Understanding MRI Contrast Coverage and Costs in Taiwan
MRI contrast agent Hello Dr. Wu, is MRI with contrast covered by health insurance? If not, what would the out-of-pocket cost be? I often experience pain in my upper right abdomen and have been to a teaching hospital for examination. I have undergone X-rays, ultrasounds, endoscopy...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear user, Here are the responses to your questions: 1. MRI imaging examinations are covered by health insurance, but they must be deemed necessary by a physician. If you require a self-paid examination, some hospitals charge according to the health insurance rates, while othe...[Read More] Understanding MRI Contrast Coverage and Costs in Taiwan
Understanding Radiation Exposure: Is Too Much X-Ray Harmful?
Radiation dose Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask about my health condition. I've been feeling unwell for the past six months. I have undergone three chest X-rays, three lumbar spine X-rays, and one lumbar spine CT scan at different hospitals. I am concerned about whether my ...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear Baiye forum user: You mentioned that "my health has been poor for the past six months, and I have undergone three chest X-rays, three lumbar spine X-rays, and one lumbar spine CT scan at different hospitals." The radiation dose from these diagnostic imaging procedu...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure: Is Too Much X-Ray Harmful?
Impact of Dental X-rays on Radiology Staff: Safety Concerns for Pregnant Nurses
Will dental X-rays affect AP personnel? Hello Dr. Wu, I have a few questions I would like to ask you. I am a nurse working in the dental department of a regional teaching hospital, and there is a possibility that I may become pregnant soon. However, I have not received clear answ...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear user, due to various factors, I apologize for the delayed response. Here are the answers to your questions: 1. Based on your current work situation at a regional teaching hospital, radiation protection personnel conduct strict radiation monitoring annually, so radiation saf...[Read More] Impact of Dental X-rays on Radiology Staff: Safety Concerns for Pregnant Nurses
Is Frequent X-Ray Exposure Harmful After Multiple Surgeries?
Issues with X-rays? Hello, Dr. Wu! I have a question to ask you. I had an open comminuted fracture of my right thigh from a car accident and underwent eight or nine surgeries within six months. Each surgery required 2 to 3 X-rays, and during follow-up visits after discharge, I al...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Hello, due to traveling abroad and being busy, I apologize for the delayed response. Here are the answers to your questions: (1) The Atomic Energy Commission regulations state that the annual effective dose limit for the general public is 5 mSv, while the annual effective dose ...[Read More] Is Frequent X-Ray Exposure Harmful After Multiple Surgeries?
Does Using Call Transfer Systems Increase Mobile Radiation Exposure?
Does the electromagnetic wave strengthen when a mobile phone is connected through an adapter? Dear Dr. Wu, Thank you for your reply. I noticed in your response on the Taiwan e-Hospital platform that you mentioned using a hands-free headset or earphones when operating mobile phon...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Yilin netizen: I apologize for the delayed response to your question. Your inquiry involves several aspects beyond my expertise, but I will attempt to answer as follows: (1) Essentially, "if you cannot use a hands-free headset or earphones, it is crucial to fully extend the ...[Read More] Does Using Call Transfer Systems Increase Mobile Radiation Exposure?
Important Considerations After Two Days of X-Ray Imaging
X-ray If you have undergone X-rays of the spine for two consecutive days, here are some important considerations: 1. **Radiation Exposure**: While the amount of radiation from a single X-ray is generally low, repeated exposure can accumulate. It's important to discuss with ...
Dr. Xie Cangtai Reply:
Dear NFS: Hello, in our living environment, radiation is almost ubiquitous, with some being naturally occurring and others being man-made. There are two pathways for radiation exposure: external exposure and internal exposure. External exposure primarily comes from cosmic rays, t...[Read More] Important Considerations After Two Days of X-Ray Imaging
Impact of Non-Ionic Contrast Agents on Diabetic Patients During Small Bowel CT
CT ( Director Wu: May I ask about the impact of administering a non-ionic contrast agent for a small bowel CT scan in a patient with a nearly 10-year history of diabetes? Thank you.
