Radiology Specialist

What is radiology?

Radiology uses different types of technology to create images of the hard and soft tissues inside your body. The images are then used to diagnose diseases and injuries, screen for illnesses, and assess how well you’re responding to treatments.

A specialty in radiology, called interventional radiology, uses real-time imaging to guide procedures such as inserting cardiology stents and injecting medications into a joint or your spine.

What type of radiology imaging might I need?

Physicians Medical Group of San Jose determines the type of imaging that’s best for your injury or condition. You may need any of the following:

X-rays

X-rays produce images using a low dose of radiation. X-rays diagnose problems in your bones and soft tissues, including organs in your abdomen and chest, as well as your gastrointestinal tract and breasts.

CT scan

CT scans also use X-rays, but the images are shot in a series of cross-sections as the device rotates around your body, then a computer program reconstructs them into 2- or 3-dimensional images.

MRI

MRIs use a magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses, and a computer to create images that are more detailed than CT scans.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound sends high-frequency sound waves into your body, then the waves bounce off structures, and return to the transducer. A computer translates the echoes into images. Specialized ultrasound technology can capture movements, such as blood flowing and the heart beating.

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy shows a continuous X-ray on a monitor, creating an image in real-time that your doctor can use during procedures.

Mammography

Mammography uses a low-dose X-ray to detect breast diseases such as cancer.

Cardiac imaging

Echocardiography, chest X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and nuclear medicine are all used to diagnose heart disease.

Nuclear medicine

Nuclear medicine uses a special camera to detect a small amount of injected, swallowed, or inhaled radioactive material. The information obtained helps assess organ function and structure. PET scans are a type of nuclear medicine that diagnose and evaluate cancer, heart disease, and endocrine or neurological disorders.

Bone mineral densitometry

Bone mineral densitometry is a low-dose X-ray to measure the mineral content of your hips and spine.

What should I know about radiology referrals?

At Physicians Medical Group of San Jose, routine x-rays including contrast studies and diagnostic ultrasounds DO NOT NEED an authorization at the following contracted facilities. However, bone density, CT scans, diagnostic infertility studies, MRIs and nuclear medicine scans, and PET scans REQUIRE an authorization for all members at all facilities.

If you need diagnostic radiology, call your Physicians Medical Group of San Jose physician today!