The Amazing Disappearing X-rays

Believe it or not, insurance companies do not try to lose or misplace radiographs. Their intent is to get them back to the submitting doctors as quickly as possible after they’ve reviewed what information they need. But large carriers may receive thousands of films in a week. Despite their best efforts, films will be lost or returned to the wrong doctor.

So how do you prevent insurance companies from losing or misplacing your films?

1) Only send the films they require. The trend in the industry is to decrease the procedures that they request films for. Certain requirements will probably remain the same (i.e. FMX for fixed prosthetics and implants) but check with the carriers you submit to to see what procedures they require films for.

2) Never ever submit your original films. Use double film packs or send duplicates. The advantage of digital films is that you can always print another copy if any are lost.

3) Use electronic attachments wherever possible. Either scan or take digital x-rays and use a web-based attachment service such as NEA. That way your films will always be available.


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