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You may have superficial venous reflux disease. Our board-certified interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons at Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates (VIVA) provide minimally invasive treatment options for varicose veins. Cause of Varicose Veins Veins have one-way valves that close to prevent the blood from pooling at the ankles. When the valves are damaged or become stretched out, the blood leaks backward, causing the veins to enlarge and become varicose. Symptoms of Varicose Veins Aching or cramping in the legs Heaviness or tiredness Burning or tingling Swelling that is worse at the end of the day Treatment Options Compression stockings Endovenous Laser Therapy Radiofrequency Ablation Ambulatory or stab phlebectomy Foam Sclerotherapy Liquid Sclerotherapy Benefits of Treatment Improved appearance Relief of symptoms Quick recovery Contact VIVA Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates (540) 654-9118 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 10401 Spotsylvania Avenue, Suite 203 Fredericksburg, VA 22408 www.vivassociates.com

FREDERICKSBURG, VA, Sept. 13, 2016 –Radiologic Associates of Virginia (RAF) is pleased to announce that Dr. Samer Hijaz, a fellowship-trained interventional radiologist with deep roots in Virginia, has joined the practice, Dr. R. Donald Doherty, Jr., said today.

RAF interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons serve patients at Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates (VIVA), the group’s outpatient facility near Lee’s Hill North, at Mary Washington Hospital and at Stafford Hospital.

Dr. Hijaz is trained in the full range of interventional radiology services, including the latest procedures such as prostate embolization and interventional oncology. His special interests include procedures to manage arteriovenous fistulas, which provide dialysis access for patients with renal disease.

He recently completed his interventional radiology fellowship at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC.　 Dr. Hijaz also worked as a diagnostic radiologist at Johns Hopkins’ Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, MD.

Earlier in his education, he graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA, earning a bachelor of science degree in biomedical engineering as valedictorian of the School of Engineering Class of 2006.

"When I was halfway through my undergraduate biomedical engineering training, friends said that I should consider medical school because I would be great with patients," Dr. Hijaz noted. "Later as a medical student at VCU, I became interested in interventional radiology because it allowed me to apply my engineering background to my medical training. Interventional radiology procedures often involve the use of catheters, wires, stents and other biomedical engineering technology."

Dr. Hijaz earned his doctor of medicine degree from VCU and completed his diagnostic radiology residency there following a transitional year internship at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, VA.

He has won numerous awards including the Charles L. Baird Award from VCU in 2015, recognizing the fellow or resident who best demonstrated interest in new cardiovascular imaging modalities.

Fredericksburg is an ideal location for his family, Dr. Hijaz added. His father passed away last year but his mother still lives in Richmond and his brothers live in Northern Virginia. His wife, Carol Baddour, a business administration graduate of VCU, has grandparents who have lived in the Richmond area for more than 30 years.　 Born in Lebanon, Dr. Hijaz is fluent in both English and Arabic.

About Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates

VIVA is the interventional radiology and vascular surgery practice of Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg. Treatments offered by VIVA physicians include minimally invasive procedures for uterine fibroids, varicose veins/spider veins, cancer, compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, chronic pain, and many other conditions. VIVA physicians also provide the full range of vascular surgery care including catheter-based and open procedures. For more information, visit vivassociates.com or call (540) 654-9118.

Media Contacts:

