What should you ask your radiologist before your imaging appointment? Our Ottawa radiologists review some of the most important inquiries we often receive from patients.
Questions to Ask Your Radiologist
If you’ve never had to attend a radiology appointment - or it’s been years since you’ve had one, you might be feeling somewhat overwhelmed. You might have many questions about your upcoming exam, X-Ray services at Premier Imaging and your radiologist, but which are the most important? In this post, we explain what you should know going in.
Which certifications do you have?
You’ll want to check that your radiologist has graduated from an accredited medical school, along with completing postgraduate education.
Many radiologists specialize in specific types of diagnostic testing such as abdominal imaging, mammography, neuroradiology, interventional radiology, bone mineral densitometry, pediatric imaging, and others. For this, they complete one to two years of additional specialized training in a subspecialty of radiology.
At Premier Imaging, we have some of the finest radiologists and technologists in Ontario working with advanced equipment to offer accurate, decisive, and consistent interpretations and high-resolution images to patients in the greater Ottawa communities.
Is my ultrasound/bone density test/X-Ray/other diagnostic tests a safe procedure?
You may have concerns about radiation exposure if you’re coming in for an X-Ray or other diagnostic procedure. Feel free to ask any of our radiographers about our commitment to using only the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology and equipment, using the lowest dose of ionizing radiation possible. Some scans such as ultrasounds don’t use ionizing radiation, and we only use a very low amount of ultrasound energy.
Tests such as Saline Infusion & Tubal Patency are extremely safe and have no known harmful effects on humans. Thanks to some diagnostic tests, we are able to avoid the need for more invasive measures such as surgery.
Do I need to let my doctor know if I may be pregnant?
In a word, yes. If there is a chance you may be pregnant, or if you are pregnant, notify your doctor before attending an X-Ray appointment. Though the risk to unborn babies is small when it comes to most diagnostic X-Rays, your doctor may send you for another imaging test instead, such as an ultrasound.
Similarly, with mammograms, the risk to the fetus is very small and the test is generally safe for pregnant women. However, screening mammograms aren’t typically recommended for pregnant women who are not at an increased risk for breast cancer.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
The amount of preparation you’ll need to do before your test depends on the procedure you’re coming in for - preparation ranges from minimal to drinking a specific amount of water or ceasing consumption of medications a number of hours before the exam.
You will receive instructions on how to prepare for your appointment. You can also refer to our Patient Preparation page.
When and how will I receive my results?
Naturally, many patients wonder when they can expect their results. Your answer will vary depending on the type of test and other factors, but your radiographer will be able to provide an approximate timeframe of when your results will be sent to your doctor.
Your referring doctor will review the results of your test with you and send you for any follow-up diagnostics required.
How can I ensure my privacy as a patient?
At Premier Imaging, we take patient privacy seriously. While we follow all legal requirements in regards to patient privacy, we also take diligent care to ensure the safety and confidentiality of any of your medical records and data. We’re happy to discuss how we ensure you’re protected with our privacy processes and procedures.
