Chicago ? Imagine sitting in a dark room all day, evaluating CT scans and other medical images on a computer screen but never actually seeing real patients. That’s life for many radiologists.

But an intriguing Israeli study found adding photos of patients’ faces to the file made these doctors more meticulous when looking at the X-rays. They reported more details and said they felt more empathy for patients who were otherwise strangers.

Adding patients’ photos is a simple, low-tech way to reap rewards for both doctors and their patients, the researchers concluded.

Several experts not involved in the study agreed, although Dr. James Thrall, chairman of the American College of Radiology’s board of chancellors, said making it common practice in the United States could be problematic because of privacy laws.

Also, the benefits of including photos might disappear when the novelty of the practice wore off, Thrall said.