When a screening or diagnostic test is done, there are three components involved:
- The technology: the MRI or CT scanner, the mammography and/or ultrasound system;
- The technologist: the experienced professional performing the test and capturing the images;
- The radiologist: the medical doctor who will study the images and issue their findings and impression to the ordering medical professional.
The physician’s feedback?
In this case, the person underwent a Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis without the use of a contrast dye. This is a fairly common exam Capitol Imaging Services performs at several of our centers offering this imaging technology. The person is a 69-year-old male with a clinical indication of kidney stones.
The radiologist issuing the report was contacted by the ordering physician for a further discussion of the case. Our radiologist shared that “(The doctor) complimented me on my detailed report.”
Isn’t that what you want from your test?
People as patients should want and expect a detailed, thorough analysis of their test from the imaging provider’s radiologist. Imaging exams are often a crucial part of a physician’s diagnostic process, in order to determine treatment and/or therapies.
Your radiologist plays a key role in your healthcare by:
- Acting as an expert consultant to your referring physician (the doctor who sent you to the radiology department or clinic for testing) by aiding him or her in choosing the proper examination, interpreting the resulting medical images, and using test results to direct your care.
- Treating diseases by means of radiation (radiation oncology) or minimally invasive, image-guided therapeutic intervention (interventional radiology).
- Correlating medical image findings with other examinations and tests.
- Recommending further appropriate examinations or treatments when necessary and conferring with referring physicians.
- Directing radiologic technologists (personnel who operate the equipment) in the proper performance of quality exams.
All of our doctors are board-certified by the American College of Radiology and collectively possess well over a century years of medical experience. As imaging experts, radiologists are an essential part of the medical team.
Radiologists consult with physicians on a daily basis, both to discuss the best imaging test to perform in the care of a given patient, to go over the imaging results or to have a clinical discussion about the best imaging exam to perform that will best benefit the patient. Radiologists can also consult directly with patients. This interaction is often fruitful because it helps the patient see and hear about their test results from the doctor specifically trained to interpret the test.
Click here to learn more about the Capitol Imaging Services radiology team.