A radiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnostic imaging. They are the individual who reads and interprets the images taken during your imaging test. An interventional radiologist is a radiologist who has undergone additional training to perform minimally invasive procedures to treat certain diseases and other health conditions. They are also trained in diagnostic imaging because they use imaging to precisely guide treatment from inside the body.
In most cases, the technologist is the person who will perform your imaging examination. They will escort you to the imaging suite, issue instructions and communicate with you during the testing process.
You can access your test results online, usually within a few days after you have the test. The hospital or imaging center where you had the test will post the results online.
Your doctor will also be able to access your test results at the same time. However, we caution you to talk to your doctor first before jumping to any conclusions. For example, a cancer diagnosis may seem devastating until you find out that it is a very slow growing cancer… or a highly treatable one. It is always best to speak with your doctor about your test results, because he or she can provide important context and personalized advice to you.
Possibly, depending on the location where you schedule your test. Various facilities offer different types of scheduling and scheduled test reminders. However, it is best to write a note to yourself or add your appointment to your personal schedule.
There are two components to a radiology test performed at a hospital. The technical component includes the fee for the facility, the use of the equipment and the technologist who performs your exam. The professional component is the fee for the professional interpretation of your test charged by RadX Imaging Partners. This is because RadX doctors are neither employed, nor paid directly, by the hospital. Both components are required for every diagnostic imaging test.
In most cases, yes, however there are some tests performed where no doctor’s order is required. For example, in the State of California, a woman can self-refer for a mammogram with no prescription required.
Interventional radiology is a special field within radiology where the doctor performs procedures to treat disease, pain or other health conditions with the assistance of diagnostic imaging like CT or ultrasound. Also known as minimally invasive treatment or therapy, interventional radiology procedures treat a host of health issues that once required more invasive, open surgery.
Each type of diagnostic imaging “modality” is different and so will be your experience with each. Please refer to our expertise section to learn about what you can expect during your test, as well as how to prepare.
Each interventional radiology procedure is different, and the preparation needed for the procedure will vary, as will the time it takes to perform it. You will receive specific instructions prior to your treatment.