Prepare records, imaging files, medicines and questions for an interventional radiology consultation. Confirm transfer and follow-up arrangements.
An interventional radiology consultation is a chance to discuss the problem, review what is known and consider the available options. It is not a commitment to undergo a procedure. The most useful preparation is a clear question and the information the team needs to consider it.
When booking, ask whether the appointment is a consultation, a test or a procedure. Preparation can differ. Do not assume that instructions you read for an embolization or a hospital procedure apply to a consultation.
A radiology report is the written interpretation of an examination. Image files are the pictures that were acquired. If you had an ultrasound, MRI, CT or another relevant study elsewhere, tell the team where and when it was done and ask which materials it needs.
Ask the imaging facility how to provide the images in a format the receiving office can use. Some facilities offer electronic transfer; others provide a disc or another approved method. Confirm the receiving office's method before the appointment. A screenshot from a portal may not include the complete examination.
Having both prior images and reports can support comparison and help avoid unnecessary repeat testing. The team may still need additional imaging for a clinical reason. RadiologyInfo, from ACR and RSNA, explains obtaining and sharing medical images.
Write down the evaluations and treatments you have already had and how they affected the concern you want addressed. If you were referred for a particular procedure, bring the referral or the referring clinician's question if available. It is also reasonable to ask whether a different specialist, further evaluation or continued nonsurgical care should come first.
The site's existing service guides explain the individual procedures: prostate artery embolization, uterine fibroid embolization and genicular artery embolization. The right discussion depends on the condition, not on a single general checklist.
Make a current medication list, including nonprescription products and supplements. Tell the team about previous reactions to contrast material and relevant health conditions. Do not stop a medicine, fast or arrange a medication substitute simply because you are meeting an interventional radiologist. Get individual instructions if a test or procedure is scheduled.
Use the consultation to ask what finding supports the proposed treatment, what alternatives remain, what uncertainty matters and which outcomes would make the treatment worthwhile to you. Ask who will provide care, where it would happen and what follow-up would involve. Office location and procedural arrangements should be confirmed for your specific plan.
Before leaving, check whether the team is waiting for outside images, laboratory results or another specialist's assessment. Ask who will request each item and how you will receive the plan. A consultation is more useful when you know what is being decided and what information is still needed.
Next step: Use 1Vascular's existing consultation route or call the practice to confirm which records to bring. Do not send clinical records through ordinary website email.
Tell us what you're experiencing. We'll call to schedule and answer questions before you ever come in.
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Please call the office to request an appointment or discuss the next step. Do not send medical information by ordinary email. For a medical emergency, call 911.