what does it mean if your lawyer doesnt approve xrays

by Dr. Clemmie Hegmann Sr. 4 min read

What if the patient cannot afford to have X-rays taken?

Cost - If the patient relates to you that he or she cannot afford to have X-rays taken, you have two choices: Offer to take the films and let the patient pay later. Make an agreement with the patient that the X-rays will be taken on the next recare visit so the patient can come prepared to pay for them.

Can I ask my doctor to have an X-ray?

You can ask or suggest your doctor to have a certain test whether that is an X-ray or any other medical test. However whether the doctor will agree to that or act upon your request depends on the doctor, country or practice ( private or public) you are at.

Why do some people refuse to get X-rays?

There are probably instances when the real cause for objection of X-rays is fear, but the patient just uses finances as an excuse. Discomfort - Some patients genuinely disdain X-rays because of discomfort.

Can you have tests without xrays if you don't need one?

If a patient were insistent on having a test that I didn't think was needed, that would mean that he didn't trust my medical judgement. I would tell him that he needed to find a doctor that he trusted. You can, but doctors like me would recommend if you don't take Xrays if you don't need one.

What is an x-ray?

X-rays are one of the most common diagnostic tools available to health care providers. The technology is as basic as it is ubiquitous. Whether after a sports injury, at the dentist, or secondary to a digestive or respiratory illness, nearly everyone has had an x-ray at some point in time. And that means nearly everyone has assumed some degree ...

What is an X-ray called?

In fact, what most of us refer to as an "X-ray" is technically called a "radiograph. ". The term "X-ray" refers to the specific type of radiation used to obtain the image.

What are the structures that block X-rays?

Dense structures such as bones block most of the X-ray particles, and appear white on a radiograph. Internal organs and other structures appear in varying shades of gray. In some X-rays, a radioactive dye is used to provide contrast.

Can radiation overdose be a medical malpractice?

But when proper precautions are not taken during the X-ray process, radiation overdoses can occur, and can rise to the level of actionable medical malpractice. Read on to learn more about X-ray radiation overdose and potential medical malpractice claims.

Can an X-ray machine cause radiation overdose?

So, too, can an improperly calibrated X-ray machine. If the machine is not calibrated properly, the X-ray dosage could be excessive and result in an overdose. Improperly shielded X-ray rooms can also result in X-ray radiation overdoses.

Is it safe to take an X-ray?

Since X-rays are, for the most part, very safe and deal with very low concentrations of radiation, it is essential that there is some kind of documentation noting when an X-ray was taken so it can be compared to the onset of overdose symptoms or illness.

Can you sue an X-ray tech?

As a result, your ability to sue the X-ray tech may be limited, or it may not financially viable.

What happens if a patient refuses to have a radiograph?

Legal risks - Many offices have a policy that states if a patient refuses to have the necessary radiographs, the patient will be dismissed from the practice. While this practice may seem rather inflexible and even harsh, it may be the wisest policy from a legal standpoint.

When was the ADA guidelines for dental radiographs published?

The ADA published “Guidelines for Prescribing Dental Radiographs” in 2004 (www.ada.org).

When to do a bitewing exam for a child?

Child with primary or transitional dentition - Posterior bitewing exam at 12- to 24-month intervals if proximal surfaces cannot be examined visually or with a probe. Adolescent with permanent dentition - Posterior bitewing exam at 18- to 36-month intervals.

Is panoramic film better than no film?

When all else fails, a panoramic film is better than no film at all. Although the use of rigid film holders increases the likelihood of a quality film, film holders are contraindicated for patients with any of the previously mentioned problems. It is easy to understand why some patients dread having X-rays taken.

Is digital radiography lower than dental X-rays?

Digital radiography is even lower than that. I heard a doctor tell a patient once that people get more radiation exposure from their color televisions than from dental X-rays. Although this is an analogy a patient can understand, the accuracy of that statement is questionable.

Is it safe to take dental X-rays?

The point the doctor was trying to make was that we receive radiation from many different environmental sources, not just dental X-rays. “Mrs. Jones, the truth is that dental X-rays are quite safe. The amount of radiation is extremely small due to the fast-speed film (or digital technology) we use.

Can a dentist refuse to take X-rays?

Even if you have a patient sign a form stating he or she willingly refuses X-rays, no patient can give consent for the dentist to be negligent. If a radiograph is not taken when it is needed for proper diagnosis and later a serious dental problem arises, the doctor could become entangled in a legal mess.

What happens if you have a fracture on X-rays?

