Sound Advice: Use Ultrasound
Given the turf wars besetting radiology, there is no better time than now to become an expert in ultrasound. There are many good reasons.
 Deborah Levine, M.D. |
First, with increasing scrutiny of healthcare expenditures, patients who would have been imaged with CT or MR are now being sent for ultrasound. If we provide excellent service and diagnosis with ultrasound, we can keep this imaging technique within radiology; however, if we cannot provide a superior level of service, then other subspecialties may. Radiology practices should ensure that their laboratories have ultrasound accreditation and residency programs might consider extending their ultrasound rotation so that residents can become even more proficient at scanning.
Second, ultrasound is the ultimate "image gently" modality. In pediatric radiology much emphasis has been given to the Image Gently campaign to lower radiation dose when imaging children. This is a fantastic campaign, but I would argue that we should emphasize the total absence of radiation exposure with ultrasound. In particular, children and women of menstrual age, depending on indication, should be initially examined with ultrasound. I know some may disagree, and the availability and skillsets of sonographers and sonologists will ultimately have an impact; however, if a young woman presents in the emergency room with right lower quadrant pain, I recommend ultrasound as the initial imaging modality.
Finally, ultrasound is a patient-centered imaging modality. RSNA advocates a patient-centered approach to radiology and the American College of Radiology "Face of Radiology" branding campaign advocates that each radiologist introduces himself or herself to at least five patients each day. Patients should understand that radiologists are physicians and the experts in medical imaging. By its very nature, ultrasound demands such patient interaction.
I advise my colleagues to pick up a probe and introduce yourself and your expertise to your patients.
