Inverventional Radiologists and Gynecologists - What you need to know:
Q: What is an interventional
radiologist?
A: Interventional
radiologists (IRs) are specially-trained doctors who
use X-rays and other imaging techniques to "see" inside
the body while they guide narrow tubes (catheters)
and other very small instruments through the blood
vessels and other pathways of the body to treat a
variety of medical disorders without surgery. One
of these procedures is a less invasive treatment for
uterine fibroids called Uterine Fibroid Embolization
(UFE) or Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE). IR's work
in collaboration with gynecologists to provide treatment
for symptomatic fibroids. Below is a list of IR's
who specialize in UFE.
Q: What is
a gynecologist?
A: Gynecologists
(Gyn's) are doctors with special skills, training,
and education in the management of women's health
issues. The care provided by them can range from a
basic annual gynecologic examination to complex surgery.
Women who have been diagnosed with or suspect they
have fibroids should have a full gynecological examination
prior choosing a treatment that is best for their
situation. If you have not had a recent examination,
below is a list of Gyn's who specialize in the management
of uterine fibroids.
Q: Why do gynecologists
and interventional radiologists work together?
A: In most cases,
a gynecologist will diagnose a patient with fibroids.
However, gynecologists do not perform every procedure
that can treat fibroids. While gynecologists can perform
hysterectomies and myomectomies, interventional radiologists
perform the UFE (uterine fibroid embolization) procedure.
Once diagnosed with fibroids, gynecologists can refer
a patient to an interventional radiologist to discuss
minimally invasive treatment options.
Read An
Untapped Partnership — a feature story
discussing the collaboration between radiologists
and gynecologists.
If you are considering seeing
a new doctor,
here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:
-
Is the gender of the doctor
I select important to me?
-
Would I prefer a doctor I could
speak to in my Native language?
-
How important is the setting
and location of the doctor's office
- Inside a large hospital
or a small private building?
- Accessible by public
transportation?
- Ample parking
- Flexible office hours?
-
Have any of my friends or family
members gone to this doctor?
- If so, did they like
the physician?
-
Does the physician's age or
religious affiliation matter to me?
-
Would I prefer a solo practitioner
or a doctor who is part of a group practice?
- If I choose a solo
practitioner what is her/his availability?
- If I choose a doctor
who is part of a group practice can I request
to see my own doctor each time?
-
Once you decide to make an appointment
to see a physician you can further explore if
you've made the right choice. At your first appointment
you can decide:
- Are you pleased with
the overall atmosphere of the office?
- Clean waiting room
- Good flow of patients
in and out of the office
- You feel comfortable
while waiting to be seen
-
Did you find the office staff
and nursing staff pleasant and attentive?
-
Was the doctor informative and
were you pleased with her/his general manner and
style?
- The doctor spent enough
time with you
- The doctor gave you
a chance to ask questions/raise concerns
- The doctor was conversational
and not just right to business
- The doctor seemed genuinely
interested in you
-
Were you comfortable asking
the doctor questions and did she/he seem open
to your ideas?
-
Is the doctor experienced in
your areas of need (uterine fibroids, childbirth,
hormone therapy)?
- Has the doctor performed
the procedure you're interested in?
- How many babies has
the doctor delivered?
- Does the doctor have
experience with prescribing hormone therapy?
-
Will it be easy to schedule
future appointments with the doctor?
-
Is the doctor available to return
your phone calls or will a nurse or staff member
call you back?
-
Does the doctor generally do
a lot of referrals to other physicians/surgeons?
This list is just to get you started, be sure to add
other questions that are important to you. Don’t
ever be afraid to ask questions of your doctor or
any of their staff members. The more informed you
are, the better care you will receive from your doctor.
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