Diagnostic Imaging in Spain

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 Spain?

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

About Spain

Historic Spain is home to the third-highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, after Italy and China. Part of the Iberian Peninsula, along with Portugal, Spain also shares borders with France and the less well-known, Andorra. The country itself is made up of several regions, both on the mainland and out at sea, with the Canary Islands closer to Morocco than Spain - they are located in the Atlantic Ocean, whilst the Balearic Islands are a little closer to home, in the Mediterranean Sea. On the mainland there is Central Spain, home to the capital, Madrid, Catalonia in the East, home to the second city, Barcelona, and the Basque Country in the North, to name but a few. 

Spain sees an estimated 100,000 medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Diagnostic Imaging procedures. The biggest target market is from the UK, accounting for one in four of Spain's 60m annual tourists. An excellent healthcare system combined with warm temperatures and competitive prices means that Spain is now one of the more popular destinations in Europe for medical tourism. The most popular procedures tend to be cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, bariatric surgery, cardiac surgery, orthopedics, urology, and bone marrow transplants.

Popular Parts of Spain

Spain has diverse landscapes, dynamic cities, influential art, and delightful food.

• Madrid is the capital of Spain. Modern infrastructure and historic neighborhoods blend nicely in the city. Known for its glorious fashion, food, and nightlife, the city has a lively spirit. Rest in El Retiro Park under the sun or take a guided tour in Palacio Real. Tourists who love sports can watch a Real Madrid soccer match.
• Barcelona has a plethora of attractive architecture, unique food beautiful beaches, and a vibrant nightlife. It is the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Visit Picasso Museum, Enjoy Gaudi’s Architecture the church of the Sagrada Família, or visit the Barcelona History Museum and enjoy the beach.
• Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city. The city is filled with an array of art nouveau buildings as well as Gothic and Renaissance monuments. Try all the food that the city offers, especially the famous paella. Be inspired by the stunning Cuidad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a massive building in the old Turia riverbed.
• Palma de Mallorca is a very welcoming city for international tourists. It has a number of historical attractions, Gothic churches, and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea at its feet. Shopping and gastronomic scenes are two of the best things in the city. Tourists can relax in the seafront cafés after a long day.
• Seville is a stunning artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain. Being a big university town, it has a very youthful vibe everywhere. Spend a day exploring Parque de Maria Luisa, tour Casa de Pilatos, get lost in the maze of Jewish Quarter’s small streets, and discover what the town has to offer on a bike.
• Ibiza is known to have some of the best nightclubs in the world. It is a beautiful island with dozens of amazing things to discover.

Weather and Climate in Spain

Spain has wonderful weather all year-round. Summer starts from June to August and tends to be nice. Tourists can expect warm and sunny weather. The temperature can get as high as 30 °C, sometimes even higher. Summer is the peak season for tourism so prices can increase by up to 50%.

Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October) are great times to visit. The weather is mild and perfect to do outdoor activities, although sometimes it can be unpredictable. The country is not as crowded as during summertime.

Winter in Spain is cold but the temperature does not drop too low. The average temperature is between 4 °C to 10 °C. Northern Spain and the mountainous areas sometimes experience snowfall and rain showers.

Getting Around in Spain

The main international airport in Spain is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona El Prat Airport. Madrid-Barajas is the largest airport in the country. It operates domestic and international flights. The airport connects Madrid with almost every country in the world. It serves several budget airlines such as Iberia Express, Ryanair, and EasyJet. It is the hub for Air Europa and Iberia.

Barcelona El Prat Airport also serves domestic and international connections with almost every country globally. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and WestJet operate flights from this airport. It is the hub for Level and Vueling.

To get to the city center, both airports provide taxis, buses, and metro. Taxis are the most convenient transportation mode but usually more expensive. Tourists who travel to Madrid are advised to buy the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass which can be used on any Metro, bus, or suburban train for just 5 EUR.

Spain has a well-designed public transportation network. Tourists can get around Spain by train. There are high-speed (AVE) and regular service trains (Talgo) for long-distance or medium distance travel, the fares are based on a 1st and 2nd class system. For short destinations, tourists can use local trains. It offers one class of seats and makes a lot of stops. 60-year-old and older travelers can get a discount between 25 to 40 percent for train tickets. Children under the age of 13 also qualified for discounts. Buses are another excellent option. Intercity buses are affordable, clean, and safe.

Renting a car gives more flexibility for tourists. International car rental agencies are widely available in the country. The highway system is easy for foreigners to follow. Parking can be quite hard in some cities and historic towns because it can get really crowded.

Taxis have a reasonable price. Spanish taxi drivers are usually trustworthy and don’t cheat. The taxi can be hailed on the street or from a taxi stand (parade de taxi). Available taxis have green lights or signs that say “libre” on them. Taxis run on meters, but if you’re traveling a long distance, you will have to agree on the fare in advance.

Tourist Visas in Spain

Citizens of the European Union, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Switzerland can travel to Spain with their identity cards only. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, the United States, and New Zealand are granted visa-free entry and can stay for up to 90 days. Other countries can check with their nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. Spain is a member of the Schengen Convention. If you hold a Schengen visa, you cannot extend it.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: the official currency is the euro (EUR). 1 USD converts to 0.85 EUR.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available. Tourists can withdraw money from ATMs that display the relevant symbols such as Visa and MasterCard with a charge of 1.5% to 2%. Credit and debit cards can be used for most purchases, tourists will often be asked to show a passport. Tipping is optional, tourists can leave small change or up to 5% tip in restaurants.
3. Local Language: the official language is Spanish. People in major tourist cities speak good English; it is also widely spoken in coastal resorts.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The largest religion in the country is Catholic Christianity with 67.5% of the population follows the religion. There are small groups of Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Pagans, Taoists, and Bahá'ís.
5. Public Holidays: Spain celebrates Christian holidays. Known as the country of fiestas and festivals, numerous festivals such as The Holy Week, La Tomatina, and The Fallas of Valencia are hosted annually.