RADIATION SAFETY

The decision to have an x-ray exam is a medical one, based on the likelihood of benefit from the exam and the potential risk from radiation. If you have had frequent x-ray exams and change healthcare providers, it is a good idea to keep a record of your x-ray history for yourself. This can help your doctor make an informed decision.

General Tips for Safe Imaging
You can reduce your radiation risks and contribute to your successful examination or procedure by:

• Keeping a “medical x-ray history” with the names of your radiological exams or procedures, the dates and places where you had them, and the physicians who referred you for those exams;
• Making your current healthcare providers aware of your medical x-ray history;
• Asking your healthcare provider about whether or not alternatives to x-ray exams would allow the provider to make a good assessment or provide appropriate treatment for your medical situation;
• Providing interpreting physicians and referring physicians with recent x-ray images and radiology reports; and
• Informing radiologists or x-ray technologists in advance if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.