Radiology Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, your referring physician will need to complete the appropriate imaging order form for the type of study that you will be undergoing. Additionally, if this is the first time that your physician has referred you to Denver Health, then he/she must complete and submit the outside referring provider information form for medical staff.

A radiologist with specialized training will interpret your imaging study and produce the subsequent report of the study. The results of your imaging study will be sent to your referring physician who is responsible for relaying that information to you.

Please review the process of requesting your imaging study under medical records.

Please review the process of requesting your imaging study under medical records.

At Denver Health, we understand that radiation exposure is a concern to patients and clinicians. The Radiology Department at Denver Health is committed to following recommended radiation safety guidelines as well as the principles of ALARA (As Low AS Reasonably Achievable).

Denver Health has been making contributions to medical and surgical advances by pioneering innovations in patient care, research and education for more than 100 years. The Department of Radiology is continually preparing for the future by participating in active research projects to identify new methods of optimizing radiologic techniques and to reduce radiation dosages. Additionally, we are implementing innovative processes for the tracking, notifying and reporting of cumulative radiation dose information.

Key guidelines to minimize radiation exposure include:

• Imaging studies only performed when there is the possibility of a clear diagnostic benefit
• Imaging studies strategically focused to include only the specific area of interest
• Utilizing the latest advances in CT equipment and protocols to achieve diagnostic quality images with the lowest radiation exposure
• Imaging techniques individualized for each patient
• Use of advanced radiation dose modulation techniques to measure the patient’s size and to deliver a specific radiation dose unique to the patient’s body build
• Use of weight-based, contrast medium injection protocols that are specific to the patient to optimize patient safety, comfort and image quality

Imaging examinations are generally safe during pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant or think that you might be pregnant, it is important that you notify Denver Health’s radiology team before you have your radiology exam. With this information, the radiologist will be able to tailor your imaging examination appropriately.  

In general, a woman does not have to interrupt breastfeeding for most types of imaging examinations. However, certain imaging examinations may require the need for breastfeeding restrictions.  This is especially true if your examination is a nuclear medicine test.  It is therefore important that you notify members of Denver Health’s radiology team whether you are breastfeeding prior to your imaging examination.