What is Pediatric Radiology?
Children are not just little adults. Their health issues, body structures and other characteristics vary greatly from full grown adults. Pediatric radiology is the diagnostic subspecialty that recognizes that fact. It encompasses imaging procedures for the diagnosis of diseases in infants and children. The imaging techniques used include plain film radiography, contrast studies, ultrasonography, nuclear radiology, computerized tomography, digital radiography,angiography, interventional techniques and magnetic resonance imaging.
Imaging helps guide physicians in the diagnosis and management of their patients. At Radiology & Imaging, we specialize in caring for children. We adhere to the ALARA principles (as low as reasonably achievable), participate in the Image Gently® campaign, and reduce or “child-size” the amount of radiation used. Our protocols are specific for the age and size of the child, and are limited to the area of specific medical concern.
What Other Physicians Do Pediatric Radiologists Work With?
Our pediatric radiologists work closely with other physicians, parents and with the infant, child or adolescent patient. Frequently we discuss different imaging alternatives withyour doctors:
- Pediatricians
- Pediatric surgeons
- Pediatric specialists
- Neonatal specialists
If your doctor has a question regarding the suitability of a study, our pediatric radiologists areavailable to answer any questions.
What Health Issues And Body Systems Does This Subspecialty Work On?
Unlike most radiology subspecialties, pediatric radiology focuses on the type of patient rather than the type of medical condition or body area. Working successfully with children and understanding how their bodies different from adults is critical to this subspecialty.
Radiology & Imaging’s team of highly trained pediatric radiologists, nurses and technologists are skilled at obtaining the best images for a timely and accurate diagnosis of a child's condition, while keeping him or her safe and comfortable. Radiology & Imaging achieves this goal by:
- Using imaging equipment specifically designed or adapted for children
- Treating children and their families with respect and compassion
- Involving the child appropriately and putting him or her at ease
- Limiting any radiation exposure to the lowest doses possible
How Does A PediatricRadiologist Work With The Patient’s Personal Physician?
The radiologist’s role varies. The referring or personal physician takes the lead in determining the relationship. At Radiology & Imaging, we prefer to have our radiologists as actively involved as possible.
Our pediatric radiologists have extensive training and experience in reading images of children and adolescents. That high degree of expertise enables them to see and properly identify characteristics in the images that better equip the personal physician to diagnose the condition, treat it and give the infant, child or adolescent the best opportunity for long-term health.
