Diagnostic Imaging in United States

Diagnostic imaging, also known as medical imaging, describes a variety of techniques to look inside the body to diagnose the cause of an injury or illness, as well as to find any signs of a health condition. It is also used to see how well your body responds to treatment for an illness or fracture. 

Many diagnostic imaging tests are noninvasive and painless. Some tests use a small amount of radiation exposure. Some require you to remain still inside a machine for a long time, which may cause little discomfort. 

Other diagnostic tests involve the insertion of a small camera attached to a thin, long tube (often referred to as a “scope”) into your body. These types of diagnostic tests are invasive and require anesthesia.

Some of the most common types of diagnostic imaging tests are as follows:

• X-ray is among the most well-known diagnostic imaging tests. It generates images that allow your doctor to see if there is any damage or injury to the bones.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan, also known as “cat scan,” is a test that combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles. It is often used to quickly examine people who could have internal injuries. It can help doctors evaluate the brain, spine, abdomen, chest, and neck.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnet to obtain an image of the body instead of radiation. It is most commonly used to examine spinal cord and brain anomalies, joint abnormalities, and tumors.
• Ultrasound, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is most commonly used to examine a fetus during pregnancy. However, it can also be used to examine a wide range of body parts, including the heart, joints, and bladder.
• Mammography is a type of x-ray image of the breast. It can be used to check for early breast cancer signs that cannot be felt through the use of a low-dose x-ray.
• A diagnostic biopsy is the main method doctors use to diagnose most types of cancer. It involves the removal of a piece of tissue or cell sample to be analyzed in a laboratory.

• Endoscopy, laparoscopy, and colposcopy involve the insertion of a thin, flexible scope with a video camera attached to its end through a passageway or bodily opening to look at the inside of a particular organ, such as the colon or the lungs.

How Long Should I Stay in United States?

You can usually leave the hospital straight away after diagnostic imaging tests. However, it is advisable that you stay in United States for 5 to 7 days to wait for the results. Once the results are ready, you will have to attend a follow-up appointment where your doctor explains the results and discuss the treatment plan, if needed.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Most diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound and CT scan, do not require any recovery time. However, you may need to take one or two days off work and avoid strenuous activities for several days after some types of diagnostic biopsy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, and colposcopy.

What Aftercare is Required?

There is usually no special aftercare or restrictions after diagnostic imaging tests. You may be advised to drink plenty of water immediately after, especially if contrast was used. If the procedure is invasive, your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to care for the wounds. 

What's the Success Rate?

Diagnostic imaging tests have high success and accuracy rates. The continuous improvement and advancement of diagnostic imaging technology have transformed healthcare, allowing for earlier diagnosis of many medical conditions, reduces the need for invasive processes. The side effects of diagnostic imaging tests are very minimal, such as slight discomfort, pain, swelling, and bruising.

Are there Alternatives?

There are no alternatives to diagnostic imaging. It is vital for the diagnosis of medical conditions, allowing your doctor to decide the best treatment or management plan.

Diagnostic Imaging in and around United States

About the United States

With a population of over 327 million people, the United States of America (USA) is the third most populous country in the world. It has endless options for visitors with beaches, snow-covered mountains, forests, big cities; travelers will have many different experiences. The country is also a top global destination for medical travel. Although procedures can cost a lot more when compared to Asian countries, people from all over the world come to the United States to get treated with advanced technology and competent medical professionals. The skilled and experienced doctors are mostly trained in world-renowned universities including Stanford and Harvard. Medical tourists come from the Caribbean, Europe, and Central America and almost any procedure can be done in the country, whether it is complex procedures or a difficult diagnosis.  

