Diagnostic Imaging in Kiev

Diagnostic imaging, also known as medical imaging, describes a variety of techniques to look inside the body to diagnose the cause of an injury or illness, as well as to find any signs of a health condition. It is also used to see how well your body responds to treatment for an illness or fracture. 

Many diagnostic imaging tests are noninvasive and painless. Some tests use a small amount of radiation exposure. Some require you to remain still inside a machine for a long time, which may cause little discomfort. 

Other diagnostic tests involve the insertion of a small camera attached to a thin, long tube (often referred to as a “scope”) into your body. These types of diagnostic tests are invasive and require anesthesia.

Some of the most common types of diagnostic imaging tests are as follows:

• X-ray is among the most well-known diagnostic imaging tests. It generates images that allow your doctor to see if there is any damage or injury to the bones.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan, also known as “cat scan,” is a test that combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles. It is often used to quickly examine people who could have internal injuries. It can help doctors evaluate the brain, spine, abdomen, chest, and neck.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnet to obtain an image of the body instead of radiation. It is most commonly used to examine spinal cord and brain anomalies, joint abnormalities, and tumors.
• Ultrasound, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is most commonly used to examine a fetus during pregnancy. However, it can also be used to examine a wide range of body parts, including the heart, joints, and bladder.
• Mammography is a type of x-ray image of the breast. It can be used to check for early breast cancer signs that cannot be felt through the use of a low-dose x-ray.
• A diagnostic biopsy is the main method doctors use to diagnose most types of cancer. It involves the removal of a piece of tissue or cell sample to be analyzed in a laboratory.

• Endoscopy, laparoscopy, and colposcopy involve the insertion of a thin, flexible scope with a video camera attached to its end through a passageway or bodily opening to look at the inside of a particular organ, such as the colon or the lungs.

How Long Should I Stay in Kiev?

You can usually leave the hospital straight away after diagnostic imaging tests. However, it is advisable that you stay in Kiev for 5 to 7 days to wait for the results. Once the results are ready, you will have to attend a follow-up appointment where your doctor explains the results and discuss the treatment plan, if needed.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Most diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound and CT scan, do not require any recovery time. However, you may need to take one or two days off work and avoid strenuous activities for several days after some types of diagnostic biopsy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, and colposcopy.

What Aftercare is Required?

There is usually no special aftercare or restrictions after diagnostic imaging tests. You may be advised to drink plenty of water immediately after, especially if contrast was used. If the procedure is invasive, your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to care for the wounds. 

What's the Success Rate?

Diagnostic imaging tests have high success and accuracy rates. The continuous improvement and advancement of diagnostic imaging technology have transformed healthcare, allowing for earlier diagnosis of many medical conditions, reduces the need for invasive processes. The side effects of diagnostic imaging tests are very minimal, such as slight discomfort, pain, swelling, and bruising.

Are there Alternatives?

There are no alternatives to diagnostic imaging. It is vital for the diagnosis of medical conditions, allowing your doctor to decide the best treatment or management plan.

Diagnostic Imaging in and around Kiev

About Kiev

Kiev or Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine and is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. It is an important educational, cultural, industrial, and scientific center. The city is overflowing with beauty, from religious history, astonishing architecture, vintage cafes, to urban art.

Kiev sees an increasing number of medical tourists each year and the city even hosts an annual medical tourism fair called The Healthcare Travel Expo. The fair gives an opportunity for medical services to present and inform health care. Visitors can get comprehensive information about medical tourism around the world, particularly in Kiev.

The city offers a wide range of medical treatments with almost no waiting list. Affordable treatments that cost significantly less than other European countries are a strong factor in Kiev’s medical tourism. The city also offers experienced doctors, caring staff, as well as world-class clinics and hospitals. One of the best medical facilities in Kiev is Dobro Clinic. Breast Augmentation procedures, dentistry, and laser eye surgery are among the most sought after medical procedures.

Popular Areas in Kiev

Kiev is a magical city. The city is plagued with its history and filled with golden dome churches. It is also known to be a good value. Tourists can dine in restaurants and drink at cocktail bars for a fraction of what they would cost in the West. Kiev is fast becoming a thriving tourist destination.

