Diagnostic Imaging in New York City

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 New York City?

You can usually leave the hospital straight away after diagnostic imaging tests. However, it is advisable that you stay in New York City 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 New York City

About New York

New York City, or simply New York (NY), is the most populous city in the United States with an estimated population of over 8 million. The city is labeled as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the world. It is an important center of international diplomacy since it houses the headquarters of the United Nations. The city has been attracting tourists from all around the globe for its architectural beauty, dining spots, and arts. Fueled by its global popularity and superior healthcare, the city also welcomes patients from many other countries to undergo cosmetic surgeries and complex or rare procedures that are not available in the patient’s home country. The medical professionals are highly qualified, skilled, and experienced. The medical costs might not be the cheapest, but patients will get the best treatment in the world.

Popular Areas in New York

New York offers its visitors a myriad of attractions to see and things to do. Tourists can find world-famous sites in almost every corner. The following are the most popular places in the city.

• Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy. It was a gift from the French people to the people of the United States as a monument of international friendship during the American Revolution. This famous statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, and the metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel. Tourists can access the pedestal and the crown. Although the climb to the top is strenuous, the view from Lady Liberty’s crown is breathtaking, making it one of the most rewarding experiences of your trip to NYC. To get to the statue, you need to take a ferry from Battery Park City or New Jersey. There is only one official ferry company that is allowed to take you to the islands, Statue Cruises.
• Staten Island Ferry offers a stunning landscape of New York City and the Statue of Liberty. The ferry runs frequently and is free. Tourists can enjoy the refreshing breeze while admiring Governors Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, lower Manhattan and Wall Street’s skyscrapers, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
• Empire State Building is perhaps the most iconic symbol of New York City. This magnificent landmark should not be missed by any visitors. The building was opened during the Great Depression in 1931 and tourists can see its Art Deco style in the architecture. The view from its 86th and 102nd floors is spectacular, especially around sunset time. 
• Central Park is 843 acres of open space and is a good place to escape from the concrete jungle of New York City. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, and it was the first major landscaped public park in the United States. Tourists can wander around the park, enjoy a picnic, visit a memorial to John Lennon, or interact with animals in the Zoo.

Weather and Climate in New York

New York City has four seasons, each with its own perks, which makes the city a year-round destination.

• Spring starts in March and ends in April. The city enjoys a pleasant temperature during this season. It is one of the most beautiful times to visit since the city is filled with Cherry Blossoms and hosts a number of festivals. However, expect to experience seasonal storms.
• Summer is from June to August. The temperatures are mostly warm, with an average between 25 °C to 30 °C. The city is usually crowded and busy during this season, but tourists can enjoy several free summer concerts. 
• Autumn is a great time to visit New York City, which lasts from September to November. The summer heat will be replaced with a cooler temperature, and the city is overflowing with red and orange leaves. 
• Winter in the city can be freezing and sometimes snowy. The season starts in December and ends in February. The temperatures can drop as low as -25 °C. If you plan to visit during winter, make sure to dress properly.

Getting Around in New York

The primary international airport in New York City is the John F. Kennedy International Airport. More than ninety airlines operate from this airport, including several budget airlines such as JetBlue. Getting around the city is fairly easy and inexpensive, especially by public transportation. The city has 27 subway lines stopping at 472 stations and more than 5,000 buses. To ride the subway, you will need to purchase a MetroCard that cost $1. The fares are $2.75 per trip and you can buy a one week unlimited MetroCard for $33 or an unlimited monthly MetroCard for $127.

The bus will take you to many places including the east or west portions of Manhattan. The bus fares are $2.75 per trip and the buses only accept MetroCard or exact fare in coins. If you do not want the hassle to figure out the public transportation system, the iconic yellow taxis are widely available. You can flag them down directly from the streets. The taxis are green in Brooklyn and Uber and Lyft are also available. 

Tourists Visas in New York

Citizens of Canada, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and Bermuda are given visa exemption access. Holders of passports issued by 38 countries including Australia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom are selected for the Visa Waiver Program. Nationals from countries that are not listed in the visa exemption and visa waiver program need to apply for a visa. All visitors may stay for a maximum of 90 days. It is advisable to learn more about the visa policy at your nearest United States Embassy.  

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: US dollar ($) is the official currency. Please check XE.com for the current exchange rate to your local currency.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found everywhere, and credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Tipping is not optional. For restaurant servers and bartenders, 15% - 20% of the bill is acceptable.
3. Local Language: The main language in New York City is English. However, there are over 800 languages spoken in the city, such as Spanish and Chinese.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Christianity is the major religion in New York City, followed by Judaism, Islam, Buddha, and Hindu. 
5. Public Holidays: New York City celebrates various holidays, including New Year, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.