Jennifer Dawson, NP-C, VIVA Director (540) 654-9118 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Carla Young Harrington Susan Carol Associates Public Relations (540) 479-7835 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Virtual Colonoscopy, also referred to as computerized tomography colonography, is an outpatient procedure that utilizes computer technology along with x-rays to provide images of the entire colon. These 3D images have been able to identify 85% of suspicious colon growths in patients with a risk for colorectal cancer. While this type of procedure is not recommended for those who have a high risk of colorectal cancer or a family history of the disease, it is a less invasive way to perform routine colonoscopies. The procedure can be performed at an outpatient facility by a radiologist and does not require any anesthetic. Below you will find out what to expect from a routine virtual colonoscopy procedure. What is the preparation? Preparation for the virtual colonoscopy is the same for the patient as a routine colonoscopy and will require fasting and the use of medication to clean out your digestive system. This usually will include prescription laxatives and suppositories. Preparation is important, because if there is any fecal matter left in the rectum or colon, a false positive may occur. What goes on during the procedure? The overall duration of the procedure is approximately 10 to 15 minutes and will require no recovery time after the procedure is completed. When you begin your procedure you will be gowned and asked to lie down on an examination table. The technician may give you intravenous medication to limit the muscle movement in the area being viewed. Next a thin tube, or catheter, will be inserted into your rectum. The catheter will then be inflated using either air or carbon dioxide to help fill up the area. This will enable the radiologist to get better imaging results and a clearer picture. At this point, you may feel pressure or fullness in your abdomen but it should not be too uncomfortable. You will then be placed on your back and the examination table will move into computed tomography, or CT machine, where your body will be scanned and pictures will be taken. While you are in the scanner you may be asked to turn to the side, change positions, or hold your breath for periods of time. As the scan goes on it will be taking two-dimensional pictures of the cross-section of your colon. The computer software will then combine these images to produce a 3D picture on the technician's screen. If the technician needs more contrast you may be given an intravenous dye agent to help produce clearer images. What happens after the procedure? After the procedure, you may feel the need to pass gas or feel bloated for a few hours. Walking will help alleviate this discomfort and aid in the gas's release. As there is no sedation with this procedure you will be able to return to a normal diet and physical activity as soon as it is completed. If there are suspicious growths detected on your scan that your doctor feels should be removed, you may be asked to proceed with a traditional colonoscopy immediately following. Since your body is already prepped for the procedure, you will not need to do anything else. If there are no urgent findings, your doctor will schedule to meet with you to go over the results. If you have questions about virtual colonoscopy or are interested in learning more about it, contact your doctor today to see if a virtual colonoscopy procedure would be right for you.

Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg (RAF) has promoted Chris Snyder to the position of practice administrator for Virginia Medical Imaging and Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates (VIVA), RAF CEO Ed Swager announced today. The practice administrator provides executive leadership for four outpatient imaging centers that are a partnership of RAF and Mary Washington Healthcare – Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg, the Imaging Center for Women, Medical Imaging at Lee’s Hill, and Medical Imaging of North Stafford – as well as VIVA’s outpatient interventional radiology and vascular surgery facility.Aatif Rahman has been named director of technical services for Virginia Medical Imaging’s four centers, filling the post that Snyder held from April 2014 until his recent promotion. As practice administrator, Snyder supports the four imaging centers and interventional radiology facility in delivering cost-effective, high-quality services to the community. Before moving to the region in 2014, Snyder was director of clinical services for a health care system in Florida. A certified radiology administrator, he holds a master’s degree in health administration and his been in health care leadership for more than 20 years. As director of technical services, Rahman oversees the management of the four imaging centers. He previously managed medical imaging facilities for a health system in Arizona, and before that was director of four outpatient imaging centers in the Chicago area, his hometown. Rahman holds a bachelor’s degree in health service management and has been in the health care field for 30 years. About Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg is the largest provider of medical imaging services in the Fredericksburg, Virginia, region, including Spotsylvania and Stafford counties. The group’s 29 radiologists and two vascular surgeons serve patients at two hospitals (Mary Washington Hospital and Stafford Hospital), four imaging facilities (Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg, the Imaging Center for Women, Medical Imaging at Lee’s Hill, and Medical Imaging of North Stafford), and RAF’s interventional radiology practice, Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates.  The practice’s radiologists also interpret all imaging studies for Stafford Hospital Imaging in Woodbridge. For more information, visit rafimaging.com or call (540) 361-1000. About Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates VIVA, a part of Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg, is the region’s only interventional radiology and vascular surgery practice. Treatments offered by VIVA physicians include minimally invasive procedures for uterine fibroids, varicose veins/spider veins, cancer, compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, chronic pain, and many other conditions. VIVA physicians also provide the full range of vascular surgery care including catheter-based and open procedures. For more information, visit vivassociates.com or call (540) 654-9118.

Our very own Suzanne Shelling makes the cover of February's PA Professional journal, highlighting her outstanding work in the field of Interventional Radiology. CLICK HERE to read the article online.

