What is a Chiropractic Radiologist?
- Specialized consultant in diagnostic imaging, usually a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology (DACBR)
- Requires 3 year FULL TIME residency in general diagnostic imaging after obtaining a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, in some cases in association with local medical radiology residencies, AND successful completion of written and oral examinations administered by the American College of Board of Radiology (ACBR)
- Chiropractic radiologists evaluate imaging for pathology and consult with chiropractors and other physicians regarding patient care and appropriate treatment options with regards to the imaging findings
- Residency training is in full body radiology, including the musculoskeletal system, chest, neuroradiology, and the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems
- Consult with health practitioners in all fields, including chiropractic, medicine, acupuncture, physical therapy
- Chiropractic radiologists currently work in private practice, hospitals, and teach at educational institutions worldwide
Chiropractors and Diagnostic Imaging
Chiropractors receive 300+ hours education in x-ray and x-ray taking over the course of their curriculum.
With few exceptions, chiropractors do not receive training the performance or evaluation of musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations. If your chiropractor is not a chiropractic radiologist, they should undertake additional training to develop competency in order to perform this in their clinics. Purchasing low cost equipment performing examinations in a "self taught" manner is inappropriate and puts patients at risk for misdiagnosis and receiving treatment which is inappropriate. If your chiropractor is performing this as part of your workup they should be able to provide you with documentation on their competency development.
Chiropractors receive 300+ hours education in x-ray and x-ray taking over the course of their curriculum.
With few exceptions, chiropractors do not receive training the performance or evaluation of musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations. If your chiropractor is not a chiropractic radiologist, they should undertake additional training to develop competency in order to perform this in their clinics. Purchasing low cost equipment performing examinations in a "self taught" manner is inappropriate and puts patients at risk for misdiagnosis and receiving treatment which is inappropriate. If your chiropractor is performing this as part of your workup they should be able to provide you with documentation on their competency development.
Types of X-Ray Systems
DX (Diagnostic X-ray)
· Basic/traditional x-ray office unit with x-ray cassettes, film, and a chemical processor
· Requires a separate dark room, film storage space
· Cannot manipulate image quality
CR (Computed Radiology)
· Film-less
· Can upgrade existing DX systems to CR with special imaging plates and cassettes
· Requires a scanner to read the image from a plate in a cassette, scanner does not require chemicals or a separate dark room
· Images can be viewed on computer (PACS), printed onto film, or burned to CD
DR (Digital Radiography)
· Lower patient dose – up to 4 x lower dosage than CR
· Fast – more efficient and faster than CR or DX, images available right away so no need to leave patients to process the image, no need for a dark room with processor, no need for special plates and cassettes
· Highest resolution and image quality
· Greater ability to manipulate the image compared to CR, cannot manipulate DX images
· Images can be viewed on computer (PACS), printed onto film, or burned to CD
· Initial cost is usually greater than CR or DR systems
Considering purchasing a digital x-ray system or upgrading your existing x-ray system to digital, check out our resource page here for more details and need to knows.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about installing or upgrading to digital radiology in your office.
DX (Diagnostic X-ray)
· Basic/traditional x-ray office unit with x-ray cassettes, film, and a chemical processor
· Requires a separate dark room, film storage space
· Cannot manipulate image quality
CR (Computed Radiology)
· Film-less
· Can upgrade existing DX systems to CR with special imaging plates and cassettes
· Requires a scanner to read the image from a plate in a cassette, scanner does not require chemicals or a separate dark room
· Images can be viewed on computer (PACS), printed onto film, or burned to CD
DR (Digital Radiography)
· Lower patient dose – up to 4 x lower dosage than CR
· Fast – more efficient and faster than CR or DX, images available right away so no need to leave patients to process the image, no need for a dark room with processor, no need for special plates and cassettes
· Highest resolution and image quality
· Greater ability to manipulate the image compared to CR, cannot manipulate DX images
· Images can be viewed on computer (PACS), printed onto film, or burned to CD
· Initial cost is usually greater than CR or DR systems
Considering purchasing a digital x-ray system or upgrading your existing x-ray system to digital, check out our resource page here for more details and need to knows.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about installing or upgrading to digital radiology in your office.
Do you have a site where I can refer my patients to for imaging?
We do not take x-rays. However, we have several partner sites that accept patients for imaging requests. Please note, x-ray requests for MPI and WCB claims can be billed directly to those agencies, however requests for other purposes will require you to pay at the time of service as Manitoba Health presently does not reimburse for x-rays taken at chiropractic facilities. The following sites accept outpatient referrals for x-rays:
Thrive Chiropractic
50-1580 Taylor Ave
Winnipeg, MB
204.504.5433
RC Walk In Chiropractic
13-1399 McPhillips St.
Winnipeg, MB
204.942.4476
Osborne Chiropractic
757 Osborne St
Winnipeg, MB
204-453-0075
Please contact them directly to schedule your appointment for x-rays and for information about possible cost for non MPI/WCB requests.
Thrive Chiropractic
50-1580 Taylor Ave
Winnipeg, MB
204.504.5433
RC Walk In Chiropractic
13-1399 McPhillips St.
Winnipeg, MB
204.942.4476
Osborne Chiropractic
757 Osborne St
Winnipeg, MB
204-453-0075
Please contact them directly to schedule your appointment for x-rays and for information about possible cost for non MPI/WCB requests.
X-ray Film Recycling
X-rays dated beyond the provincial/state mandated storage time may be recycled. Many companies often reimburse your office for silver recouped from the film and will destroy the remaining product.
In Canada, one company that offers this service is:
Environmental Control Systems (ECS)
204.694.5360
800.263.1857
website: https://www.ecs-cares.com/services/silver-recovery
X-rays dated beyond the provincial/state mandated storage time may be recycled. Many companies often reimburse your office for silver recouped from the film and will destroy the remaining product.
In Canada, one company that offers this service is:
Environmental Control Systems (ECS)
204.694.5360
800.263.1857
website: https://www.ecs-cares.com/services/silver-recovery