Were you aware that the global diagnostic testing market was worth $165.58 billion last year and is expected to climb to about $348.75 billion by 2030?
According to Precedence Research, the segment will register a compound annual growth rate of 8.63% from 2022 to 2030.
While the size and growth projections are certainly worthy of consideration, are you even aware of diagnostic testing and its implications?
Continue reading for a look at what is diagnostic testing and why it’s critical.
What Is Diagnostic Testing?
If you go to a doctor’s appointment and report feeling pain or discomfort, the doctor may recommend that you undergo diagnostic testing.
These tests are intended to detect diseases or monitor the status of diseases. Your doctor may request that you undergo a diagnostic test to confirm or rule out problems that he or she suspects may be at the heart of the matter.
There are many types of diagnostic tests, but some are more common than others. If your doctor requests that you get a diagnostic test performed, you’ll want to see if your healthcare insurance covers the medical procedure.
The next section will examine some of the more common diagnostic tests.
Common Types of Diagnostic Testing
One source lists 110+ diagnostic tests and procedures. While there are lots of options available, there are some that are particularly common.
X-Tray Procedure
X-rays or radiography are used to generate images of organs and bones. In fact, X-rays happen to be the first-ever diagnostic imaging tool ever used, and it’s still the most common diagnostic imaging procedure.
X-rays are covered by medical insurance. Out-of-pocket costs could add up to several hundred dollars or more.
Mammography Procedure
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for around one in three new female cancer cases annually. That’s one reason why mammography is utilized as a screening and diagnostic tool.
It identifies abnormal growth in breasts. Mammographies are a part of many women’s check-up routines every couple of years. If you have health insurance coverage, you won’t require medical aid to cover the mammogram expense.
Ultrasound Procedure
An ultrasound procedure generates pictures of internal body organs using a computer, sound waves, and a transducer. It can be used to determine treatments for pain. It’s a popular procedure among obstetricians.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Procedure
An MRI is a diagnostic imaging technique that generates images of internal body structures. It produces these images using a magnet, computer, and radiowaves.
Medical professionals can use MRIs to diagnose diseases and other ailments in the early stages. You can get an MRI covered if you have health insurance. So, you can see that healthcare costs can be more manageable with coverage.
Get Diagnostic Testing When Needed
If you go to your doctor and report specific issues, you might need to go in for diagnostic testing. Knowing what is diagnostic testing is essential. It’ll help your medical care provider get to the bottom of whatever ails you.
Are you interested in reading more about health, finances, travel, and much more? Check out our blog for additional content.