However, the significance of radiation exposure as well as costs associated with these studies must be considered, especially in patients with low energy mechanisms of injury and absent physical examination findings consistent with major trauma.
MRI scans are generally more expensive than CT but do not expose the patient to ionizing radiation and are being evaluated for their potential value in screening.
[7] Compared to most other diagnostic imaging procedures, CT scans result in relatively high radiation exposure.
The question is whether that risk is outweighed by the benefits of diagnosis and therapy[8] The procedure has a low rate of finding disease.
[10][11] However, in December 2007, the IRS stated that full-body scans qualify as deductible medical expenses, without a doctor's referral.