Safety Culture and Teamwork in Interventional Radiology The practice of interventional radiology (IR) is distinct from that of diagnostic radiology (DR) in that IR is able to treat patients with a wide variety of vascular and nonvascular disorders. Inherent in…
Evolution of Computed Tomography Technology Computed tomography (CT) plays a major role in the practice of medicine. CT was invented by the British scientist Sir Godfrey Hounsfield in 1972 at Electric and Musical Industries research laboratories. Since its invention, CT…
Introduction Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used in the diagnosis of patients with many conditions, and while the interpretive skills necessary to appropriately interpret the MRI images are complex, so too are the noninterpretive skills. Many of these issues come…
Bioeffects of Ultrasound The benefit of diagnostic ultrasound as an imaging modality in clinical practice cannot be overstated. Avoiding the radiation of radiography and computed tomography and the restrictive nature of magnetic resonance imaging coupled with the portability of ultrasound…
Introduction Widespread use of medical imaging has led to a significant increase in the use of radiologic contrast media (CM). Half of the estimated 78 million computed tomography (CT) examinations and 37 million magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations performed annually…
Introduction Radiation risks are of concern in pregnant patients due to the potential of harmful effects on the fetus. However, due to referring physician concerns about maternal health, some exams using ionizing radiation have to be performed in pregnant patients.…
Introduction The practice of medicine frequently requires that physicians make critical diagnostic and treatment decisions with incomplete information, working in a background of high uncertainty. The specialty of diagnostic radiology is not exempt from this reality. Although people in other…
Informatics is the science and practice of computer information systems. Imaging informatics encompasses the use of information technology to deliver efficient, accurate, and reliable medical imaging services within a healthcare network. Its imprint is felt in every step of the…
Dominant Payers in American Healthcare Most healthcare costs, roughly 72% by current estimates, are paid by third-party payers. Insured patients still have out-of-pocket expenses, for example, to meet copayments and deductibles, depending on the actuarial value of their plan. Approximately…
Introduction It is indeed human to err, yet unrealistic expectations for perfection persist throughout the practice of medicine. For radiology, the challenge has increased substantially in recent years due to rapidly advancing imaging technologies, increasing volumes of studies, each with…