Current Cost Of X-ray In South Africa
This article is about the current cost of X-ray in South Africa this 2022. In simple terms, an X-ray is a common imaging test that allows your doctor to view the inside of your body without having to cut open any part of the body (make an incision), thus helping them diagnose, monitor, and treat many medical conditions. There are different types of X-rays that are used for different reasons but they are all similar in that they take a black and white picture of your internal organs for examination by the doctor.
An X-ray examination uses an electrical device to emit X-rays and digital technology to create two-dimensional pictures of internal body structures, and as aforementioned, this test is really useful in diagnosing conditions or diseases that affect the bones and chest. A conventional x-ray examination is non-invasive, painless and does not require any recovery time.
The dose of radiation from an X-ray examination is considered safe and is roughly the same as you would receive from the general environment in about one week. Some X-ray procedures may use an iodine-based contrast material or barium to help make it easy to view internal organs such as blood vessels, tissues or bone. According to healthline, your doctor may order an X-ray for any of the following reasons:
- To examine an area where you’re experiencing pain or discomfort
- Monitor the progression of a diagnosed disease, such as osteoporosis
- Check how well a prescribed treatment is working, to mention but a few.
Certain medical conditions that may require an X-ray examination include the following:
- Bone cancer
- Breast tumors
- Enlarged heart
- Blocked blood vessels
- Conditions affecting your lungs
- Digestive problems
- Fractures
- Infections
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
- Tooth decay
- Needing to retrieve swallowed items.
When you are preparing for your X-ray in South Africa, you may be asked to come very early depending on the hospital or diagnostic centre you visit and you may be told to fast or not depending on the particular area of your body that is to be X-rayed. You do not need to go through any special preparation process in order for you to have your X-ray except that on the day of your X-ray, the radiographer will ask you to take off your cloth, as well as any material that may interfere with the whole process.
During the X-ray process, the radiographer may ask you to stand upright or lie down depending on the area of your body that is to be examined. If you are undergoing a chest X-ray at certain government hospitals in South Africa, you may be asked to stand, stay well positioned, your chest properly aligned with the image recording plate to enable it capture your internal organs and usually one view of the chest is taken, preferably from the back as the patient stands against the image recording plate.
The radiographer will position you with your hands on your hips and your chest pressed against the image recording plate. Patients who cannot stand may be positioned lying down on a table for chest x-ray. You will then be asked to breathe in and out about three times after which you must hold very still and may need to hold your breath for a few seconds while the radiographer takes the X-ray. This helps reduce the possibility of a blurred image. The radiographer will walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the X-ray machine.
When the whole process is complete, the radiographer may ask you to wait until the radiologist confirms they have all the necessary images. The entire chest X-ray examination, from positioning to obtaining and verifying the images, is usually completed within 15 minutes and you may get the result within that time frame at a diagnostic centre or be told when to come back for it if you did it at a government hospital after the radiographer must have interpreted the result and the forwarded it to your doctor who may then interpret the result for you at your next appointment.
CURRENT PRICES OF X-RAY IN South Africa 2022
The following are the current prices of X-ray in South Africa this 2022. Kindly note that prices may vary depending on your location and the particular hospital or diagnostic centre that you visit:
- Mammography (Breast X-ray): R$ 165 – R$ 183
- Chest X-ray: R$ 128 – R$ 293
- Abdominal X-ray: R$ 165 – R$ 183
- Skull X-ray: R$ 165 – R$ 293
- Limbs X-ray (leg, knee, thigh, foot, shoulder, arm, forearm, elbow, wrist): R$ 183 – R$ 256
- Pelvic X-ray (Waist X-ray): R$ 146 – R$ 183
- Cervical Spine X-ray (Neck X-ray): R$ 146 – R$ 220
- Lumbar/Limbo-Sacral Spine X-ray (Lower Back X-ray): R$ 165 – R$ 256
- Thoraco-Lumbar Spine X-ray (Upper Back X-ray): R$ 183 – R$ 256
- Paranasal Sinuses X-ray: R$ 256 – R$ 293.
In South Africa, the cost of X-ray procedures varies depending on several factors such as the type of X-ray needed, the facility where the procedure will be done, and the location. Generally, the cost ranges from R800 to R2,500.
| X-ray Procedure Type | Cost Range (in ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Chest X-ray | 800-1200 |
| Dental X-ray | 400-1,800 |
| Bone X-ray | 1,500–2,500 |
| Abdomen X-ray | 1,200-2,000 |
It is important to note that these are just estimated costs and can vary depending on the specific diagnosis and location where the procedure will be done. It is recommended to consult with your medical practitioner and confirm with your medical insurance provider about their coverage for these procedures.
In conclusion, the cost of X-ray procedures in South Africa ranges from R800 to R2,500 depending on various factors. It is important to research and compare prices from different facilities in order to get the best deal possible.
