Radiology
Posted on: August 20, 2011
Radiology represents the traditional form of medical imaging and includes x-ray, computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiation therapy. Ultrasound is often included within the definition of radiology although sound waves are used to generate images rather than radiation or electromagnetic fields. Latest news for patients concerned about radiology treatments found on this page.
Radiologists are physicians use Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) to read the medical images generated by each of these modalities (types of technology) and report the findings to the doctor who requested the studies.
There are numerous [careers] in diagnostic radiology including radiologist asssistant, radiologist technologist, and radiologic nurse.http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/careers/index.cfm
Consumer Tips for Radiology Patients
Always find out the "out-of-pocket" price first.http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/leslieslist/2010/02/how-to-find-out-the-price-of-a-radiology-test.html There is great variation in pricing for the same services and the add-ons such as "contrasts" add significantly to the bill. The Healthcare Blue Book is a good place to check.http://www.healthcarebluebook.com/page_Default.aspx
Be aware of total radiation dose. Radiology trade group supports this initiative.http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20100225/NEWS/302259940 Australian physician groups are asking health officials to allow more MRI scans rather than subject patients to the radiation of CT scans.http://www.theage.com.au/national/radiation-too-high-in-ct-scans-says-study-20100407-rs6v.html A CT abdominal scan is equivalent to 400 X-rays.http://thehappyhospitalist.blogspot.com/2009/12/ct-scan-radiation-exposure-much-worse.html
Mayo Clinic introduces the FLASH CT scanner
The first US institution to acquire the Siemens Somatron Flash CT scanner which reduces radiation dose up to 90% and fast enough so holding breath no longer necessary.
Your Radiologist Explains Chest X-ray
RadiologyInfo™ (www.RadiologyInfo.org) is a valuable resource that offers easy online access to information on over 100 radiologic exams and treatments such as MRI, CT, x-ray, ultrasound and mammography, as well as interventional radiology and radiation therapy procedures.
Typical Organ Radiation Doses from Various Radiologic Studies
Computed Tomography — An Increasing Source of Radiation Exposure, David J. Brenner, Ph.D., D.Sc., and Eric J. Hall, D.Phil., D.Sc., Volume 357:2277-2284, November 29, 2007, Number 22 of the New England Journal of Medicine
Radiographic Positioning for the iPhone
iRadTech by Scintillate.US is an iPhone application for radiographic technicians.
A Radiologist's Story (by American College of Radiology)
Principles Underlying Modern Medicine: Radiology and Beyond
Dr. Richard Breiman explores the use of advanced medical imaging technology, including 3D virtual reality, to detect and manage disease, perform therapeutic procedures and to teach anatomy. This presentation is part of the course, Basic Principles Underlying Modern Medicine, which mirrors the first block of coursework included in the Essential Core of the UCSF Medical School curriculum. Series: "UCSF Mini Medical School for the Public" [6/2007] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 12248]
Radiology in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics
Several poly clinics had a 1.5T MRI, a 16-slice CT, a digital radiography machine, and an ultrasound machine.http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/web/113619/ct/content/article/113619/1545248?CID=rss&verify=0 Volunteer radiologists and technicians staffed the facility and GE, a platinum global sponsor, provided the equipment.