Radiologic Interpretation

All imaging studies performed at Hospital for Special Surgery are interpreted by a Board Certified Radiologist with subspecialty experience in the manifestations of orthopaedic 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 in a given specialty assures quality care and expertise in quality image acquisition. The safe use of ionizing radiation & magnetic resonance.

Official reading by an experienced radiologist enables subtle x-ray findings (e.g., fracture, infections, systematic diseases, tumors etc.) to be detected before an abnormality has progressed. Delay in diagnosis adds to medical cost and may considerably effect treatment and ultimate patient outcome.

Quality of care is an extremely important consideration in healthcare. In order to assure quality of care and patient protection, The Joint Commission (TJC) requires an authenticated report by a radiologist for all imaging procedures and examinations preformed in an "accredited" hospital. Hospital for Special Surgery is an accredited hospital, the rules and regulations of TJC requires an official interpretation of imaging examination be maintained in the Hospital medical records.

Although the official interpretation of imaging studies by a Board Certified Radiologist, especially after treatment has been instituted, might seem unnecessary or the bill for the official x-ray interpretation redundant, the independent review is always in the best interest of the patient.

The Board of Trustees, the Administration, and the Physicians of Hospital for Special Surgery are deeply concerned with escalating medical costs, however, they are mostly concerned with the delivery of excellent quality patient care. Costs containment is something every physician at HSS is working toward, providing that cost-containing restrictions do not jeopardize a person's health, well being or access to quality care.