Final answer:
Hospitals can charge a fee for copied radiographs, which is true. They do so to recover costs and are permitted under regulations like HIPAA.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hospitals have the right to charge a fee for copied radiographs. The statement is true. Hospitals incur costs while generating radiographs, which they may recover by charging a fee when providing copies.
Moreover, regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) allow for reasonable, cost-based fees for providing copies of medical records, including radiographs.
Patients concerned about the fee can inquire with their healthcare provider regarding costs and any available alternatives
. If costs are a concern, discussing options with the healthcare provider's office may provide solutions such as digital copies or cost waivers in certain circumstances.
It's also important for patients to understand why they might have concerns regarding radiology tests like X-rays or CT scans.
Overexposure to X-rays can increase the risk of cancer, which is why medical professionals weigh the benefits of diagnostic tests against potential risks.
X-ray machines in a dental office, for example, are designed to produce relatively low-energy radiation to minimize patient exposure
. As shown in Figure 8.25 (a) and (b), even though X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, they differ from visible light in energy levels and potential biological effects.