During the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, all non-emergency medical services were either delayed or fully postponed to keep vulnerable people away from hospitals and medical facilities housing infected patients. Now that vaccines are rolling out and the virus has been contained in many areas, all medical services are now available for the patients that need them.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were deemed “non-essential” services at the peak of the pandemic. If your physician has recently advised you to go in for an MRI scan, there’s no reason to delay it any further. Read on for a comprehensive guide to safety precautions when you go in for your appointment:
Steps Healthcare Facilities Take to Prepare Against COVID-19
In February 2021, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the following guidelines to ensure the safety and protection of all patients and healthcare workers. Among these steps require the necessity to vaccinate patients and health workers alike.
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Implement Patient Protection
Get vaccinated against COVID-19. As of April 19, 2021, all vaccination centers in the United States were open for everyone ages 16 and older. Full immunity kicks in two weeks after your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna.
Patients with fever, respiratory issues, and other COVID-19 symptoms are kept in a separated, well-ventilated space away from other patients seeking care. Most hospitals administer COVID-19 tests for all patients coming in for procedures and surgeries.
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Healthcare Worker Protection
Healthcare workers across the United States began getting vaccinated as early as December 2020. Most, if not all, medical personnel should already be vaccinated.
Healthcare personnel working in close contact with confirmed or possible COVID-19 patients continue to wear complete personal protective (PPE) equipment. PPE supply should be monitored at all times. As an added precaution, cross-contamination is avoided through regimented staff spaces.
Although vaccination is underway, most hospitals and other healthcare facilities still require masks when indoors. All exam, procedure, treatment, and waiting rooms are cleaned and disinfected after every patient.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Your MRI Scan
Physicians use advanced medical imaging procedures such as MRIs and CT scans to look at internal soft tissue and organ systems. The scan results are used to arrive at an accurate diagnosis or monitor the progression of the illness. MRI scans can help detect soft-tissue diseases such as tumors, various types of cancer, torn ligaments, spinal injuries, arthritis, herniated discs, and more.
If your physician has ordered an MRI scan, you should go in for the procedure sooner rather than later. Delayed medical care only increases the mortality risk associated with health conditions that are otherwise treatable or preventable.
Avoiding or postponing your MRI appointment can make your condition worse. Your doctor prescribed the procedure for a reason—they need it to make a diagnosis or to inform further treatment. Your MRI scan results can have a significant impact on your overall health if you go in for the procedure as soon as you’re told to do so.
Conclusion
More than a year after the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic and with vaccination efforts underway, there is no more reason to delay necessary medical procedures. If your doctor has prescribed an MRI scan, you should schedule an appointment immediately. Healthcare workers work hard to make the environment perfectly safe for all patients.
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