Many people think that the person who performs their diagnostic imaging procedure is a radiologist, but that is not true. They are radiographers or technicians.
A radiologist is a medical doctor who receives advanced education and training in diagnosing and treating medical conditions and injuries using medical imaging tools and equipment. Radiologists complete at least 13 years of education and training and may receive certificationfrom the American Board of Radiology.
Let’s talk about the education and training of radiologists, why you should choose a board-certified radiologist, and when you can find the best radiologist in the Bronx.
Education and Training of Radiologists
To become a radiologist, one must complete at least 13 years of education and training. A radiologist completes medical school and receives four years of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
After completing four years of medical school, radiologists complete four years of residency training.Following residency, a radiologist passes the certification exam by the American Board of Radiology and becomes board certified.
Some radiologists go directly into practice, while others complete an addition alone to two years of fellowship training in any specialized field of radiology. Specialized areas of radiology in which a radiologist can specialize are as follows:
- Pediatric radiology – This is a subspecialty of diagnostic radiology that focuses on creating detailed images of the bodies, organs, and internal structures of children.
- Neuroradiology – This subspeciality of diagnostic radiology focuses on taking images of the central nervous system, head, neck, and spine.
- Cardiovascular radiology – This subspecialty is focused on diagnosing diseases and conditions of blood vessels and heart.
- Chest radiology – This is a form of diagnostic radiology that focuses on providing the patient with the diagnosis and treatment of chest organs, especially the heart and lungs.
- Gastrointestinal radiology – Gastrointestinal radiology focuses on taking images of the digestive tract.
- Musculoskeletal radiology – This is another form of diagnostic radiology that focuses on diagnosing diseases and injuries of muscles and the skeleton.
- Genitourinary radiology – This form of diagnostic radiology focuses on creating detailed pictures of the reproductive and urinary tract organs.
- Emergency radiology – Emergency radiology is another form of diagnostic radiology that focuses on diagnosing trauma and non-traumatic emergency conditions.
- Interventional radiology – This is a branch of radiology that uses imaging techniques to help guide procedures. This focuses on diagnosing and treating patients using minimally invasive interventional techniques.Cancers or tumors, back pain, liver and kidney issues, uterine fibrosis, and blood vessel blockages are examples of conditions that an interventional radiologist can treat.
- Nuclear radiology– This branch of radiology is focused on providing diagnosis and treatment with tiny doses of radioactive material. A nuclear medicine radiologist utilizes a safe amount of radioactive material to treat cancer and some non-cancerous conditions.
Typically, radiologists use advanced equipment and innovative techniques to take medical images. The different types of equipment that radiologists regularly use are as follows:
Digital X-ray
As the most common diagnostic imaging tool, X-rays are used to identify a wide range of health conditions, including bone fractures and tumors. Digital X-ray is a more advanced and efficient form of radiography that uses X-ray-sensitive plates to capture the data from the patients during an examination. The plates transfer the data immediately to the computer system, which produces detailed and high-quality images of the body.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
This radiation-free diagnostic study uses radio waves and a powerful magnet to produce high-quality, detailed images of the body’s internal structures, including the spine, brain, and soft tissues of joints.
Computed Tomography
This painless and safe procedure uses multiple X-ray machines to take pictures from different angles to create a detailed cross-sectional image of the internal organs and tissues of the body.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses safe and harmless sound waves that travel through the body structure and produce a detailed picture of organs and tissues. Ultrasound is most commonly used in pregnancy to monitor fetal health and development and detect any complications early.
DEXA Bone Density Scan
This bone density scan uses a very low dose of ionizing radiation to detect osteoporosis and other bone-related problems. Osteoporosis is a health problem that is more common in older adults and post-menopausal women. In osteoporosis, your bones lose their density and become porous.
Benefits of Seeing Board-Certified Radiologist
Seeing a board-certified radiologist ensures that you will receive high-quality radiology care from a highly trained and knowledgeable professional who specializes in medical imaging.
Board certification of radiologists indicates that the radiologist has completed the necessary training, education, and examination to demonstrate their proficiency in the field of radiology. They are expected to engage in ongoing education and professional development to keep up with the latest advancements in the field of medical imaging.
Furthermore, when you see a board-certified radiologist who has also specialized in a specific specialty of radiology, it allows you to benefit from the radiologist’s focused understanding of specific conditions or imaging techniques that you might need for your health concern.
A board-certified radiologist adheres to the guidelines and regulations set by the American Board of Radiology, giving you peace of mind that you will receive reliable and accurate interpretations of your imaging test.
A board-certified radiologist practices in an ACR (American College of Radiology) accredited medical imaging center. ACR accreditation ensures that the imaging tools and equipment available at the imaging facility are regularly surveyed by qualified medical professionals to ensure that they are functioning properly. ACR accreditation also ensures that the tests that the radiographer or technician is administering are also safe and certified.
When You Should See a Board-Certified Radiologist
There are numerous reasons to see a radiologist. The most common or as follows.:
For Diagnosis of Injuries and Conditions
Diagnostic imaging tests are one of the most popular tests to diagnose the underlying cause of uncomfortable symptoms or to detect an injury. When you see your primary care provider or other doctors with certain symptoms, and they suspect that your symptoms are due to an illness or disease, they refer you to a radiology clinic.
Based on your age, symptoms, risk factors, and overall health, your radiologist will recommend you one or more diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs. It is pertinent to mention here that your doctor can also prescribe you a particular imaging test.
Your radiologist will schedule the test and provide you with the necessary information that you may need to prepare for the test. Once your diagnostic imaging test is done, the results are sent to your radiologist. With in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, your radiologist will interpret the test result and accurately identify any abnormalities and injuries. They are skilled in writing reports of the results and diagnosis and effectively communicating those to your primary care provider or other healthcare professionals.
Additionally, they may also help determine the extent of injury or condition, pinpoint any potential complications, and assist your doctor in developing the most suitable treatment plan tailored to your needs.
For Health Screening
Besides diagnosing injuries and conditions, preventive health screening is another good reason to see a radiologist. Preventative health screening test uses imaging technology to identify diseases in the patient early before they start causing symptoms. Common preventive health screening tests that a radiologist can offer and interpret include mammograms, DEXA bone scans, and ultrasounds.
Radiologist in Bronx NY
Whether you want preventative health screening tests or a diagnosis of your injury or other health condition, it’s wise to get your reports interpreted by our board-certified radiologist. A board-certified radiologist thoroughly evaluates to determine if a particular imaging technology is suitable and safe for you.
At Starling Diagnostics, we have board-certified radiologists, radiographers, and other staff who use state-of-the-art equipment and imaging tools to help our primary care doctor accurately diagnose and treat various health conditions. Our friendly team of professionals is proud to serve the Parkchester community by offering the latest in medical imaging, including 3D mammograms, 3T MRIs, digital X-rays, and DEXA bone scans. Our radiographers and other staff will ensure you are well prepared for your scan and comfortable during your scan.
In addition to diagnostic imaging services,we also offer high-quality primary care services, preventive health care services, school physicals, women’s health services, and much more,
If you have any questions about our radiology services or would like to make a one-on-one consultation with one of our radiologists or primary care providers, contact us today at (718) 319-1610 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form.
