Actually, REM is exposure.
Rad (or 0.01 Gy) would be dose,
though even if it was given, would
it have been specified as maximum, average,
or minimum?
Rad is indeed dose, measured in ergs per gram of material doing the absorbing. But that is not usable as the different types of radiation impart differing amounts of energy. Hence, what we care about in Humans is rem - Roentgen Equivalent Man.
So, an ignorant public speaks of ‘dose’. And we quibble over something that is beyond most.
The point remains - WHAT was the dose? Or exposure, if you so desire.
If the ‘normal’ exposure or dose (pick your poison) is 10 mR (or mRem) and the patients received 80, I say BIG WHOOP DEE DOO. No harm or foul there.
Without that number the whole exercise is based on the ‘fear factor’.