Popular Parts of the United States

• New York City is home to various iconic landmarks. Tourists will find world-famous sites around every corner and there are just so many things that tourists should not miss, such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Staten Island Ferry, Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and MoMA. Art is an essential part of the city and museums devoted to every type of art is available from Japanese sculpture, medieval European treasures, to Himalayan textiles. The city is also known to have an incredible food scene. Tourists are welcome to dine at one of the city’s 74 Michelin-starred restaurants or try the food trucks. At night, the city comes alive with the legendary theater of Broadway, burlesque performance, ballet, music, and so many more.
• Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, natural beauty, and architecture. It is filled with movie stars, musicians, and surfers. Tourist who loves film will be delighted to tour TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Paramount Picture Studios. Most tourists will enjoy relaxing in Venice Beach, Zuma Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier and Beach. Tourists can also take a day trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth,” Disneyland-Anaheim, wander around Griffith Park, or see the beautiful Getty Museum.
• Dallas is a cosmopolitan city that is overflowing with culture and pride. The city is famous for Cowboys, cheerleaders, and unique attractions. Museums are probably the best points of interest in the city, including the Sixth Floor Museum and Perot Museum of Nature & Science. Tourists also have many options to hang out in since the city is filled with trendy restaurants, boutiques, and cafes. If you want to see some beautiful flowers, visit the Dallas Arboretum. It is a beautiful botanical garden that showcases plants and flowers in themed gardens.
• Chicago is a city of many things. Whether you want to visit jazz clubs, fine dining, admire its skyscrapers, or go shopping, you will find something to do in this city. Some of the top attractions are Hancock Observatory, Shedd Aquarium, Millennium Park, and Lincoln Park Conservatory and Zoo. Everywhere you walk, you will find astonishing art and architecture, such as an abstract Picasso statue and the Museum of Mexican Art.

Weather and Climate in the United States

The United States has a wide variety of climates, which makes it a year-round destination. In general, the country experiences four distinct seasons. Summer starts in June and ends in August. During the summer, the northern states enjoy warm days and cool nights, and the southern states and tropical areas experience very hot temperatures. Autumn is from September to November and the season brings cooler temperatures to the country. December to February is the winter months and the northern areas will encounter snow and colder temperatures, but the southern areas experience mild temperatures. The temperatures all around the country will begin to warm up during the spring months from March to May and expect to find many thunderstorms and rainstorms during this season.

Getting Around in the United States 

The United States is well connected by plane since it has more than 375 domestic airports and numerous international airports. Most tourists will arrive in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, John F. Kennedy International Airport, or O’Hare International Airport. These airports serve domestic and international flights to many parts of the world. The airports also operate many carriers such as Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United, and American Airlines. 

The most affordable way to get around the USA is by bus. Many bus companies go across the country such as Greyhound, Mega Bus, Peter Pan, and Bolt Bus. However, it is important to note that long-distance travel can take a long time. The nicer option to travel around the country is by Amtrak trains. It is by no means fast, but tourists can relax and enjoy the landscape. If you wish to travel by train, tourists can purchase money-saving passes. The most popular way to travel around the USA is by car. Petrol is generally cheaper compared to the United Kingdom and it gives tourists the freedom to go wherever they want. Taxis are plentiful in most cities and can be very inexpensive. Many taxis are painted in bright yellow, making them easy to distinguish. Taxi can be hailed directly from the streets and the fare is run on a meter.

Tourist Visas in the United States

All visitors must obtain a visa to visit the United States of America unless they come from one of the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program countries. There are four countries and Bermuda that have visa exemption access to the US. Currently, citizens of 38 countries are selected for the Visa Waiver Program, including Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Other nationals not listed in the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program should apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. It is advisable to always check with your nearest US Embassy for the visa policy.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the US dollar ($). It is known as a ‘global currency.’ Check XE.com for the current exchange rate to your local currency.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available almost everywhere around the country. Major credit and debit cards are universally accepted in restaurants, hotels, shops. Credit cards are required to book domestic flights. Tipping is not optional, so make sure to always leave some tips. 
3. Local Language: The main language in the country is American English. Many people will be able to speak Spanish.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The USA is home to many religions and most of the population follows Christianity, but there are small groups of Jews and Muslims. 
5. Public Holidays: Some of the most celebrated holidays in the USA are New Year’s Day, Independence Day, US Indigenous People’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.