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All seven Medical Spheres ›X-ray, CT and MRI show what remains hidden from the outside: fractures, bleeding, inflammation. Which method is right depends on the medical question – and on radiation protection.
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Guide values from the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection and the German Cancer Information Service. Duration and dose depend on the examination and body build.
Imaging
Radiology is the medical specialty of imaging. It makes bones, organs and blood vessels visible without the need for surgery and provides the basis for many decisions: whether a fracture is set, an inflammation treated or a procedure planned. At its core are X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), complemented by ultrasound.
X-ray and CT use X-rays, which penetrate tissue to different degrees: bones appear bright, the air-filled lungs dark. An X-ray is suitable, for example, for fractures, pneumonia or check-ups after an operation. In CT, the X-ray tube rotates around the body and a computer uses the data to calculate cross-sectional images in which nothing overlaps. Because it is fast and precise, it is often the method of choice in an emergency: when a stroke is suspected, to distinguish bleeding in the head from a blocked blood vessel, after serious accidents or for unexplained pain in the abdomen and chest.
MRI, also called magnetic resonance tomography, works without X-rays. A strong magnetic field and radio waves produce images that show particularly fine differences in soft tissues: in the brain and spinal cord, in intervertebral discs, joints and ligaments, and in many organs. On the other hand, the examination takes longer, the machine makes loud knocking noises and the tunnel is narrow. Any metal in the body, such as a pacemaker, must be known about beforehand.
A clear principle applies to X-rays: every use must be medically justified. A doctor with certified expertise in radiation protection weighs the benefits against the risks; methods without X-rays, such as ultrasound or MRI, are also considered, and the dose is kept as low as the clinical question allows. Once the machine is switched off, the radiation is gone too – nothing of it remains in the body.
The methods
An image in a fraction of a second, with a low dose. It shows bones and lungs; on the wards and in intensive care, a mobile unit can also take images right at the bedside.
Cross-sectional images of large parts of the body in a short time. In an emergency, CT shows bleeding, injured organs or a clot in the lungs – with contrast agent through a vein if needed.
Finely detailed images of the brain, spinal cord, joints and soft tissues, with no X-rays at all. The examination takes longer than a CT scan and is considerably louder.
The procedure
Every imaging examination starts with a medical question. It determines which method is chosen and how the examination is prepared.
Your treating doctor describes what needs to be clarified. Before X-ray and CT, a doctor with certified expertise in radiation protection checks whether the examination is justified.
You will be asked about pregnancy, implants, allergies and kidney or thyroid disease. Jewellery and metal objects are removed; previous images help with comparison.
It is important to lie still and, during a CT scan, to hold your breath briefly when asked. If contrast agent is needed, it flows in through a vein in the arm; the team stays in contact with you via an intercom.
A radiologist assesses the images, compares them with previous images and summarises the result in a report. In an emergency, the most important findings are passed on immediately.
Your treating doctor explains the result and discusses the next steps.
Statutory, private, self-pay
Statutory health insurance
X-ray, CT and MRI are covered by German statutory health insurance when they are medically necessary. In the emergency department and on the ward, they are part of hospital treatment – in Wertheim at the Bürgerspital, the hospital with a public healthcare mandate.
On an outpatient basis – that is, without a hospital stay – a radiological examination requires a referral.
Private insurance or self-pay
Private health insurance and Beihilfe (the German civil service healthcare allowance) reimburse medically necessary imaging according to their terms. In Wertheim, privately insured and self-pay patients are also looked after at the Main-Tauber-Klinik, the private clinic under the same roof.
X-ray and CT require a medical justification for self-pay patients too; radiation protection law does not provide for images taken simply on request.
Locations
Each clinic shows on its own website how the treatment works there.
Germany
X-ray and CT at the Bürgerspital, a hospital with a public healthcare mandate, for the emergency department, wards and intensive care unit; MRI partly through partner radiology practices, depending on the clinical question. Privately insured and self-pay patients are also looked after by the Main-Tauber-Klinik in the same building.
Frequently asked questions
That depends on the method and the part of the body. A chest X-ray corresponds roughly to the natural radiation of a few days to a week. A CT scan is considerably higher – depending on the region, roughly equivalent to the natural radiation of six months to several years. MRI and ultrasound use no X-rays at all.
Modern equipment confines the radiation precisely to the area being examined. For this reason, since 2022 the German Commission on Radiological Protection has recommended using protective equipment such as lead aprons on patients only in very few cases.
Often, but not always. Many newer pacemakers and implants are approved for MRI under certain conditions; this is stated on the implant card. So mention every implant, every pump and every metal fragment beforehand and bring the card with you – without clarification, the scan will not go ahead.
The team should know this beforehand. During a CT scan, most of the body lies outside the ring, whose opening measures about 70 to 80 centimetres. The MRI tunnel is narrower; here, clear explanations, a call button in your hand and sometimes a calming medicine can help – afterwards, please do not drive yourself.
Contrast agents make blood vessels, inflammation and some changes stand out more clearly. During a CT scan, many people feel a brief sensation of warmth when it is injected. Serious side effects are rare: it may put strain on the kidneys or thyroid and, very rarely, cause an allergic reaction. That is why you will be asked about these beforehand.
If you are or could be pregnant, please say so beforehand. X-ray and CT are then weighed up particularly strictly and, if possible, postponed or replaced by ultrasound. An MRI scan also requires careful consideration, especially in the first three months. If the mother’s health is at risk, a rapid diagnosis takes priority.
