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. Imaging techniques include plain film radiography, contrast studies, ultrasonography, nuclear radiology, computerized tomography, digital radiography, angiography, interventional techniques and magnetic resonance imaging.
The pediatric radiology section of Radiology & Imaging provides the highest level of pediatric imaging services in the region. In addition to serving the needs of Baystate Medical Center’s Children’s Hospital and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the section provides a variety of outpatient imaging services.
Working Together With Other Physicians
Our pediatric radiologists work closely with other physicians, parents and with the infant, child or adolescent patient. Frequently we discuss different imaging alternatives with your doctors:
- Pediatricians
- Pediatric surgeons
- Pediatric specialists
- Neonatal specialists
If your doctor has a question regarding the suitability of a study, our pediatric radiologists are available to answer any questions.
Common Health Issues and Body Systems
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 are different from adult bodies is critical to this subspecialty.
- Specialist interpretation of pediatric radiographs, ultrasounds and CAT scans is provided by the group on a daily basis
- Routine and emergency pediatric fluoroscopy studies are also performed by trained Pediatric Radiologists
- MRI examinations, including with sedation when necessary are available
- All MRIs are interpreted by specialists in MR imaging
Collaborating With the Patient and Referring 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.
Pediatric Imaging at Radiology & Imaging
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
All of the CAT scans performed are reviewed for need before the study is performed. 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.