Q: What does the future hold for digital imaging with respect to the chiropractic practitioner?

A: I believe that digital imaging will greatly impact the chi­ropractic profession in the near future. It has been used in hospitals and large imaging centers for quite a long time and is now reaching the point where the inherent resolution and ability to improve the quality of the final digital image is outstanding. Since the quality is dra­matically improved because of the increased latitude of the phosphorous plates, repeat X-ray exposures will be unnecessary; and, therefore, the radiation exposure to the patient will be reduced, and the hassles of darkroom processors, service, chemicals, plumbing and film will be eliminated. I believe the chiropractic profession will embrace digital imaging, as they did high frequency X-ray generators over a decade ago. Q: Do you think it will become a standard of the profes­sion? If so, what is the timeframe we can expect this to become cost effective for the private practice? A: I do believe, given time, this may become standard pro­tocol for the chiropractic profession. It will take a pe­riod of time to convert many of the existing offices to digital imaging. 1 predict that, in 5 years, most busy and successful private X-ray units will have converted to digital imaging technology, just as they have moved to electronic billing, fax machines and e-mail communica­tion. As to cost effectiveness, at this point in time, it is cost effective for active practices, and offers the added benefits of being able to: take a single exposure and not have to repeat any exposures because of the latitude of the phospho­ rous plates, change the contrast and intensity of the image, and make rapid onscreen measurements with the com­ puter, as well as magnify and zoom them for better evaluation of suspicious areas. These are tremendous advantages for the patient. Other benefits to the doctor are: the elimination of lost and misplaced films, lack of need for off-site storage areas, and decreased time spent trying to locate and retrieve films. Similarly, it will facilitate and speed the availability of over- reads and second opinions, and reduce courier and mail­ ing charges. There are companies that have already de­ veloped and made this technology available to a point where it is cost effective for the practicing chiropractors who are using X-ray in their office on a regular basis. Q: Do you think the reimbursements will change in com­parison to the current standard radiographs being used today? A: Reimbursement for X-ray procedures will probably not change, over time. Hard copy films and digital images will continue to be paid at present levels. I believe, if chiropractors calculate what it costs them to run a dark room with service, film and chemistry, and the costs of storage and couriers, they will see that digital imaging offers much greater advantages, at nearly the same cost, as hard copy plain film radiography. Dr. Terry R. Yochum is a second-generation chiropractor and a cum laude graduate of the National College of Chiropractic, where he subsequently completed his radiology specialty. Dr. Yochum is currently Director of the Rocky Mountain Chiropractic Radiological Center in Denver, Colorado, and an Adjunct Professor of Radiology at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and Professor of Radiology at the Colorado College of Chiropractic at Maiycrest Universih; Denver, CO. Dr. Yochum is a consultant to a company called I irtu-Rad that deals with digital imaging. Any questions concerning such can be directed to Dr. Yochum at: (303) 940-9400 or by e-mail at: dcrad099(ilaol.com.\ Editor's Note: If you have any questions about X-ray technology, fax or leave a voicemailat 1-305-716-9212. ore-mail Jaclvn&amchironractor.com.