Radiology

What is Radiology?

Radiology is the medical specialty concerned with the use of x-rays to produce images of internal structures of the body. Radiologists, physicians trained in the use of x-rays, can view the images on photographic film or on a TV or computer monitor. The use of x-rays provides valuable information about a patient's condition and can help the physician make an accurate diagnosis and provide the proper treatment.

There are many types of procedures that provide pictures of the body, including ultrasounds, mammograms, CAT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Many health care practitioners play a vital role in the field of radiology -- from the technologist who takes the x-rays to the physicians who read and interpret the results for the patient.