Radiologists

What Is A Radiologist?

Radiologists are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who have completed a four year residency in either diagnostic radiology or radiation oncology. A radiologist may act as a consultant to another physician who is caring for the patient, or act as the patient’s primary physician in treating a disease (such as a radiation oncologist).

Following the residency, most radiologists and radiation oncologists become board-certified by the American Board of Radiology (for a medical doctor) or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (for an osteopathic doctor). Some go directly into practice, while others enter fellowship programs for additional training in a specialized area, such as the following:

  • neuroradiology - diagnostic radiology that focuses on the central nervous system, head, and neck.
  • pediatric radiology - diagnostic radiology that focuses on the unique techniques used to create images of children’s bodies, their organs, and internal structures.
  • breast imaging - diagnostic radiology that focuses on teh diagnosis of breast diseases.
  • cardiovascular radiology - diagnostic radiology that focuses on the diagnosis of diseases of the heart and blood vessels (including the arteries, veins, and lymphatics).
  • chest radiology - diagnostic radiology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the chest, specifically the heart and lungs.
  • gastrointestinal radiology - diagnostic radiology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or digestive tract.
  • genitourinary radiology - diagnostic radiology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the organs of the reproductive and urinary tracts.
  • musculoskeletal radiology - diagnostic radiology that focuses on the diseases of the muscles and skeleton.
  • emergency radiology - diagnostic radiology that focuses diagnosis of trauma and non-traumatic emergency conditions.
  • interventional radiology - a subspecialty of radiology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of patients utilizing minimally invasive interventional techniques. These include imaging and treatment of blood vessels (such as angiography), biopsy procedures, line and tube placement, and fluid abscess drainage.
  • nuclear radiology - a subspecialty of radiology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with trace doses of radioactive material.
  • radiation oncology - a subspecialty of radiology that focuses on the treatment of cancer with radiation.

As a result of increasing knowledge and levels of technology in the field, radiology has become highly specialized, as have most other medical and surgical specialties. The current trend is for radiologists to become specialized in a particular discipline, such as cardiology (the study and treatment of the heart) or neurology (the study and treatment of the brain and nervous system).

Board-certified radiologists must adhere to the Practice Standards of the American College of Radiology.

» Go to: American College of Radiology (www.acr.org)

Who performs the diagnostic imaging?

Diagnostic imaging can be performed by the following professionals:

  • radiologist
  • specialized physician, who can perform basic imaging functions such as x-rays or ultrasounds. An example is an obstetrician who performs a routine ultrasound on a pregnant woman.
  • radiologic technologists, who are specially trained to perform specific imaging techniques and are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, or another registry. Radiologic technologists work under the direction and supervision of the radiologist.

Where is diagnostic imaging done?

Diagnostic imaging can be performed in a number of settings, including the following:

  • hospital-based radiology departments
  • freestanding outpatient centers
  • specialized centers (i.e., urology or sports medicine centers)

Our Radiology Specialists

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Scheduling

To schedule an appointment, please contact us at a location that’s convenient for you. We accept most insurances including Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare. We also accept cash and credit card payment.

Memorial Hospital Central
1400 E Boulder St
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Scheduling: 719-365-5240
» Map & directions

Memorial Hospital North
4050 Briargate Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Scheduling: 719-365-5240
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Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group
1625 Medical Center Point, Ste. 150
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Scheduling: 719-867-7315
» Map & directions

Prowers Medical Center
401 Kendall Dr.
Lamar, CO 81052
Scheduling: 719-336-6762
» Map & directions

San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center
601 Blanca Ave.
Alamosa, CO 81101
719-587-1231
» Map & directions

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