Requesting a MRI / CT scan for small symptoms?

Question

I know that MRI and CT scans are very expensive to get done. I know you have to get a referral from a doctor but I'd like to know: do doctors usually write the referral for a MRI/CT check for cases in which they believe it's serious? I believe this referral/request for a MRI / CT scan can't be easily obtained from a doctor unless you were like seizuring or having extreme headaches. Would doctors even write it for small tiny symptoms that could just be anything? Or do they write if they deem it's VERY serious? What do you think?

Answer 1

they're usually ordered when it's either the only test that will show what they're looking for or if all other tests have come up neg and symptoms persist.
i've had both done for various reasons. none of my symptoms were what i'd call severe.

Answer 2

It really depends on what they are looking for... for example, if someone was having extreme headaches, they could very well order a CT scan or a MRI to see specific things that a normal xray might not show...

Answer 3

MRI's and CT scans are usually used to confirm a diagnosis, and are not used just to look around. The problem does not have to be serious, but they have to know what they are looking for.

Answer 4

It sounds like your insurance is the problem; one which we all understand.

I recently had these tests because I was "simply" having headaches unlike any others I'd had before. They weren't causing seizures and they weren't extreme... but my doctor determined I should have these tests.

I have PPO insurance (not HMO), which may make a difference. But, if you feel you need this/these test(s), talk to your doctor about it.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 5

It doesn't have to be life threatening. It only has to be something that needs to be diagnosed but other methods aren't practical or good enough. Don't read too much into it.

Answer 6

only serious I would think!