What is Radiological 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 additional 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 the safe use of imaging.

Without the official reading by an experienced radiologist, subtle x-ray findings (e.g., fracture, infections, systematic diseases, tumors etc.) may remain undetected until such time as the abnormality has progressed to the point where a non-imaging specialist may identify an abnormality.  Delays in diagnosis add to medical cost and may considerably effect treatment and ultimate patient outcome.

The quality of care is an extremely important consideration in healthcare.  In order to assure quality of care and patient protection, the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) 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 JCAHO requires an official interpretation of imaging examination be maintained in the Hospital medical records.

Although the official interpretations 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.