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just wondering what you think about the x-ray procedure & machine

Posted by cindiwass @cindiwass, Apr 22, 2022

I finally went to an orthopedic surgeon with a great reputation on the web (like 100%) and I liked him, but when I went to his office he wanted x-rays. Of course. He had a machine in one of the rooms and the tech wanted me to get on the bed but I couldn't do it, and she didn't help me. I think there are machines that go up and down for patients like me. When I mentioned it to the x-ray tech and asked her about it, she said she spoke to him but he's too cheap to get a better machine. So she took x-rays of my knee rather than my hip. I was referred to an imaging outfit but guess what, when I went there, they too did not have a machine that goes up and down. But at least they had a stool with a handle that I could hold onto to get on the table. What's going on with this? Maybe I should look for a doctor with better equipment? I like the doctor, but this is beginning to worry me.
I don't understand why an orthopedic surgeon AND an outfit that does tests for doctors would not have the best equipment for the patients. The tech told me that some of the hospitals in the area had really good equipment and I should think about going there. So that makes me wonder whether I should stick with this doctor. I've been putting this off for years and can't stand the pain in my hip so am finally pushing forward with this, but -- am I making up obstacles, do you think? I hope not, but -- not sure...

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 22, 2022

Hmm, I have never thought about the age of a doctor's xray equipment- as long as the condition meets commonly accepted standards and is regularly inspected and calibrated. Age and type of xray equipment varies hugely, and if the doc was in a small practice, investing in costly new machines might not be possible. My ortho surgeon is part of a huge multifacility practice, and equipment in their older offices is far more basic than that in the newest clinics. And their PT setups are very bare bones, but the therapists' skills are top-notch. Even imaging centers can do a fine job with older equipment, as long is it provides an accurate result that tells the radiologist and surgeon what they need to know.
I find the skill and attitudes of the doctors and staff far more important than new equipment, fancy furniture or marble countertops. I am more concerned about a tech who did nothing to assist you, and inappropriately bad mouths her employer to a patient.

Was there something else that made you uncomfortable with the surgeon?

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1 reply
cindiwass | @cindiwass | Apr 22, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "Hmm, I have never thought about the age of a doctor's xray equipment- as long as..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Hmm, I have never thought about the age of a doctor's xray equipment- as long as the condition meets commonly accepted standards and is regularly inspected and calibrated. Age and type of xray equipment varies hugely, and if the doc was in a small practice, investing in costly new machines might not be possible. My ortho surgeon is part of a huge multifacility practice, and equipment in their older offices is far more basic than that in the newest clinics. And their PT setups are very bare bones, but the therapists' skills are top-notch. Even imaging centers can do a fine job with older equipment, as long is it provides an accurate result that tells the radiologist and surgeon what they need to know.
I find the skill and attitudes of the doctors and staff far more important than new equipment, fancy furniture or marble countertops. I am more concerned about a tech who did nothing to assist you, and inappropriately bad mouths her employer to a patient.

Was there something else that made you uncomfortable with the surgeon?

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Nothing to mention. Although he has not told me yet what exactly he intends to do. Should he? or ... should I ask? I know it may be a silly question, but I've had several teachers tell me that no questions are silly. Kind of.
He was good in that he told me because of my age (which I don't like to hear) he wants me to stay in the hospital for a few days after the operation. I spoke to my husband who is disabled and he said he will cope for those days. So I appreciate the doctor's concern that he wants me to stay in the hospital for a few days rather than just send me home. Thank you for reassuring me that it's ok to have less than top of the line x-ray table. BUT I still had to take myself under pain to another facility. And that facility had the same type of table. Maybe I'll mention to him about the stepstool with handle that he might get. After all, I'm an old lady by now. 🙂

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