A method for providing x-ray dose information is executed at least in part by a computer and includes obtaining two or more technique setup parameters for a pending x-ray examination for a patient, at least one dimensional distance parameter related to the x-ray system, patient information parameters identifying one or more physical characteristics of the patient, and identifying the patient anatomy that is to be exposed. The projected effective dose value are calculated and displayed according to the obtained technique setup, dimensional distance, patient information parameters, and patient anatomy information. A message is displayed to the operator related to disabling the pending x-ray examination according to the calculated projected effective dose value.
