Radiology Consult is a dynamic, fully-interactive guide for clinicians—including PAs, NPs, and other PCPs—structured with brief, clear phrases that define the best sequence of imaging exams to reach a diagnosis for 34 common clinical problems, including pre-procedure prep and an honest appraisal of the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of each test.
Although it may seem intuitively obvious, we stress that effective use of Radiology Consult depends upon thoughtful selection of the most suitable topic for each clinical issue:
- For example, if you suspect a specific diagnosis (e.g., Cerebral Metastases or Pulmonary Embolus), choose the corresponding topic in the app, which flows to step-by-step imaging guidance (e.g., for the brain or pulmonary arteries, respectively).
- However, when faced with a clinical syndrome (e.g., Acute Chest Pain, which has myriad causes), choose that topic, and imaging begins with the simplest test (a chest film). If this basic exam reveals findings that, together with clinical data, plausibly explains the pain (e.g., unsuspected rib fractures or pneumothorax), the work-up ENDS. Otherwise, a normal chest film is followed by more complex imaging (e.g., that covers ACS, PE, and Aortic Dissection).
Please note: we avoid recommendations regarding non-imaging issues, like appropriateness of ECG or troponins for ACS; we believe that competent clinicians are well able to navigate these situations.