We did have a scan for either of our boys. Other than make the Mom feel better, what benefit does this machine have. Just another example of why health care costs are so high.
Ultrasound imagers are used to look at all sorts of internal organs and structures, it's just that the pregnancy-related examinations are the ones that get all the press.
They're way cheaper (and safer) than an X-ray system (a quick look online shows some as low as $16,000, which may not sound cheap, but is actually pretty reasonable for non-mass-produced instruments. Typical prices for laboratory instruments are closer to $25,000 to $50,000). The only reason they haven't replaced X-rays entirely, is that each can see things that the other misses.
Personally, I'd kind of like to have one in the lab, so that I can image internal voids and cracks in rocks.
I didn't mean to say an ultrasound machine is a bad thing. It's just overused in pregnancy. A perfectly health woman in a completely normal pregnancy has them, for no reason other than to get a picture of the baby that's not needed. This raises health care costs for everyone.
*sniff, sniff* It's wonderful to see baby's face before they're born
ReplyDeleteWe did have a scan for either of our boys.
ReplyDeleteOther than make the Mom feel better, what benefit does this machine have.
Just another example of why health care costs are so high.
Mostly Nothing:
ReplyDeleteUltrasound imagers are used to look at all sorts of internal organs and structures, it's just that the pregnancy-related examinations are the ones that get all the press.
They're way cheaper (and safer) than an X-ray system (a quick look online shows some as low as $16,000, which may not sound cheap, but is actually pretty reasonable for non-mass-produced instruments. Typical prices for laboratory instruments are closer to $25,000 to $50,000). The only reason they haven't replaced X-rays entirely, is that each can see things that the other misses.
Personally, I'd kind of like to have one in the lab, so that I can image internal voids and cracks in rocks.
I didn't mean to say an ultrasound machine is a bad thing. It's just overused in pregnancy. A perfectly health woman in a completely normal pregnancy has them, for no reason other than to get a picture of the baby that's not needed. This raises health care costs for everyone.
ReplyDelete