging records, allowing doctors quick access to data and preventing unnecessary repeat imaging that could harm patients.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……rl/ d/ a/ 101018/ 128/ 2f4tq. html