When your doctor says you need an MRI, your first reaction might be, “Exactly what is an MRI?” Learn about MRIs, Open MRIs, and your choices in this article. What's an MRI? MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It's an imaging technology (like X-rays) that can create pictures of structures inside the human body. MRI images are much more detailed than X-rays, however, and are also three-dimensional. MRIs do not use radiation at all, so unlike X-rays, there is no radiation exposure for the patient. How Does MRI Work? The “magnetic” part of the MRI is just that -- powerful magnets that can detect the movement of tiny particles called protons in the body fluids. The changes in the protons can show the differences in the body's tissues, which allows doctors to identify injuries, illnesses, and tumors. The MRI magnets are very powerful, and people who have devices like implanted pacemakers cannot enter an MRI machine. Small amounts of metal inside the body, like dental fillings, aren't affected by the magnets but may cause a slight distortion of the image in that area. What's MRI Used For? Unlike X-rays, which are best for bone imaging, MRIs are particularly useful for soft tissues. A good MRI can show tiny details of tissues, organs, blood vessels, and even blood flow through the arteries and veins. MRIs are often used to evaluate musculoskeletal injuries, head trauma or strokes, and blood vessel problems. What's it Like to Have an MRI? The classic MRI is basically a large box with a central tunnel. The patient is placed on a sliding table that moves in and out of the tunnel while the MRI is performed. An MRI study may take an hour or more. Although you can listen to music, there is very little else you can do during the study, as you must remain as still as possible. Your head, chest, and arms are also restrained to help prevent movement. One of the challenges of MRIs is that people who are uncomfortable in confined spaces sometimes find it difficult to remain inside the machine. What's Different About an Open MRI? An open MRI has magnets above and below the patient but is open on the sides. Open MRIs are a good choice for people who have claustrophobia or those who are too tall or heavy for a classic MRI. RAF offers a "True Open MRI," which is unique because it is completely open on all four sides. Children often do better in an open MRI, as they can see and talk to parents or the technician. In some cases, open MRIs don't provide quite the same level of imaging quality as closed MRIs, and some imaging procedures can’t be performed with an open MRI. If you need an MRI but are concerned about claustrophobia or other issues, talk it over with your doctor. If an open MRI is appropriate, that may be a good choice. Sedatives may also help you relax for the procedure. MRIs Differences In addition to the differences in design, MRIs also have other differences. The 1.5 T MRI (T stands for Tesla) is the standard in most areas of health care. Although these machines don't take the five hours of scanning time MRIs needed when they were first invented, they may still take several hours. A 3T MRI, which is much more powerful, can be faster. Both types of MRIs produce excellent images, but the 3T is more expensive to buy, so it's less common. RAF offers traditional, True Open and 3T MRI machines in its Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg locations.

