How to Find a Good Radiological Consultant
A radiological consultant is the specialist obtaining and preparing your imaging tests results,. They use x-rays, radioactive substances, sound waves and the body's natural magnetism to obtain images of the various parts of your body and diagnose the disease you are suffering from. However, if you want to get the most out of your visit, you need to know a little about how to find a good radiological or radiology consultant (a radiologist). Here are a few pointers that can help you.
What is a radiological consultant?
A radiologist is basically a physician who is an expert in obtaining and interpreting imaging tests results. They graduate from an accredited medical school and have a MD degree. Passing a licensing examination, about a year of internship, and a minimum of four years education in radiology is what it takes to become an imaging expert. They can also sub-specialize in one or more areas of radiology and are usually certified by the respective radiology boards in their country. Carrying out imaging tests such as radiographs, CAT scans, MRIs, fluoroscopy, and ultrasounds and treating diseases or performing image-guided surgery are all part of the radiologists' job.
How to find a good radiological consultant?
Although any physician who specializes in radiology can perform most of the imaging tests, there are some radiologists specialize in one or more of the radiology subspecialties. These subspecialties include:
- Breast imaging
- Cardiovascular Radiology (heart and blood vessels)
- Chest Radiology (heart and lungs)
- Emergency Radiology (trauma and non-traumatic emergency conditions)
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Radiology (gastrointestinal, digestive tract, and abdomen)
- Genitourinary Radiology (reproductive and urinary tracts)
- Head and Neck Radiology
- Musculoskeletal Radiology (muscles and the skeleton)
- Neuroradiology (brain and nerves, head, neck, and spine)
- Pediatric Radiology (diseases of children)
- Interventional Radiology (includes minimally invasive interventional techniques such as angiography)
- Nuclear Radiology (involves the imaging, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with trace doses of radioactive material)
- Radiation Oncology (treatment of cancer)
Once you have chosen the subspecialty, you can find a specialist by asking your general physician or your friends and acquaintances for a referral. Business directories, medical websites, and online directories can also help you find a good radiological consultant.
What should you take to your first visit to the radiological consultant?
Here are a few things you may need for your first visit:
- Your medical insurance details and referral number
- Blood and urine lab test reports
- A list of medications or supplements that you are currently taking
- A detailed record of your symptoms
- If you are allergic to any foods or medications or if you are pregnant or lactating, inform the consultant
- Anything else that you think may help in the diagnosis and treatment of your problem such as previous x-rays, and details of surgery that might have included implants and reconstructions (hip replacements, for example).
What questions should you ask the radiological consultant?
Since a radiologist is a specialist in imaging techniques, he/she would recommend certain imaging tests or procedures. Here are a few questions that you should ask your imaging consultant:
- What are the diagnostic imaging techniques that he/she would suggest?
- If the X-ray consultant is planning on using a radiograph or CT scan, what are the risks involved, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Is the radiologist planning on using MRI? If yes, what are the risks involved?
- How should you prepare for your x-ray examination or MRI?
- If you think you may feel claustrophobic in an MRI unit, can a friend or family member can stay with you during the examination?
- Sometimes, to improve the images, contrast materials are used, for example a barium meal. Will the radiological consultant be using it? Can there be any side effects or allergies?
- If you are going for radiation treatment, how often will the procedure be done? What are the possible side effects? Will there be imaging scans during the treatments?
A good radiological consultant makes you feel comfortable and relaxed during the examination or treatment. If the radiologist is experienced and comes with good recommendations, you can rest assured that the correct diagnosis and treatment will be suggested for your specific problem.