Many times we go to the doctor and never realize there are physicians working behind the scenes who play a crucial role in our care. Who are these mystery doctors? Radiologists.
They don’t interact with patients as regularly as other specialties, but their care and expertise profoundly affects our care. A significant part of treatment plans are based on a radiologists’ findings.
What is a radiologist and what do they do?
A radiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases using medical imaging (radiology) procedures such as:
• X-Rays
• Computed Tomography (CT Scans)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Nuclear Medicine
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
• Ultrasounds
This variety of imaging procedures allows radiologists to see inside the body to assess or diagnose a patient’s condition. St. Bernards radiologists work in the areas of:
• Breast Imaging (Mammograms)
• Cardiovascular (Heart and Circulatory System)
• Chest (Heart and Lungs)
• Emergency Radiology
• Gastrointestinal (Stomach, Intestines and Abdomen)
• Genitourinary (Reproductive and Urinary Systems)
• Head and Neck
• Musculoskeletal (Muscles and Skeleton)
• Neuroradiology (Brain and Nervous System; Head, Neck and Spine)
The physicians of Associated Radiologists, LTD are proud members of St. Bernards Medical Group. They provide access to routine and advanced imaging procedures ranging from imaging of an acute injury to management of chronic illness. Radiologist’s play an important role in your health by acting as an expert consultant to your referring physician (the doctor who sent you for testing) by choosing the proper exam and directing radiology technologists (those who operate the equipment) in properly performing quality exams. They interpret and report on the resulting images, recommending treatment and, only when appropriate, additional tests.
Through interventional radiology, these physicians offer a variety of minimally invasive medical procedures by using the above imaging techniques. The images are used to guide catheters and instruments to the exact area where the procedure or treatment is performed. Radiologists are often able to biopsy cells that are in hard to reach places for other physician specialties.
Associated Radiologists, LTD and St. Bernards Radiology Department are here and available to assist with all of your imaging needs. Consult with your physician regarding appropriate imaging and screening (mammography and lung cancer screening) studies that may benefit you. Please contact the Healthline at 870.207.7300 for more information or visit https://www.stbernards.info
This blog was written by Dr. Cade Martin, radiologist at Associated Radiologist, LTD.