Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) technology is considered by many in the medical profession to
be the gold standard for imaging the human body. It certainly has
improved the ability to resolve human anatomy to a new standard, which
enables more timely treatments.
In the majority of cases,
the indications for ordering an MRI are clear and are initiated
by the physician. However, there are growing numbers of situations
when MRIs are ordered for reasons that are not medically indicated.
Patients often assume,
for example, that their physicians can't possibly keep up with rapid
advances in medical technology. They are threatened by the prospect
that something can go wrong. Not uncommonly, patients request an
MRI on their first visit to their doctor. Often the physician obliges
by ordering an MRI even if the physical exam and history dictate
The MRI has become synonymous
in the eyes of the patient with not missing something. In our fear-based,
commodified culture, we require this to mollify our anxiety.