Your referral, health insurance card and medication list, plus implant cards and previous images with their reports, for example on CD. If you keep an X-ray record card, please show it. Before an examination with contrast agent, recent kidney function results are helpful.
Consultation
Describe your request – the right clinic will get back to you.
Reviews
CGCE GroupVerified
5,888 reviews on ProvenExpert
This was the best decision I have ever taken for myself. The whole experience has changed my life for the better. From the first consultation I felt welcomed and treated very well. I did not feel alone during the journey because the team were just a WhatsApp away and they made regular check-ups on me. Thank you for everyone at the hospital from the staff to the doctors, you are all amazing.
Weight Doctors South AfricaWow, was für ein erster Eindruck! Dr. Frank Gruner, dessen Professionalität von jahrelanger Erfahrung zeugt, war äußerst verständlich und menschlich (was mir sehr wichtig war). Er verstand meine Bedürfnisse, und seine Erklärungen und Anweisungen entsprachen genau meinen Vorstellungen. Die Patientenberaterin Jennifer war mit ihrem Charme ebenfalls eine große Hilfe und erklärte mir alles Notwendige und den weiteren Ablauf. Auch die Mitarbeiter am Empfang waren sehr höflich und freundlich. Ich melde mich nach der Operation mit meinen Eindrücken zurück. Vielen Dank an alle!
Westfalenklinik Fachklinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie · Original in GermanIch habe eine Unterlidstraffung machen lassen und bin mit dem Ergebnis sehr zufrieden. Mein Dank geht vor allem an Frau Dr. Simidjiiska für ihre Fürsorge, Kompetenz und Empathie. Aber auch das gesamte Team der Klinik macht einen hervorragenden Job!
Westfalenklinik Fachklinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie · Original in GermanIch bin rundum begeistert von meiner Erfahrung in dieser Haartransplantationsklinik. Von der ersten Kontaktaufnahme bis zur Nachsorge war alles hervorragend organisiert und professionell. Das gesamte Team war unglaublich freundlich, hilfsbereit und zuvorkommend. Man hat sich jederzeit gut aufgehoben und ernst genommen gefühlt. Besonders positiv fand ich, dass sich alle Mitarbeiter ausreichend Zeit genommen haben, um meine Fragen zu beantworten und jeden Schritt verständlich zu erklären. Auch der Service war erstklassig. Die Organisation, die Betreuung vor und nach dem Eingriff sowie die Kommunikation waren wirklich hervorragend. Das gesamte Team hat einen sehr kompetenten und gleichzeitig menschlichen Eindruck gemacht. Die Klinik selbst ist modern, sauber und sehr gut ausgestattet. Während der Behandlung wurde äußerst sorgfältig und professionell gearbeitet, und ich hatte zu jedem Zeitpunkt das Gefühl, in guten Händen zu sein. Ein großes Dankeschön an das gesamte Team für die tolle Betreuung und den freundlichen Umgang! Ich kann die Klinik absolut weiterempfehlen und bin mit meiner bisherigen Erfahrung sehr zufrieden. Wer Wert auf Professionalität, Qualität und einen hervorragenden Service legt, ist hier meiner Meinung nach bestens aufgehoben.
Westfalenklinik Fachklinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie · Original in GermanBisher war es nur ein Beratungsgespräch aber es war sehr gut.
Weight Doctors Group · Original in GermanIch fand, dass der Arzt gut und verständlich erklärt hat. Ich habe diese Woche noch einen Termin in einer anderen Klinik, da ich mich gründlich informieren möchte; auch der Preis wird dabei eine Rolle spielen – darüber bin ich ganz offen.
QUOLE Medisch Centrum · Original in GermanHervorragende Behandlung. Von der ersten Beratung bis zur Nachsorge hat mir Dr. Koch stets ein sehr gutes Gefühl vermittelt. Ich litt jahrelang unter einer echten Gynäkomastie, nach der OP kann sich das Ergebnis sehen lassen, mein Selbstbewusstsein ist endlich zurückgekehrt. Ich kann die Alster Klinik jedem empfehlen, der schon lange mit dem Gedanken spielt sich operieren zu lassen.
Alster-Klinik Hamburg · Original in GermanDr. Schubert gab mir das Gefühl, in genau der richtigen Praxis zu sein für mein Anliegen. Ich habe mich beim Beratungsgespräch sehr wohl gefühlt und verstanden gefühlt.
Alster-Klinik Hamburg · Original in GermanÜber die ehrliche Einschätzung
Alster-Klinik Hamburg · Original in GermanIch habe mich sehr wohl geführt, das Gespräch war sehr gut, die Ärztin hat mir sehr ausführlich alles erklärt und bin mit einem sehr guten Gefühl nach Hause gegangen.
Westfalenklinik Fachklinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie · Original in GermanIch bin eine sehr ängstliche Person. Bei Herrn Dr. Neis habe ich mich sofort wohlgefühlt. Behandlungsgespräche, Umgang, Freundlichkeit – es passt alles. Ich kann ihn ohne Bedenken und Einschränkung nur weiter empfehlen. Dankeschön Herr Dr. Neis für die tolle Arbeit.
CGCE Group · Original in GermanDr. Klarner ist sehr nett, hat mich sehr gut beraten und aufgeklärt. Ich hab mich gut aufgehoben gefühlt, vielen Dank!
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