Radiology is the medical specialty directing medical imaging technologies to diagnose and sometimes treat diseases. Radiologist are medical doctors (MD's) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who specialize in diagnosing diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques, such as X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound.

Radiologist graduate from accredited medical schools, pass a licensing examination, and then go on to complete a residency of at least four years of unique post-graduate education in medicine. These physicians often complete fellowships of one to two years of specialized training in a particular area of radiology, such as breast imaging, cardiovascular radiology or nuclear medicine.

Radiology physicians are board certified by the American Board of Radiology (for a doctor of medicine) American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (for an osteopathic doctor); an indication of a high level of training demonstrated excellence in the field.

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Radiology Imaging Services Definitions

Ultrasound - Uses high sonic waves to visualize internal organs, vascular structures and masses often that can not be detected on conventional x-ray. It most often used in obstetrics fetal size and growth while in the womb.

Nuclear Medicine - Is a painless procedure used to diagnose diseases of the thyroid, bone, lung, liver, gallbladder and heart. A very small radioactive dose is either injected or swallowed, which then travels to the intended area in question. A special camera called a gamma camera records the activity of radioactive dose in the form of an image.

Computed Tomography (CT) - Utilizes a series of multiple x-rays taken at a fast rate of speed to produce several images of a particular area and reconstructing them as axial images of the internal organs and bones. The process is similar to taking a loaf of bread and slicing it in multiple slices. Patients are often required to drink a barium solution and an injection of no-ionic contrast often referred to as dye to help visualize internal organs and abnormalities in greater detail.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - is a non-invasive procedure, and there are no known side effects. The procedure is painless; in fact you won't see of feel anything. A faint knocking sound will be heard which i simply the imaging process in operation. MRI utilizes the properties of magnetic fields, radio waves, and computers to generate images of the soft tissues within the body. It is commonly used as a primary diagnostic tool. It can help provide a more accurate diagnosis for the referring physician which in some situations can reduce the need for exploratory surgery and other high risk procedures.

Mammography - is a low dose form of x-ray and is one of the most accurate tests for detecting breast cancer. It can detect cancers before the tumors can be felt by hand and is an instrumental weapon in the fight against breast cancer.

Routine Diagnostic Imaging (Diagnostic Radiology X-Ray) is the main tool used to visualize bony structures within the body such as fractures, some soft tissue abnormalities and foreign materials. It also gives the physician a quick way to determine if more advanced imaging procedures like MRI, Nuclear Medicine, CT, or Ultrasound may be needed to accurately diagnose the problem.