- 4 - radiographic picture. The panoramic x-ray is used primarily as a preliminary diagnostic technique, focusing attention on areas that may pose increased concern. The cost of the radiograph that the machine produces is cheaper than a “full-mouth” series produced by a standard dental x-ray machine. At the time that he acquired the panoramic x-ray machine, petitioner had the option of purchasing, as an accessory at an additional cost, a patient chair that could be affixed to the base of the machine. Petitioner opted against purchasing the patient chair. Without the chair, patients customarily stand while holding handles to maintain stillness and “bite on a little piece to position their head”, whereas patients who are confined to a wheelchair are instructed to do the same while remaining seated in their wheelchair, which is rolled directly under the machine over a flat base. Thus, by opting not to purchase the accessory chair, petitioner reduced the acquisition cost of the panoramic x-ray machine and avoided the risk inherent in transferring a disabled patient from chair to chair, but without compromising the diagnostic value of the x-ray machine to able- bodied patients. Petitioner uses the panoramic x-ray machine on a daily basis and for all of his patients without regard to whether an individual is disabled or able-bodied. Indeed, the machine is intended to improve the standard of care for all patients and wasPage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011