Who are radiologists, and what do they do?
Medical doctors who use specialized imaging techniques (radiology) to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases are known as radiologists. These specialists deeply understand the human body's internal structures (anatomy) and the disorders affecting them (pathology). Using this knowledge, radiologists assist specialists in all other medical fields in accurately diagnosing a patient's condition and implementing the perfect treatment strategy.
Standard imaging techniques that radiologists commonly use include X-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasound, angiography, PET (positron emission tomography) scans, nuclear medicine, and fusion imaging. They evaluate images obtained through these scans and provide detailed diagnostic reports, helping other specialists better understand their patients' conditions.
Training and education
Becoming a licensed radiologist in the U.S. begins with a four-year undergraduate degree. Following the undergraduate program, students must clear the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) to gain admission to an accredited medical school. Obtaining a medical degree takes another four years to complete. After this, doctors pursuing radiology must finish four years of residency focusing on radiology. Several radiologists also complete fellowships in subspecialties in radiology, which takes another 1 to 2 years to complete. The American Board of Radiology is the authority in the U.S. that provides board certification to radiologists once they clear the certification exam.
Types of radiologists
Depending on the type of practice and field they specialize in, radiologists in the U.S. may practice as diagnostic radiologists, interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, veterinary radiologists, or dental radiologists.
Diagnostic radiologists use imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI scans to accurately analyze a patient's condition. They also play a significant role in helping other referring physicians determine which imaging study is needed to diagnose a specific disease in a patient. Though technicians carry out these scans, radiologists interpret the results later.
Many diagnostic radiologists in the U.S. further specialize and focus their practice on various parts of the body, such as the heart (cardiovascular radiologist), lungs (chest radiologist), stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal radiologist), muscles and skeleton (musculoskeletal radiologist), brain and spine radiologist, breasts (breast radiologist), reproductive and urinary organs (genitourinary radiologist), etc.
Interventional radiologists specialize in treating patients using minimally invasive techniques, assisted by X-rays and MRI scans. They regularly manage heart diseases, cancers, strokes, and uterine fibroids with radiological interventions. In minimally invasive procedures, radiologists make tiny incisions to directly treat the target area, reducing pain, risks, recovery time, and the need for further surgeries. Additionally, interventional radiologists in the U.S. may practice vascular or non-vascular interventions.
Radiation oncologists train extensively in diagnosing and treating various types of cancers. While using the same imaging techniques, they additionally use radiation therapy to stop cancerous tissue growth in the body. They are critical to a team of oncologists to provide holistic patient care. They are also skilled in managing any radiation-induced side effects.
How are radiologic technologists different from radiologists?
Although radiologists and radiologic technologists are similar healthcare professions, the two have distinct differences. Learning the differences between the two can help you choose the right healthcare provider according to your specific needs.
Radiologists are licensed medical doctors with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree who can interpret and read medical imaging scans, compare findings, and treat certain diseases using radiation therapy or imaging-guided procedures. They are trained to interpret imaging tests, compare medical image findings with other tests, discuss them with other medical specialists, and monitor a patient's progress throughout treatment.
On the other hand, radiologic technologists cannot diagnose a patient, interpret test results, or prescribe medicine. Also known as radiographers, these healthcare professionals work closely with radiologists in a clinical or hospital setting but are limited to operating imaging or radiation equipment. They interact directly with patients and ensure they feel comfortable during a procedure. Radiologists often supervise radiologic technicians and other radiology staff to perform imaging procedures and tests.
Radiologic technologists are not medical doctors (MDs or DOs). However, they receive extensive training to accurately and safely perform diagnostic imaging tests and administer radiation therapy. They begin their career after completing a 2-year associate's degree in radiologic technology and passing a national certification examination conducted by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. By undergoing additional training, they can also specialize in specific techniques.
Radiologic technologists who practice general radiology perform standard imaging tests like MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds. Others may specialize in tests like Bone densitometry, including DEXA scans, cardiac or vascular interventional radiography, fluoroscopy, mammography, nuclear medicine, and positron emission tomography (PET). The general duties of a radiologic technologist include explaining the imaging procedure to patients and answering any questions patients may have during the procedure, helping patients position themselves correctly to get high-quality images, adjusting equipment settings, working with radiologists to evaluate the images, and determining if more are required.
A radiologist technologist who works in radiation oncology is also known as a "radiation therapist." This radiologic technologist collaborates closely with oncologists (specializing in diagnosing and treating cancer) and dosimetrists, who are providers responsible for calculating and customizing radiation doses for cancer patients. Radiation therapists discuss and explain the radiation therapy procedure with patients, operate machines like a linear accelerator (make sure it's functioning correctly), administer pre-measured doses of radiation required for a patient, monitor the body's reaction to the treatment, and keep records ready for the patient's attending oncologist.
Some common procedures an interventional radiologist performs
When seeking effective treatment, it's essential to explore options beyond medication. Specialists in interventional radiology perform specific procedures that are less invasive yet highly precise. These procedures are pivotal in diagnosing and treating various conditions. Here are some commonly performed ones:
- Image-guided biopsies: These procedures investigate lumps or masses in different body parts, such as lymph nodes, lungs, kidneys, and liver. Interventional radiologists use advanced imaging techniques to conduct these biopsies with minimal invasion, often requiring only light sedation and taking about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty: These procedures help with back pain from broken bones in the spine. Doctors use a special cement to fix the bones. They do this while watching real-time X-rays to make sure everything goes in the right place.
- Nephrostomy placement: When blockages hinder kidney function, nephrostomy placement becomes necessary. This procedure, performed under the guidance of a urologist, helps alleviate urine buildup and prevent complications like kidney swelling. Interventional radiologists strategically place catheters to restore normal urine flow and maintain kidney health.
- Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a less invasive way to treat lumps in the uterus called fibroids. Doctors use special tools to block the blood flow to the fibroids, which shrinks them and helps with symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) interventions: To address the risk of life-threatening blood clots traveling to the lungs, interventional radiologists insert small filters into the veins. These filters intercept clots, preventing them from causing harm.
- Endovenous ablation for varicose veins: Varicose veins and swollen surface veins in the legs can cause pain, tiredness, skin changes, and ulcers. Endovenous ablation is a treatment that closes these swollen veins just under the skin, redirecting blood flow into deeper leg veins and back toward the heart. This procedure usually takes about an hour and only needs a local anesthetic.
Reasons to seek the help of a radiologist near you
Visiting a radiologist offers numerous benefits for various medical conditions. Here are some common reasons to visit a radiologist:
- Bone fractures: If you suspect you've broken a bone due to a fall or sports injury, the first step is to consult a radiologist. While you might already feel the pain, an X-ray is crucial to confirm the fracture and assess its type. By obtaining a full image of the break, your doctor can determine the appropriate treatment, such as casting or surgery, to facilitate healing.
- Pregnancy ultrasounds: For expecting mothers, regular ultrasounds play a pivotal role in monitoring the baby's development inside the uterus. These sonograms provide a visual insight into the baby's health, and some ultrasounds, known as Doppler ultrasounds, even allow both the mother and doctor to hear the baby's heartbeat during the appointment. With the help of a radiologist, mothers can ensure a smooth and healthy pregnancy journey.
- Cancer screenings: Routine cancer screenings are essential, particularly as individuals age. Women, for instance, are recommended to undergo regular mammograms starting at 40. A doctor may suggest CT or MRI scans to detect tumors or abnormalities in organs and soft tissues if cancer symptoms arise. The cross-sectional view provided by these scans enables board-certified doctors to design a personalized treatment plan for effective management.
- Post-trauma evaluation: After a car accident or any traumatic incident, seeking immediate radiological assessment is crucial. X-rays can quickly identify fractures or broken bones, while MRI or CT scans detect potential internal injuries and bleeding. Addressing internal complications is vital to prevent life-threatening consequences; hence, making a timely radiologist consultation is paramount.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Individuals experiencing digestive discomfort, irregular bowel movements, or suspected gastrointestinal conditions should seek diagnostic testing with a radiologist. Advanced techniques like MRI and CT scans can reveal signs of conditions like IBS or other gastrointestinal problems, leading to a proper diagnosis. With this information, your doctor can create a tailored treatment plan encompassing lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, and medications as needed.
- Before complex procedures and minimally invasive surgeries: A radiologist's expertise can be invaluable for individuals requiring complex surgeries. Their assistance is critical in minimally invasive surgeries involving only a few small incisions. By providing real-time imaging during the procedure, the radiologist enhances the doctor's visualization of the treatment area, ensuring a successful and seamless operation.
Finding the best radiologist near you in New York, NY
Radiologists are needed in almost all conditions, whether for an accurate diagnosis or treatment, and finding the perfect one for your problem can be tricky. With the help of Zocdoc, you can easily find a radiology specialist. Use the Zocdoc application to locate and filter specialists according to your requirements. Customize your search based on your condition, current location, zip code, preferred date and time for an appointment, and medical insurance policy. Once you fill in your details in the search boxes, Zocdoc will display practitioner profiles that perfectly match your needs.
To help you better understand your doctor, Zocdoc includes a profile for each provider listed on the website. You can access important information here, such as their experience, specialty, gender, languages they speak, any specific age group of patients they treat, and places, days, and times they are available for consultation.
Diagnostic and treatment imaging is costly, so having medical insurance to cover a huge part of the expenses helps the patients financially. Zocdoc can help you here, too. By selecting your current medical insurance plan and policy from the drop-down menu on Zocdoc, you can instantly determine which radiologists are in-network and will accept your insurance. If you have multiple insurance plans (for medical, dental, or vision), you can add all of them to your Zocdoc account. You can mention your secondary carrier and plan for your selected provider in your notes during the last step of the booking process. If your provider uses Zocdoc's intake forms, you can add secondary insurance while filling out forms online. However, you must note that you can book an appointment with only one insurance plan at a time. For more insurance-related information, you can access Zocdoc's patient health center.
Once you have found the best radiologist near you in New York, use the Zocdoc application to book an in-person or an online appointment with just a few clicks.
All bookings on Zocdoc are fast, free, and secure!
Radiology statistics in New York, New York
In May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that approximately 1,770 licensed radiologists were practicing legally in New York. The location quotient for the state was almost 0.98, slightly lower than the average number for the U.S. The location quotient is the number of radiologists in New York versus the number in the whole of the U.S. Any location quotient less than 1 indicates lower-than-average employment in the state compared to the rest of the country.
Another U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report stated that in May 2022, 80 licensed radiologists were practicing in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls metropolitan region in New York. The statistical area was one of the top-paying urban regions in the U.S. However, even here, the location quotient (0.74) was lower than the national average.
According to an analysis by the National Center for Health Statistics published on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, some of the leading causes of death in New York in 2017 were heart diseases, cancers, and strokes. The reason for the highest number of fatalities was heart disease (around 44,092). The state's second-highest cause of death was cancer, which was responsible for almost 34,956 deaths. In the fifth position was a stroke, which led to the deaths of over 6,264 people. All these conditions can be diagnosed and treated by radiologists promptly with the help of various techniques.
Sources
Radiopaedia
American College of Radiology
Medical News Today
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
EMU Health
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[1]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[2]
Penn Medicine
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Cleveland Clinic[3]
Herzing University
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