![complete cervical spine x ray complete cervical spine x ray](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/60/8b/a2/608ba2cfadf4085a19f1f2d6c308b917.jpg)
The amount of radiation associated with CT scans is very variable based on where and how they are performed. When it comes to radiation, a plain c-spine x-ray delivers about 0.2 mSv while a CT of the cervical spine delivers about 4-6 mSv (which I find surprisingly high since a head CT is about 2 mSv). And as more and more studies are done, costs per scan should come down (if the laws of economics applied to medicine – but that’s another story) But, the point is that in reality, CT scans don’t really cost that much – it is the charges that are the problem. Commercial insurance plans can expect to pay a lot more (generally at least a multiple of what Medicare pays). Expect to be charged about $300 for a neck x-ray and about $1,700 for a CT – but variance in charges are enormous between facilities. Medicare will reimburse about $75 for a neck x-ray while it will pay about $150 for a CT of the neck. We all know that the astronomical charges for CTs have little relationship to the cost of the study – even including a reasonable profit margin. Can we talk? It’s no secret that CT scanners are printing presses for money.
![complete cervical spine x ray complete cervical spine x ray](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BJPiz-IQ3nU/maxresdefault.jpg)
So the issues come down to cost and radiation. Why would anyone who is going to be imaged not get the best imaging? What would you want for yourself or your family? Simple.Īnd the fact is that unequivocally, CT scans are superior to plain films. Now we have three choices in minor neck injuries – no imaging, plain x-rays or CT scans. Fast forward 20 years and CT scanners are ubiquitous and ordering one is simple – just check the box.