• Kyiv-Pecherska Lavra, located on a hill overlooking the Dnipro River, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its underground caves, spiritual atmosphere, and mummified monks are what make the historical and sacred site famous and intriguing. The monastery’s gold-domed churches will give you a breathtaking view.
• Maidan Nezalezhnosti literally means the Independence Square. It is the most beautiful square in Kiev and the symbol of Ukraine. The square is the country’s meeting point for celebration and is also locals and tourists favorite walking place.
• Saint Sophia's Cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra. The cathedral was built to celebrate Prince Yaroslav’s victory in protecting Kiev. The phenomenal architecture and interior is a masterpiece. Tourists should climb the bell tower for panoramic views of Kiev.
• Andriyivsky Uzviz is filled with remnants of the past, from museums, art galleries, to theatres. Tourist will find an array of vendors selling souvenir, arts, and crafts. Local calls Andriyivsky Uzviz as “the most charming street.” A stroll in the street is a refreshing break from the city.

Weather and Climate in Kiev

Kiev has a humid continental climate.  

• Summers starts from June and lasts until September with the average temperature ranging between 18 – 25 °C with occasional rain showers. Summers are the busiest time as the tourists can experience the parks and sidewalk café to the fullest.
• Autumn has a mild temperature and characterized by significant rainfall. The season is relatively short, starting from September to October.
• Winters can be harsh and long. The average temperature is around 1.8 to -3.5 °C. Some days the temperature drops to -30 °C.
• Spring begins with the melting of snow and ice, usually around late March. The average temperature will increase to 15 - 20 °C. Spring months usually have strong and gusty winds.

Getting Around in Kiev

Located 29km east of Kiev, Boryspil International Airport is the largest airport in the city. The airport serves domestic flights connects the city with Europe and several cities in Asia. Boryspil International Airport is the hub for Ukraine International Airlines and serves budget airlines including Lauda, Ryanair, and Sky Up airlines.

Airport taxis are available for tourists who want to go to the city center. The taxis use meters and are relatively cheap. Some taxis accept payment by credit cards. Buses are a more affordable option to get to the city center; Sky Bus departs from Terminal D and Terminal B. The bus will take tourists from Boryspil International Airport and should cost around 60 UAH or 100 UAH depending on the destination.

Taxis are easily available in Kiev but metered taxis are very rare. Make sure to agree on the fare before getting in. A long journey in Kiev should cost around 70 UAH. Shortstops start from 15 to 20 UAH. Taxis can be ordered by phone, and the prices are usually fixed. Uber and Uklon are available in Kiev.

Trolleybuses, trams, and buses are a nice way to get around Kiev while providing a better view of everyday Ukrainian life. Single tickets can be purchased from the street kiosk; 30-day combo-passes are also available. The Kiev Metro is the least expensive and most reliable mode of transport. There are three metro lines that go through the city center. Maps in metro stations are written in both Ukrainian and English.

Tourist Visas in Kiev

Citizens of the European Union, Canada, the United States, and several other nations are granted visa-free entry and can stay in Kiev for up to 90 days. Other countries nationals (including China, India, and Thailand) need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. Visa-on-arrival arrangements are available for tourists at major airports and seaports. e-Visa is also available for only 52 specified countries. All visitors need to have a passport valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from Ukraine.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency of Ukraine is the hryvnia (UAH). 1 USD converts to 28 UAH.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available across the city. Currency exchange points are very common, but withdrawing money from ATMs is the easiest and safest option. Credit Cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted in most restaurants and hotels. It is wise to always carry cash since many shops and restaurants still accept cash only. Tipping in Ukraine is common but not necessary.
3. Local Language: Ukrainian is the official language. English is not widely spoken. However, hotel staff and tourist guides will speak some English. Plenty of street signs use both Cyrillic and the Latin alphabets.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Orthodox Christianity is the largest religion in Kiev. There are small groups of Jews, Buddhist, Pagan, and Hindus.
5. Public Holidays: As in the rest of Ukraine, Kiev also celebrates major Orthodox holy days. The city also celebrates its birthday every May and the celebration is called ‘Days of Kiev.’ Maslyana is also celebrated annually but the date changes each year.