What Do Radiologists Do? Radiologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET), fusion imaging, and ultrasound. They play a crucial role in the healthcare system by interpreting images, conducting procedures, and guiding other medical professionals in patient care.
Why Would You Need a Radiologist? A radiologist is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. They are experts in imaging technologies and can detect abnormalities that may not be visible through other diagnostic methods. Their expertise is particularly vital in detecting and managing conditions such as cancer, heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, and musculoskeletal problems.
How Does Radiology Work?
Radiology involves using imaging techniques to diagnose and treat various conditions. The process begins with a referral from a primary care physician or specialist, who suspects a medical issue that needs further investigation. Radiologists use different imaging modalities to obtain detailed images of the body's internal structures. These images help in diagnosing conditions, planning treatments, and monitoring the progress of diseases.
The Role of Radiology in Modern Medicine
Radiology has revolutionized modern medicine by providing non-invasive methods to see inside the human body. Techniques like X-rays and CT scans can quickly detect fractures, tumors, and infections. MRI and ultrasound provide detailed images of soft tissues, making them essential for diagnosing conditions in organs like the brain, heart, and liver. PET scans are particularly useful in oncology for identifying cancerous cells and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments. Nuclear medicine involves using small amounts of radioactive materials to diagnose and treat various diseases, providing unique insights into the body's physiological processes.
Radiology Overview
Advances in Radiology
The field of radiology continues to advance with the development of new technologies and techniques. Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into radiology, assisting in image interpretation and improving diagnostic accuracy. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data quickly, identifying patterns that may be missed by the human eye. This technology is particularly useful in screening programs, where early detection of diseases like breast cancer can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Interventional radiology is another area of growth, offering minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging. These procedures, such as angioplasty and embolization, can treat conditions like blocked arteries and cancerous tumors with less risk and recovery time compared to traditional surgery. Radiologists also play a key role in guiding biopsies and other diagnostic procedures, ensuring accuracy and minimizing discomfort for patients.
Importance of ACR Accreditation
ACR Accreditation requires the imaging team to have appropriate experience and qualifications, perform quality control tests as established by the ACR and equipment manufacturers, and submit images for quality review. This rigorous process ensures that accredited facilities maintain excellence in operations and patient care, providing the highest level of medical image quality and safety. Accreditation is renewed every three years, ensuring continuous adherence to these high standards. The American College of Radiology (ACR) recently designated TGH Imaging, located on Parsons Avenue in Brandon, Florida, as a Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center (CBIC). This recognition is significant because it means the facility has met stringent criteria and is accredited in all ACR breast imaging accreditation programs and modules. This designation provides patients with access to advanced breast cancer testing and a high-quality patient experience.
Achievements of TGH Imaging on Parsons Avenue
The TGH Imaging team on Parsons Avenue earned all required ACR accreditations in Mammography, Stereotactic-Guided Breast Biopsy, Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy, Breast Ultrasound, and Breast MRI, thereby becoming a CBIC. This designation reflects the facility's capability to optimize early diagnoses for patients, which is crucial in the fight against breast cancer.
"We are honored to receive this designation by the ACR," said Sherri Lewman, senior vice president of Enterprise Imaging at Tampa General Hospital. "It is a testament to our team's unwavering dedication to excellence in breast imaging and our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients. We understand the importance of early detection and accurate diagnosis in the fight against breast cancer," Lewman said. "This accreditation reaffirms our position as a leader in breast imaging and aligns with our mission to improve patient outcomes through early detection and personalized care."
Established in 1994, TGH Imaging, formerly known as Tower Radiology, is one of the largest outpatient radiology practices in West Central Florida, with 21 locations in four counties. The new name marks Tampa General Hospital's complete purchase of Tower Radiology, expanding its statewide outpatient sites, including primary care, urgent care, rehabilitation, cancer care, surgery, and imaging. After decades of working closely, the purchase officially combines industry expertise and the drive to deliver world-class care through innovation to enhance the quality and coordination of outpatient care while achieving the optimal patient experience.
Tampa General Hospital, a 981-bed, not-for-profit, academic health system, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level I trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2023-24 Best Hospitals, with six specialties ranking among the top 50 best hospital programs in the United States. Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic health system's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings – in the top 100 nationally in the 2023 America's Best Employers for Women and top 25 in Florida in the 2023 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2021, provided a net community benefit of approximately $240.3 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay.
Tampa General Hospital is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Muma Children's Hospital at TGH, the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes TGH North, which is comprised of three hospitals and several outpatient locations in Citrus and Hernando counties, 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Outpatient Center, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital (tgh.org). As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost.
The Future of Radiology
Looking ahead, the future of radiology is promising with continued advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on personalized medicine. Imaging techniques are becoming more precise, allowing for earlier detection and more targeted treatments. The integration of genomics with imaging is also on the horizon, providing a deeper understanding of how genetic factors influence disease and treatment response. This approach has the potential to revolutionize patient care, offering more effective and tailored therapies.
US Healthcare Market Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
The US healthcare market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by an aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and advancements in medical technology. The radiology sector, in particular, is poised for significant growth due to the rising demand for diagnostic imaging and interventional procedures. Telemedicine is also expected to play a larger role in healthcare delivery, providing remote access to radiology services and improving patient outcomes. As the healthcare landscape evolves, there will be a greater focus on value-based care, emphasizing patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Radiologists will be integral to this shift, leveraging advanced imaging techniques and AI to provide accurate diagnoses and guide treatment decisions. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) with imaging systems will further enhance the efficiency and coordination of care, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate interventions. The outlook for the US healthcare market is positive, with continued investments in technology and infrastructure expected to drive innovation and improve patient care. Radiology will remain a cornerstone of modern medicine, providing critical insights and guiding clinical decisions. As the demand for imaging services grows, radiologists will play an important role in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.