What does a Radiologist do?

Radiologists are medical doctors who specialize in the performance and interpretation of all types of imaging examinations. There are many different methods of obtaining diagnostic imaging information, and radiologists often serve as consultants to your primary physician to assist him or her in choosing the type of medical imaging examination to best evaluate your problem or condition. Once the appropriate imaging examination has been decided upon, radiologists supervise the process of image acquisition, including ongoing quality assurance. Radiologists then examine the final images, prepare a written interpretation, and transmit this final report to your doctor. In urgent cases, or if an unexpected finding has been made, the radiologist will often speak directly by telephone with your doctor. After your examination has been reviewed and the final report issued, the radiologist sees to it that your imaging study is properly stored for future access. Also, the radiologist is available to point out and discuss the findings of your imaging examination in person with your physician.

What does a Radiologic Technologist do?

Radiologic technologists are professionals trained in the proper performance of medical imaging examinations. Technologists work under the direct supervision of medical doctors. There are areas of specialization within the field, such as MRI, CT scanning, and ultrasonography. Radiologic technologists are responsible for greeting and explaining the procedure to each patient, obtaining the appropriate X-rays or other types of images, and assembling the final filmed images and required historical information necessary for interpretation by the radiologist. Technologists have important roles in maintaining high standards of quality, developing new imaging procedures, and practicing excellent X-ray safety.

Radiologic technologists must be licensed by New York State. Also, most technologists choose to sit for the examination offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists for the designation of Registered Technologist, or R.T. In order to maintain the R.T. designation, each technologist must attend continuing professional education seminars on a regular basis.

Why doesn't my own doctor interpret my imaging examination?

Many primary care physicians and specialists like to review their patients' imaging examinations. However, it is widely recognized that the depth of specialized knowledge required to produce and interpret high quality, advanced imaging examinations is best given over to those physicians who have devoted their professional lives to this important mission. Radiologists are able to offer a unique perspective on each patient's medical condition by virtue of their extensive training and experience.

How can I determine quality in a Radiology practicioner?

There are several benchmarks to assess the training and credentials of any Radiologist :

• Every Radiologist must graduate from an accredited medical or osteopathic medical school and then pass rigorous national examinations covering the entire field of medicine.
• The future radiologist must complete a full year internship in a recognized clinical field, such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, or Pediatrics.
• He or she must train for four years in a Diagnostic Radiology residency. During this time, each resident receives detailed training and practical experience in all types of radiological procedures.
• Each Radiologist who passes rigorous written and oral examinations becomes what is termed a Diplomate of the American Board of Radiology. This means that such a physician has been fully certified in Diagnostic Radiology by the appropriate specialty board.
• Some radiologists choose to obtain further, more specialized training in a particular type of imaging, such as neuroradiology (diseases of the brain and spine) or abdominal imaging. The American Board of Radiology offers these subspecialists an additional competitive examination to prove special competence in their particular area of expertise, the Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ). This Certificate of Added Qualifications represents the pinnacle of official Board recognition of skill and knowledge.

Like other physicians, Radiologists must hold a license to practice medicine in the state in which he or she practices.

Other measures of quality include:

• Membership in subspecialty societies
• Successful completion of voluntary practice accreditation programs sponsored by the American College of Radiology
• Regular participation in Continuing Medical Education courses
• Leadership roles on hospital medical staffs and managed care committees
• Contribution of original articles to the radiological scientific literature

Last, but certainly not least, the reputation that each radiologist or group of radiologists holds among other members of the physician community is an important quality indicator. Past experiences of one's family or friends with a particular radiology provider provides useful guidance as well.

 

What quality standards are in place at Clifton Park Advanced Imaging?

Clifton Park Advanced Imaging strives to adhere to the highest standards of practice. Our commitment to quality is evidenced by:

• Our Radiologists have trained at top medical schools and residencies, including:
  • Harvard University
  • Yale-New Haven Hospital
  • Columbia University
  • Cornell-New York Hospital
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Duke University School of Medicine
  • The Cleveland Clinic
• 100% of our Radiologists are fully certified by the American Board of Radiology
• 100% of our Radiologic Technologists have achieved the status of Registered Technologist
• Our neuroradiologists, Dr. Robert Rapoport, Dr. Steven Smith, and Dr. Nick Petitti, hold the Certificate of Added Qualifications in Neuroradiology offered by the American Board of Radiology. Drs. Rapoport, Smith, and Petitti are also Senior Members of the American Society of Neuroradiology. Membership is this society is available, by invitation only, to those radiologists who have completed a full two year fellowship in neuroradiology.
• Our MRI service has received a full three year certification under the auspices of the American College of Radiology MRI Accreditation Program, valid through 10/30/2006. This rigorous process tests the entire MRI program, including the scanner itself, image acquisition protocols, competence of the MR technologists, and qualifications of the interpreting Radiologists.
• Our equipment selection, installation, and maintenance programs are conducted under the most meticulous internal scrutiny. Ongoing quality assurance monitoring at Clifton Park Advanced Imaging exceeds New York State and manufacturer warranty requirements.
• We obtain regular feedback from referring doctors and our patients to improve our service in any way possible.