Piedmont Radiology 2011 Statement on Radiation Safety

There is no question that diagnostic imaging tests can provide enormously useful information for the diagnosis and monitoring of many varied medical conditions, and that the ability to obtain this information has revolutionized the practice of medicine. Recent articles in the press have drawn attention to the fact that the increasing use of diagnostic imaging tests using ionizing radiation, especially CT scanning, may eventually result in an increased incidence of cancer in the population undergoing these examinations. The physicians of Piedmont Radiology welcome the recent attention to both the value of diagnostic imaging studies such as CT scans, and to the importance of ensuring these scans are performed only when indicated, and at a facility where there is careful monitoring to minimize the radiation exposure associated with these examinations.

Why choose Piedmont Radiology?
We perform only those examinations ordered by your own physician who has determined your need for the examination. If you have questions about the indication for your examination, we encourage you to talk to your doctor. If your physician has questions about the appropriate imaging examination for you, radiology consultation is readily available. The American College of Radiology (ACR) produces the ACR Appropriateness Criteria, which are evidence-based guidelines to assist your physician and other providers in making the most appropriate imaging or treatment decision.

All of the physicians of Piedmont Radiology are certified by the American Board of Radiology. Board-certified radiologists are the physician experts in imaging and radiation protection. Their residency program includes training in radiation biology and safety that is a critical part of their board certification. 
Our facility is accredited by the American College of Radiology.
The ACR, which has been an advocate for radiation safety since its inception in 1924, awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of its practice. Image quality and procedure evaluations are conducted by board-certified radiologists and medical physicists who are experts in the field. The program also evaluates personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs.

When you choose an ACR-accredited facility, you know:

• Your hospital, clinic or health center has voluntarily gone through a rigorous review process to be sure it meets nationally-accepted standards
• The personnel are well qualified, through education and certification, to perform and interpret your medical images. The equipment is appropriate for the test or treatment you will receive, and the facility meets or exceeds quality assurance and safety guidelines

If you would like to learn more about radiation exposure in x-ray examinations visit: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/safety.