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Does the GP have the right to refuse a CT scan?

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I am a NHS patient. I have problems with my spine. One and a half years ago I had a CT scan, but since then I can feel that my illness has got worse. I have asked my GP to have another CT scan, but the GP refused. Does the GP have the right to refuse another CT scan?
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You could try getting a second opinion if you feel strongly about it but they should have explained to you why they have made their decision. Its not a question of refusing, you present symptoms and they use their skill to decide on a course of action, you can't really just tell them what what treatment you want.
Is your GP aware that your symptoms have got worse?
You need speak to her about your symptoms and concerns and discuss what steps may be taken to find the cause/lessen the pain, rather than demanding another CT scan as this may not be the best way to identify a problem.
Have you had no treatment at all? If not, do you understand why not? Ask these questions, and make sure you understand the answers. If you don't, you won't get (nor in my opinion will you desrve) the treatment you need. It is YOUR body, you need to take responsibility for it, and that includes understanding what the medics say and do - or don't do- with it.
Personally, I believe that you should avoid having any scans/x-rays unless they are necessary. All these procedures subject you to radiation of one form or another, and that is best avoided unless there is a good diagnostic reason for having it done.
Bit more than that, it's a giant X Ray machine. Have a look here
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodyct
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You are thinking of MRI scans. These don't involve radiation and are sometimes an even better alternative to a CT scan for back problems (but then again they are even more expensive).
I'm also in agreement with easy's post on this one!
CT (x-rays) is somewhat limitedly useful if MRI is unavailable, in case of accidents - have you had an accident and possibly broken your neck for example, if you can't tolerate MRI - many can't or is MRI simply unsafe for you-example do you have a pacemaker?. It is many years since I CT scanned a patient for any other reason.
Both CT and MRI are expensive tests and are very limited resources with long waiting lists. Many NHS hospitals will no longer accept GP referrals because of this.
AS others have pointed out you need to be asking your GP what is their diagnosis and who can you refer me to (who may require and be able to access these tests) to help me manage my problem
I did however, find the exercises that the physio gave me extremely helpful and have been doing them daily for several years. Maybe you could ask whether a physio referral might be helpful for you?