Increase in X-Ray Second Opinion in South Korea?

Xrays are at the forefront of imaging so is the urge for second opinion. Xrays help in examining soft and bony tissues of the body. The Images potentially could be interpreted in different ways by different specialists. As X Rays are part of primordial radiology investigations but they are constantly being used to conduct typical intravenous studies. Also Xrays offer timely details of critical organs like lungs post Covid, local physicians in South Korea do not want to miss anything hence they are increasingly demanding a second opinion.

 South Korean Geography, Healthcare and Second Opinion

South Korea is known for its healthcare infrastructure. The country is densely populated near cities. 50% of South Koreans reside in Seoul. Then there is Busan, Incheon and Daegu where we can see a mesh of X-ray , CT and MRI facilities. X-Rays are more in numbers owing to little investment and less handling complexities required. X-Rays can cost just 3000-10000 Won depending on the place in South Korea. The local doctors prefer X-rays but they ask for special reporting skills or second opinion to evaluate bone fracture or primary infection to lung. During the COvid-19 spread, local doctors relied heavily on exploring X-Ray Second Opinion in provinces like Chungcheong, Gangwon, Gyeonggi, Gyeongsang, Jeolla, South Jeolla, and Jeju. This was to extract more information from X-rays when CECT Chest (CT Scan) was not available. 

Telereporting of CT and MRI cases and  Xray Special Studies

MRI and CT scan have increased during last decade in South Korea, so was the need of teleporting.  Due to lack of proper legislation and distrust from salaried radiologist, the teleporting has suffered.  The loads of cases on the diagnostic facilities asked patients to get their second opinion from outside South Korea. TeleradiologyHub is often gets interests from Korean radiologists, doctors also get Second opinion (MRI, CT and X-rays) requests from South Korean patient groups-rural and urban. 

Special Xray Studies
Similarly, there are other Xray studies that can be used to monitor the correctness of the internal organ just like MRI or CT scan but very cost effective. For example, IVP- X Ray Study involves intravenous conditions -undertaking/studying kidneys, ureters and bladder issues and also help diagnose blood in the urine or pain in your side or lower back. IVP demands another look from a specialist radiologist. The Xray Mammogram helps us to evaluate the conditions of the breast, but more info can be revealed with a second opinion. Whereas Barium Swallow Studies are important to detect defects in Gastro-Intestinal Tract. There are anomalies studies during and after pregnancy where Second Opinion is also bringing excellent results.