CT Scanning - MSI's commitment to Radiation Safety
05/05/2010
OUR COMMITMENT TO RADIATION SAFETY
A recent article in The Age from the 15th of March linked 400 cancer cases to diagnostic radiology in particular CT examinations. This article highlighted many issues, which we at MSI, have taken seriously for many years and have addressed in that period of time.
We adhere to the strictest licensing requirements and standards (equipment, staff and protective measures)
Each procedure is tailored to the patient, by both our radiologists and technologists, based on his/her clinical history
We constantly invest in equipment, equipment upgrades and service contracts, as well as, staff training and professional development
Dose reduction techniques are built into our CT protocols (i.e. adjusting radiation dose to suit the patient’s body habitus)
Additionally, we have recently purchased Bismuth Shields for the eyes, breasts and thyroid. Clinical studies have proven a massive dose reduction of up to 40%, 57%, and 60% in the eyes, breast and thyroid respectively. These shields will not degrade image quality so you can continue to expect the most accurate diagnosis for your patient.
These steps are very important in minimising the potential risk to our patients.
Of course, these actions can only limit the risk associated with diagnostic examinations; however the possible advantages of diagnostic radiology to patients’ health can be considerable. According to the Cancer Council of Australia, an estimated 114,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia in 2010. Early survival rate for many common cancers has increased by more than 30 per cent in the past two decades, primarily due to early detection.
Therefore, it is important to understand the relative risks versus the benefits of accurate and early diagnosis. Our medical staff are trained to understand these risks and are happy to discuss these with you whenever required, or if needed, recommend the appropriate examination.
We provide responsible imaging services and would like to offer guidance and advice should you require it on behalf of your patients.
Articles published recently in the Australian press have stirred up emotions about the potiential risks associated with radiation exposure, especially during CT examinations. These articles highlighted many issues, which we at MSI, have taken very seriously for many years.
We are proud to annouce, the latest steps we are taking to combat these issues. We have placed an order for Bismuth shields for the eyes, breasts and thyroid. Clinical studies have proven a massive dose reduction of up to 57%, 60% and 40% in the breast, thyroid and eyes respectively. These shields will not degrade image quality so you can continue to expect an accurate diagnosis.
In addition, we would like to use this opportunity to remind you of our our continous commitment to patient safety:
We adhere to the strictest licensing requirements and standards
Each procedure is taliored to the patient, by both our radiologists and technologists, based of his/her clinical history
We constantly invest in equipment, equipment upgrades and service contrasts, as well as, staff training and professional development
Dose reduction techniques are built into our CT protocols (i.e. adjusting the radiation dose to suit the patient's habitus)
We are commited to the ALARA concept (as low as resonably achievable) and attaining the best results for the patient.
It is important to understand the relative risks verus the benefits of accurate diagnosis. Our medical staff are trained to understand these risks and are happy to discuss these with referring practitioners whenever required, or if needed, to recomment the appropriate modality.
CT EYE SHIELD Designed for head and facial CT scans. This shield molds over the nasal bridge with the eye shield portiones laying flat over the patient's closed eyes. Thickness 4ply.
CT RADIOPROTECTIVE BRASSIERE The brassiere consists of two large panels (thickness 4ply), connected and secured by a velcro strap to provide maximum protection to medil upper breast tissue and armpit while preventing artifact.
CT THYROID SHIELD Designed to provide protection to the radiosensitive thyroid gland, these shield is positioned over the Adam's apple. Thickness 4ply
MSI is now a preferred provider/direct billier to three major OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) Insurance providers:
BUPA AUSTRALIA
MEDIBANK PRIVATE
OSHC WORLDCARE
When paitents have an examination with us we will directly bill their insurance provider. All the patient has to do is bring along their referral (we accept all referrals) and their valid OSHC card.
Medicare Changes affecting allied health profesionals
CHANGES TO THE REQUESTING RIGHTS OF CHIROPRACTORS, PHYSIOTHERAPISTS AND OSTEOPATHS
Effective 1 January 2010 allied health professionals are no longer able to request items 58108 and 58115, replacing them with two new item numbers 58120 and 58121 (see descriptions below).
These changes have been made with the aim of reducing the risk of unnecessary patient exposure to radiation and encourage practitioners to request region specific x-rays for particular clinical indications.
The changes:
Remove requesting rights for chiropractors, physiotherapists and osteopaths for items 58108 and 58115.
New items 58120 (3 region) and 58121 (4 region) for chiropractors, physiotherapists and osteopaths.
Limit of one 3 or 4 region spinal x-ray per patient each calendar year.
Reduction of the schedule fee.
GROUP 13 - DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY SUBGROUP 4 - RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF SPINE
Item Number: 58120 Spine, four regions, cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral and sacrococcygeal (R), if the service to which item 58120 or 58121 applies had not been performed on the same patient within the same calendar year.
Item Number: 58121 NOTE: An account issued or a patient assignment form must show the item numbers of the examinations performed under this item.
Spine, three examinations of the kind mentioned in items 58100, 58103 and 58109 (R), if the service to which item 58120 or 58121 applies had not been performed on the same patient within the same calendar year.
Coronary CT Angiography and Calcium Scoring are now available in Camberwell
Dr. Mark Scott has Level II Accreditation is cardiac scanning.
Heart Facts:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a major cause of death in Western Adults.
It is common that the first symptom of CAD is a Heart Attack.
Why Philips 64-slice CT Scanner?
Reduced Patient radiation dose. Each image dose is calculated “on the fly” saving up to 40% per examination.
Super fast scanning. One breath hold for full body imaging. This is particularly important in the elderly who are unable to hold their breath well.
Provides clear, more detailed images for a more accurate and faster diagnosis.
More comfortable design. Larger patients are able to be scanned due to the wider opening. The design with shorter scan times allows benefits to those who are claustrophobic.
Procedures such as, virtual colonoscopy and coronary angiography are tolerated well by patients because there is no need for sedation or recovery time.
MSI provides a comprehensive range of imaging services, including full dental, ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound, as well as general radiology.
MSI has been providing Radiology services for over 20 years at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. To complement this service and to fulfill a need identified by referring doctors, a practice was established in Camberwell in 1998. Currently MSI has five practice locations in East Melbourne, Camberwell, Box Hill, Epping and Moorabbin which provide a high quality and efficient service to referring Specialists, General practioners, and Allied Health Professionals.
At Melbourne Specialist Imaging we understand that while providing excellent imaging and reporting is essential, friendly individual attention to the needs of both the referrers and patients is also vital. For instance, we regularly spend a few extra minutes reassuring the uncertain child so their OPG has no movement artifact and they walk out happy. We are committed to providing high quality, professional service to ensure the best outcome in the diagnostic management of your patients.
In the News
Effective 1 January 2010 allied health professionals are no longer able to request items 58108 and 58115, replacing them with two new item numbers 58120 and 58121 (see descriptions below).
