When used appropriately, medical imaging tests used to arrive at a diagnosis - such as x-rays, CT scans and PET scans - can be beneficial in helping your doctor understand and treat a health issue. However, the very medical imaging that can provide your doctor with valuable information about your health, has limits to what it can do. It's important to be aware of these limits because the use of CT scanning, in particular, is rapidly increasing - yet approximately one-third of all CT scans are considered by many health care authorities to be unnecessary.

No one imaging test is "best" in all cases. Different procedures work better when diagnosing certain conditions. And, it is important to keep in mind that CT scans, PET scans and x-rays expose you to potentially harmful radiation, while MRIs and ultrasounds do not. If a diagnostic imaging test has been recommended for you or a loved one, empower yourself to make an informed health care decision by learning about all the benefits and risks of the suggested test.

To help ensure that you and your loved ones receive the right scan at the right time, learn about the diagnostic imaging test, talk openly with your doctor, ask questions and go to an accredited imaging facility.