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear Xiaoling, 1. Generally, for abdominal CT scans, most examinations require the ingestion of water-soluble contrast agents and intravenous injection of contrast agents, and your question regarding "the need for non-ionic contrast agents for small bowel CT" is the s...[Read More] Impact of Non-Ionic Contrast Agents on Diabetic Patients During Small Bowel CT
Understanding Radiation Exposure from Dental and Skull X-rays
What is the radiation dose of a skull X-ray? Dear Dr. Wu, I have recently undergone root canal treatment and have had several dental X-rays taken (due to changing dentists multiple times, I ended up with quite a few X-rays, and some dentists did not provide lead aprons). Additio...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear Naoko, Here are the comprehensive answers to your questions: 1. First, let me correct your terminology: the protective garment used for radiation shielding is called a "lead apron," not an "iron apron." Generally, patients are not required to wear lead...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from Dental and Skull X-rays
Understanding Calcified Shadows in Lung X-rays: What You Need to Know
X-ray examination I had a health check-up at the beginning of August this year, and after an X-ray, the results showed a calcified shadow in the left upper lobe of my lung. I would like to know what this means. Does it indicate any disease? I don't feel any discomfort or hav...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear Sandy, Your chest X-ray from the health examination shows a calcified shadow in the left upper lobe of the lung, which may indicate: (1) that you may have had a past infection of tuberculosis that has completely healed, resulting in a calcified lesion; (2) that there may ha...[Read More] Understanding Calcified Shadows in Lung X-rays: What You Need to Know
Do Cell Phone Radiation Waves Really Harm Your Health?
Mobile phone electromagnetic waves Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask you about the effects of mobile phone electromagnetic waves on the human body. I am unsure, but there are always some media or online reports suggesting that they can cause harm to the brain or body. Is this tru...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear Yilin netizen: I apologize for the delayed response due to my busy work schedule. Regarding your question, I have gathered relevant information and provide the following answers: 1. Electromagnetic waves can be classified into two types based on energy levels: ionizing radi...[Read More] Do Cell Phone Radiation Waves Really Harm Your Health?
Does MRI Scanning Affect Fetal Development? Concerns and Insights
Does magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) affect the fetus? I am 42 years old and went to National Taiwan University Hospital for an MRI on January 9 due to an old fracture. At that time, the medical advice was to avoid close contact with pregnant women and infants after the examinat...
Dr. Xie Cangtai Reply:
Hello Steve: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has now been renamed as Magnetic Resonance Tomography. This examination does not involve radiation and poses no safety concerns for your pregnant wife and young children. It is possible that you may be referring to other nuclear medic...[Read More] Does MRI Scanning Affect Fetal Development? Concerns and Insights
Are Satellite Antennas at Home Dangerous? Understanding Electromagnetic Radiation Risks
Is there a risk of electromagnetic radiation from installing small satellite dishes, such as those for the outer ear or middle ear, at home? Hello Dr. Chiu, I would like to ask you a question. I live on a mountain in Miaoli, and due to poor television reception, the cable provide...
Dr. Qiu Zhaoyan Reply:
In recent years, scientists generally believe that extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (which are generated by common electrical appliances and power equipment) do not have the capacity to disrupt molecular or chemical bonds, nor do they pose adverse health effects due...[Read More] Are Satellite Antennas at Home Dangerous? Understanding Electromagnetic Radiation Risks
CT Scans for Tumor Detection: Accuracy, Safety, and Timing Explained
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Can a CT scan be performed for the following tumor evaluations: 1. liver, spleen, kidneys, gallbladder, colon, small intestine, retroperitoneum, lymph nodes, prostate? 2. It is said that there are generally 0.5 cm or 1 cm distinctions; how much time ...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
1. Computed tomography (CT) scans utilize an X-ray tube that rotates around the body, capturing data as the X-rays penetrate the body. This data is then reconstructed into images by a computer. CT scans can provide precise structural images of various body parts, which can be dis...[Read More] CT Scans for Tumor Detection: Accuracy, Safety, and Timing Explained
Understanding the Harmful Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Human Body
Radiation issues The ionizing process caused by free radiation and the types of damage radiation can inflict on the human body include the following: Ionizing radiation interacts with biological tissues primarily through the ejection of electrons from atoms, leading to the forma...
