Even Imaging Needs To Be Child-Sized
When their little ones need medical care, most parents take their kids to pediatricians instead of adult doctors. Why? Because pediatricians specialize in children's care. They are experts at treating childhood diseases and problems. But when it comes to X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and other radiology tests, where do parents take their children? To the nearest hospital? To an adult hospital?
Children Are Different
Even when it comes to an X-ray or other imaging tests, children have different medical needs. Diseases and injuries don't affect a child's growing body the same way they affect an adult's, and some conditions are specific to children. "Taking a child to a pediatric radiologist for an X-ray or radiology procedure is important," says Kathleen Emery, MD, pediatric radiologist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital
Medical Center.
Pediatric radiologists are experts in understanding children's medical issues and the best ways to accurately interpret images and diagnose problems. They undergo additional training in pediatric radiology – above and beyond their general radiology training – to specialize in kids and teens.
Specialized Services for Kids
Adults and children don't wear the same size clothes or the same size shoes. And they don't need the same radiation doses. According to Lane Donnelly, MD, radiologist-in-chief at Cincinnati Children's, it is very important that radiation doses are child-sized, that technicians use the lowest radiation dose necessary to provide a quality image. The experts at Cincinnati Children's have been national leaders in promoting pediatric imaging techniques that minimize radiation doses to children.
Smaller body parts and pediatric disease demand special imaging considerations. And an MRI should be performed much differently on a child than it is on an adult. If these adjustments are not made, a child's disease might not be identified. Child-friendly MRI facilities are also less intimidating, customized for kids and ideal for imaging children.
An added benefit is that pediatric technologists, nurses and doctors interact with children every day. They are comfortable with, and experienced at, handling children's special needs and helping them when they are scared.
The Experts at Cincinnati Children's
Cincinnati Children's is an internationally recognized leader in pediatric radiology. It has the largest staff of pediatric radiologists in the country and has the most advanced technology geared toward children. All radiology images are stored electronically in a state-of-the-art system, which enables your physician to view your child's images any time from any facility at Cincinnati Children's, even from home.
X-rays and other radiology imaging services are available at our main campus, located near the University of Cincinnati, and at convenient suburban facilities in:
MRI is available at our main campus, Mason and Kenwood.
Same or next day MRI appointments are usually available at Mason or Kenwood by calling 513-791-5223. For other radiology procedures, call 513-636-3200.
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