How to Choose a Radiologist

When it’s time to get your annual mammogram, you deserve the best professionals in the healthcare industry to perform and interpret your screening test. Although your regular screenings usually put you face to face with office staff and trained technicians who perform the mammogram, it’s the radiologists behind the scenes who study and interpret your mammogram results for signs of breast cancer.

What is a Radiologist?

Radiologists are medical doctors who specialize in interpreting medical images with an emphasis on x-rays. Radiologists also interpret images from other testing methods such as ultrasounds, MRIs, and more.

How Does a Radiologist Read a Mammogram?

A radiologist learns over time to distinguish between breast abnormalities that are benign (not harmful) and malignant (cancerous). Areas of concern show up as white concentrated clusters on a mammogram. Dark areas indicate normal tissue. However, if the radiologist has any doubts about the make-up of the breast mass, he or she always use their best knowledge to advise a follow-up testing method. These can include:

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• Ultrasound
• Biopsy

In many cases, the radiologist will perform these tests themselves, especially conducting biopsies that are then sent to a pathologist for interpretation.

How Do I Choose a Radiologist for My Mammogram?

The most important criterion for choosing a mammography center is to make sure it’s accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR sets guidelines for everything in the mammography center from the radiologists' credentials, the imaging equipment, the technicians' credentials, and film development materials. These accreditations ensure the equipment in your mammography center is up to date and the staff has the specialized training necessary to perform safe, reliable mammograms.

Another important indicator of a good mammography center is to ensure that its radiologists are certified by the American Board of Radiology or other radiology boards. These boards require that radiologists pass tests, show mastery of their field, and continue their education to maintain their certification. Additionally, a radiologist who has a specialty of breast imaging dedicates more than 90% of their time in the field interpreting mammograms and other breast images.

Where Can I Get a Mammogram on Long Island?

PURE Mammography is an accredited mammography center serving the women of Lake Grove, NY and the surrounding communities. A division of Medical Arts Radiology, our facility is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology and is a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. All of our radiologists specialize in breast imaging to ensure you’re getting the best mammogram screening possible. Our state-of-the-art facility offers the newest in 3D mammography in a spa-like setting so that our patients are fully relaxed and comfortable during testing. No appointment is needed at PURE. Stop by today or give us a call at 631-652-3424 to learn more about our top-notch mammography center.