All imaging studies performed at HSS are interpreted by board certified radiologists with subspecialty experience in the manifestations of orthopedic and rheumatic conditions. Board certification in radiology requires years of training beyond medical school, internship and residency, and satisfaction of both written and oral examinations. Certification by the American Board of Radiology assures quality care, expertise in quality image acquisition and safe use of ionizing radiation and magnetic resonance.
Official interpretation by an experienced radiologist enables subtle X-ray findings (e.g., infections, systematic diseases, tumors, fracture, etc.) to be detected early, before an abnormality has progressed and is more obvious and easier to recognize on imaging. A delay in accurate diagnosis considerably affects treatment and ultimate patient outcome adding to patient discomfort and inconvenience as well as increased medical costs.
Quality of care is a top priority at HSS. In order to assure quality of care and patient protection, The Joint Commission (TJC) requires an official interpretation and an authenticated report by a radiologist for all imaging procedures and examinations preformed in an accredited hospital. HSS is an accredited hospital and official interpretation of imaging studies at HSS are by a board certified radiologist with subspecialty training. HSS-acquired images and the reports are maintained in the Hospital's medical records.
When the interpretation of an imaging examination is performed after treatment, it might seem unnecessary and the bill for the official interpretation redundant and unwarranted. However, the independent review by a physician specially trained in image acquisition and interpretation is in the best interest of our patients.
The Board of Trustees, the administration, and the physicians of HSS are concerned with the delivery of excellent quality patient care and also with the escalation of medical costs. Cost containment is every physician's responsibility while assuring that cost-containing restrictions do not jeopardize a person's health, well-being or access to quality care. The radiologists and the staff of the Department of Radiology and Imaging take pride in reviewing orders for imaging examinations in order to eliminate unnecessary examinations and to prevent duplication and redundancy.
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