Dr. Qiu Zhaoyan Reply:
1. It is classified as indirect ionizing radiation: the radiation interacts with water molecules in the human body, causing damage to the body. 2. The doses of radiation used in routine medical procedures typically do not cause significant harm to the body; however, severe radiat...[Read More] Understanding the Harmful Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Human Body
Understanding CT Scans for Chronic Headaches: What You Need to Know
CT ( Director Qiu: I have been experiencing chronic headaches, and the medication has not been effective. If I want to undergo a CT scan of my head, what is a CT scan? Do I need to receive a contrast agent? How long does the examination take, and what is the cost?
Dr. Qiu Zhaoyan Reply:
Dear Mr. Ah-Hua, You have been experiencing chronic headaches, and the medication has not been effective. You should first visit a clinical physician (neurologist, neurosurgeon, or family medicine doctor) who will conduct the most appropriate examinations based on your condition...[Read More] Understanding CT Scans for Chronic Headaches: What You Need to Know
Is It Safe to Undergo Multiple Radiation Exposures in a Short Time?
Continuous radiation exposure? Hello: I underwent a self-paid full-body bone density examination at the hospital on September 2, and my company has arranged for a free abdominal ultrasound examination for employees at the hospital on September 12. Can I receive radiation exposure...
Dr. Qiu Zhaoyan Reply:
The general public is exposed to a radiation dose limit of 5 millisieverts per year, while the average natural background radiation dose received by individuals worldwide is approximately 2.4 millisieverts per year. In Taiwan, the average annual radiation dose per person is about...[Read More] Is It Safe to Undergo Multiple Radiation Exposures in a Short Time?
Understanding Chest X-rays: Do Larger Breasts Indicate Health Issues?
Chest Is having large breasts a problem? I am a C cup, and I want to know how a mammogram is performed. What does the imaging involve?
Dr. Xie Cangtai Reply:
(Dr. Hsieh is on leave, and this question is answered by Dr. Tang.) Hello, Xiao Qiu: You may have misunderstood the purpose of a chest X-ray. It is primarily used to examine the internal structures of the thoracic cavity, including the lungs, heart, and ribs. While it can also sh...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-rays: Do Larger Breasts Indicate Health Issues?
Are Long-Wave Therapy Devices Really as Effective as Claimed?
Is the efficacy of ultra-long wave therapy devices really that remarkable? At the end of April, I was introduced to the theory and experiments of so-called third medicine magnetic wave therapy (authored by Dr. Lai Feng-Jia, a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, with this pape...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear netizens: Due to various factors, I apologize for the delayed response. Regarding third medicine, it is not my area of expertise. Below is the information I have researched; please refer to: www.tcha.org.tw/PRODUCT.htm. The basic principle of third medicine is to utilize mag...[Read More] Are Long-Wave Therapy Devices Really as Effective as Claimed?
Understanding Percutaneous Gastrostomy: A Guide to the Procedure
What is a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) procedure? Hello, could you please provide me with information related to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) procedure? Thank you.
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Percutaneous Gastrostomy (Gastrostomy) was initially performed surgically by surgeons, but with advancements in medical technology, this procedure can now be guided by endoscopy or fluoroscopy to create a stoma in the stomach through a percutaneous approach (Percutaneous Endoscop...[Read More] Understanding Percutaneous Gastrostomy: A Guide to the Procedure
How to Care for Your Body After Radiation Imaging Tests
How to maintain radiological examinations? Hello Dr. Wu: After receiving a pathology report indicating melanoma, a series of radiological examinations such as X-rays, ultrasounds, bone scans, PET-CT, and scintigraphy are required. Will these procedures cause harm to the body, and...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear netizen: Your question: "After being informed by the pathology report that it is melanoma, a series of radiological examinations such as X-rays, ultrasounds, bone scans, PET-CT, and scintigraphy are required. Will this cause harm to the body?" The answer is: In fac...[Read More] How to Care for Your Body After Radiation Imaging Tests
Radiology FAQ
| Contrast Agent | Ct Scan |
| Ct Scan Radiation | Magnetic Resonance Imaging |
| Mri | Mri Report |
| Radiation | Radiological Examination |
| X-Ray | X-Ray Examination |
| X-Ray Radiation |