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Neuroradiology: Who's reading your scans?

It’s a difference that matters

The person reading your scans and X-rays, and performing your image guided procedures contributes significantly to the quality of care you receive.

At Hoag Hospital and its affiliated imaging centers, highly skilled radiologists with advanced training and expertise are the only ones reading our patients’ imaging studies.

The expertise, technological resources, accountability and connectivity of Hoag-affiliated radiologists is what sets them apart from other radiologists, or non-radiologist interpreters at other imaging centers and medical offices in the community. And these are all differences that make a significant impact in the level of care a patient receives.

Experts in the Field

Radiologists are physicians. As such, they are required to complete residency training programs and pass rigorous national board examinations.

The radiologists at Hoag Hospital and its affiliated outpatient imaging centers take their training a step further. Hoag neuroradiologists, for instance, spend years training in the sub-specialization of neuroradiology or interventional neuroradiology, acquiring further expertise in minimally invasive treatment techniques utilizing image guidance.

This extensive specialty training and board-certification is a key point that sets Hoag-affiliated radiologists apart from other radiologists in many outpatient imaging centers within our community.

“The radiologists at Hoag Hospital and its affiliated outpatient imaging centers are carefully selected for their experience and training in diagnostic imaging and image-guided interventions,” explains Michael Brant-Zawadzki, M.D., medical director of radiology at Hoag. “Most have sub-specialization in specific areas of the body, or are experts in a specific imaging technique.”

So instead of having radiologists who read everything – all x-rays, mammograms, CTs, ultrasounds, etc., Hoag Hospital and its affiliated imaging centers have specialized radiologists and interventionalists, including four sub-specialized neuroradiologists. From employing the latest in angioplasty and stenting procedures, to treating stroke and repairing spinal fractures using minimally invasive image-guided techniques – Hoag-affiliated neuroradiologists perform a myriad of innovative interventional and therapeutic procedures each day.

Higher Standards

Hoag-affiliated radiologists are required to answer to a stricter standard than those in stand-alone offices or facilities.

Hospital-based radiology groups (such as the radiologists at Hoag Hospital and its affiliated imaging centers) must meet requirements set by the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Such standards include those related not just to technical and professional expertise, but standards in reporting, quality of service and continuing medical education – assuring quality at every level.

In addition, JCAHO rules require reappointment to the hospital medical staff for radiologists (and other physicians) every two years. Such reappointment is based on performance quality and assures required capabilities are met. Furthermore, direct oversight of Hoag-affiliated radiologists through the hospital’s medical executive committee is yet another example of the high standards set at Hoag.

State-of-the-Art Technology

Combining the expertise of highly skilled radiologists with the latest in state-of-the-art imaging technology is key to obtaining the highest level of quality care.

At Hoag, the very latest in CT and high field MRI scanners including the 64-slice CT and 3Tesla MR instruments are paired with the most advanced techniques both at the hospital and its outpatient imaging centers. This assures the greatest detail in anatomy, blood flow analysis and screening.

Staying Connected

“Hoag-affiliated radiologists provide real time consultation to every medical sub-specialty represented at the hospital and outpatient practices, including neurology and neurosurgery,” adds Dr. Brant-Zawadzki. “These radiologists remain at the forefront of both emergent and elective, simple to complex disease management. Simply stated, their knowledge and skill level is at a higher plane, because they remain connected.”

Hoag-affiliated radiologists also participate in multidisciplinary conferences and educational symposiums both locally and nationwide. Many also conduct clinical research studies, or are authors of medical articles, textbooks and medical literature, as well as visiting professors at major universities.

A Name You Can Trust

It’s important to know that an imaging study is really only as accurate as the person reading it. Having an expert team of radiologists, utilizing the most advanced imaging technology available, does make a vital difference.

So the next time your physician recommends a diagnostic imaging test or an image-guided intervention, be sure to ask if he or she is referring you to Hoag, or to one of the outpatient imaging centers staffed by Hoag-affiliated radiologists. If so, you can be certain that the latest technology will be utilized and that the physician supervising your procedure and interpreting your results is not just any radiologist, but one who is highly trained and well connected to the rapidly evolving medical landscape.

For more information about Hoag Imaging Services, please contact Radiology Medical Director Michael Brant-Zawadzki, M.D., F.A.C.R., at 949/764-5942. Or to schedule an appointment at a Hoag-affiliated imaging facility nearest you, please call 949/764-5570.

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