If the X-rays demonstrate a fracture, then the doctor can send the patient to an orthopedic surgeon. If the X-rays do not demonstrate a fracture, then there may not be a need to refer the patient to an orthopedic surgeon at all.

Can you ask your doctor to do an X-ray?

You can ask or suggest your doctor to have a certain test whether that is an X-ray or any other medical test. However whether the doctor will agree to that or act upon your request depends on the doctor, country or practice ( private or public) you are at.

Can you put MRI film on a white board?

You can stick the X ray or the MRI photo-film to an illuminated white board or a glass panel (in the medical settings we have an illuminated reading panel where the X ray film is put up for reading) and take a picture with your camera. You can later mail this picture wherever it is required.

Is an X-ray part of your medical record?

The X-ray, a long with the report, is part of your medical record. If you request appropriately then you should have access to both. At most hospitals, this requires going to the medical records department and filling out a medical release form or request form for your records.

Do orthopedic surgeons do X-rays?

Continue Reading. Yes, in certain circumstances. Usually a doctor should examine a patient in person before placing any orders. However, orthopedic surgeons are rarely the first person to evaluate the patient, and so X-rays are usually part of the standard work-up if a fracture is of concern.

Can you ask for chest CT ostensi?

I requested an order for a chest CT ostensi. Yes, you can ask. I assume you have a reason for wanting an imaging study. Radiologists concern themselves with lifetime x-ray exposure which may or may not be an issue for you. The bigger risk is that there will be a false positive or radiological artifact.

What happens if you don't pay your lawyer?

If you don't pay your lawyer on the day of trial, or however you have agreed to, then while he or she may be obligated by other ethical duties to do his/her best, they won't be motivated by sympathy for you, and it will show in court.

What to say when a judge can see your boobs?

If the judge can see your boobs, he's not listening to your story. If I can see your boobs, then I know you didn't care enough about yourself to talk to an attorney. Dress like you are going to church. Credibility is one of the most important things in this world - and most important in a courtroom.

Why do people hire lawyers?

Most people hired attorneys because they don't want to sit in court. Well, truth be told, neither do I. The difference between lawyer and client is that the lawyer expects it to take a long time and understands. The client typically thinks it's unjustified. So, your hard truth is that each case takes time. Be patient.

What to do if your lawyer doubts you?

Tell the Truth. If your lawyer doubts you in the consultation, or doesn't think you have a case, while that may change over time, getting over an initial disbelief is very hard. You have to prove your case. Your attorney is not your witness. They are your advocate - but you are responsible for coming up with proof.

What to do if no one can confirm a story is true?

If no one can confirm that the story is true, you will at least need something external, such as a hard copy document, to prove your case. Be prepared.

Can a lawyer take your money?

While lawyers can certainly take your money and your time and we can file a case that will be very hard to win, if you don't care enough about your life to get a contract, the judge is not very likely to be on your side. At least, not automatically. Oral contracts are extremely hard to prove. What are the terms.

Do lawyers need to take more cases?

Don' t forget that lawyers don't always need to take more cases. Yes, new clients are a great thing, but I don't want clients that will eat all my time and get no where fast. Your tip: keep your communication very simple and to the point.

What Is An X-Ray?

  • An "X-ray" is a diagnostic tool used by medical professionals to obtain views of internal body structures. In fact, what most of us refer to as an "X-ray" is technically called a "radiograph." The term "X-ray" refers to the specific type of radiation used to obtain the image. The views are obtained by focusing a concentrated beam of radiation at a particular area of the body, and utiliz…
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What Causes X-Ray Radiation Overdose?

  • An X-ray radiation overdose can occur due to several different factors. Normally, a patient's body is shielded with a lead cover in all areas except for the specific area where the X-ray is being taken. Failure to properly shield the body can result in a radiation overdose. So, too, can an improperly calibrated X-ray machine. If the machine is not calibrated properly, the X-ray dosage …
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Proving An X-Ray Overdose Was The Result of Malpractice

  • Successful medical malpractice cases are contingent upon the proof of a few key elements. In the case of alleged X-ray overdose, a plaintiff must establish: 1. that the health care provider had a duty to comport with the medical standard of care pertaining to X-ray administration 2. that the provider's conduct fell short of that standard, and 3. th...
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Is It Really Malpractice?

  • It's important to point out that, to be considered malpractice, an X-ray overdose must be caused by a health care provider's medical negligence. That means equipment failure, improper calibration or some other non-medical cause of overexposure isn't necessarily medical malpractice (though it could be a product liability claim). However, if a treating radiologist, docto…
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