Dr Helene Pavlov

As a physician I realize that some may think I'm being blasphemous by taking this position but, I wonder, in some cases not all, why we as patients pay so much money for so little time with our physicians.

Wintertime and the hectic holiday season is upon us, bringing long lines and standing around -- carrying way too many packages, carrying things that you know are too heavy or awkward to carry, etc.

National Radiologic Technology Week is celebrated annually to recognize the vital work of Radiologic Technologists across the nation.

An important factor to consider when acquiring medical images is the equipment that is being used. New technology is regularly being developed, tested and launched.

Studies have shown that a relaxed patient helps to achieve success in imaging; a winning experience for both patients and doctors. Think "simplicity" and "utility" in planning and everyone involved benefits.

An incorrectly programmed CT machine going unchecked for 18 months is hard to accept. Patients depend on professional, competent regulatory oversight.

As a specialist who has been practicing musculoskeletal radiology for more than 25 years, I find the recent policy proposal of The National Quality Forum to be somewhat concerning.

Your imaging provider is most likely taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety, but it never hurts to inquire.

Nonradiology specialty training in imaging is extremely varied. Medical schools and nonradiology residency programs provide limited training regarding how to acquire and interpret images accurately.

This is not about quality patient care, convenience or offering the best services available. It is about greed and defensive medicine over medical ethics and reasonableness.

Why, in a time when all we hear is news about the trouble with obesity, are people NOT eating healthy?

Specifically with ultrasound equipment, because it is less expensive, vendors emphasize to potential buyers that, "You're not going to do any damage to the patient; you're not going to be using... radiation."

One of the key reasons health care is exploding is linked to medical imaging. A predominant factor in this explosion is related to non-radiology owned private practices and imaging centers.

Patients should always ask who is performing, reading and interpreting their imaging studies? Collaboration between radiologists and clinicians have the greatest potential for diagnosis and treatment.

A myelogram can help your doctor make a diagnosis or plan the appropriate treatment to help relieve back or leg symptoms.