FREDERICKSBURG, VA, Jan. 6, 2016 – Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates (VIVA) is pleased to welcome Dr. Jaime All to its practice. Dr. All is a board-certified and fellowship-trained interventional radiologist who specializes in minimally invasive endovascular treatments for peripheral arterial disease, deep vein thrombosis, trauma affecting the extremities, and other conditions. He also performs procedures for cancer, uterine fibroids, and varicose veins.  Dr. All practices at VIVA’s outpatient facility as well as at Mary Washington Hospital and Stafford Hospital – a fact that influenced his decision to join the practice. “I liked VIVA’s system for seeing patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings,” Dr. All said. “That is the way interventional radiology is moving nationally, and VIVA is forward thinking in that regard.” He also noted the professionalism of VIVA’s four other interventional radiologists, two vascular surgeons, and extensive support staff. “The physicians are all extremely knowledgeable, and everyone is highly experienced. The support staff are also outstanding and well trained,” Dr. All added. A native of South Carolina, Dr. All earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, where he stayed to complete his internship in the department of surgery. He continued his training at the University of Virginia, where he completed his residency in diagnostic radiology, as well as a fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology. Dr. All is certified by the American Board of Radiology and is a member of the Society of Interventional Radiology and Radiological Society of North America. He is the primary author of a chapter on Extremity Trauma in the textbook “Embolization Therapy: Principles and Clinical Applications.” He has also contributed to several articles in the American Journal of Radiology and American Journal of Neuroradiology. About VIVA VIVA, a part of Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg, is the region’s only interventional radiology and vascular surgery practice. Treatments offered by VIVA physicians include minimally invasive procedures for uterine fibroids, varicose veins/spider veins, cancer, compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, chronic pain, and many other conditions. VIVA physicians also provide the full range of vascular surgery care including catheter-based and open procedures. For more information, visit www.vivassociates.com or call (540) 654-9118.   Media Contacts: Jennifer Dawson, NP-C, VIVA Director (540) 654-9118 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Carla Young Harrington Susan Carol Associates Public Relations (540) 479-7835 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FREDERICKSBURG, VA, Dec. 3, 2015 – Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg (RAF) has been recognized as one of the 100 largest privately owned radiology practices in the U.S. for the second consecutive year by Radiology Business Journal.  The journal announced its “Radiology 100” ranking for 2015 in the October/November issue. RAF was among five practices in Virginia earning a spot in the journal’s 2015 ranking, down from seven in the state that made the listing in 2014, said Richard C. Pierson, a financial consultant for RAF. He added that one trend cited in the “Radiology 100” article which may have played a role in fewer Virginia practices making the list is mergers within the industry, which is characteristic of a mature business sector. Officials noted that RAF’s size reflects a commitment to: 24/7 local radiology coverage – “Whenever a physician has a question about an imaging study or needs to discuss a patient case, one of our local radiologists is available for a consultation 24/7, 365 days a year,” explained Dr. David L. Glasser, president of RAF and a board-certified, fellowship-trained diagnostic radiologist. Sub-specialty expertise – “Local patients do not need to travel to a major medical center for most radiology services, since our board certified and fellowship trained physicians include specialists in body imaging, cardiac imaging, interventional radiology, musculoskeletal imaging, neuroradiology, nuclear medicine, and other specialties,” RAF CEO, Ed Swager, noted. Health system partnerships – RAF provides services to Mary Washington Healthcare’s two hospitals, and four imaging centers that are joint ventures of RAF and the health system. “This is an invaluable relationship,” Pierson said. “RAF has extremely qualified physicians who are committed to each other and to a good relationship with the local health system, and that encourages more physicians to want to join the practice.” About Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg is the largest provider of medical imaging services in the Fredericksburg, Virginia, region, including Spotsylvania and Stafford counties. The group’s 29 radiologists and two vascular surgeons serve patients at two hospitals (Mary Washington Hospital and Stafford Hospital), four imaging facilities (Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg, the Imaging Center for Women, Medical Imaging at Lee’s Hill, and Medical Imaging of North Stafford), and RAF’s interventional radiology practice, Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates.  The practice’s radiologists also interpret all imaging studies for Stafford Hospital Imaging in Woodbridge. For more information, visit rafimaging.com. Media Contacts: Ed Swager, CEO, Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg Phone 540.361.1000 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., cc: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   Carla Young Harrington, Susan Carol Associates Phone 540.479.7835 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The needs of children always receive special attention from RAF doctors, as well as our entire service team. We're committed in helping to address the anxious thoughts that parents often have, all while serving the unique needs of pediatric patients to ensure the safest medical and most comprehensive imaging available. We work as expert partners for referring physicians and families throughout the imaging process. RAF is committed to meeting the special needs of children and offering the unique care that is required to keep children safe during the imaging process. RAF participates in the Image Gently® Alliance As a supporter of the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging (the Image Gently® Alliance), RAF continues to work to improve safe and effective imaging care for children. This alliance helps RAF to identify and provide internal training on best practices in pediatric imaging. Additionally, broadly accepted guidelines are updated and shared through the alliance. The following approaches are key aspects of RAF in caring for children during imaging: 1. We work to increase awareness of the need to lower the radiation dose to children during CT scanning, and develop specialized protocols used by our team for this purpose. 2. We approach children's imaging as a team that includes technologists, physicists, referring doctors, and parents to decrease the radiation dose! 3. We work with radiation experts to “down-size” the protocols for kids. 4. Whenever possible, we use single phase scans, as they are often adequate for the patient’s needs. 5. We scan only the indicated area. You can learn more about the Alliance Image Gently® on their website. Carefully planned imaging for children Decreasing childhood radiation exposure is an important part of imaging planning. RAF physicians carefully use imaging to create the lowest possible radiation exposure, selecting alternative methods whenever they are available. With fully licensed professionals trained and experienced in the application of imaging techniques to younger bodies, we choose to work with referring physicians to achieve the images for diagnosis in the safest manner possible. Our team also works to provide guidance about the use of alternative imaging approaches, such as ultrasound or occasionally magnetic resonance imaging, and when these methods can be used to provide similar information, without exposing a child to radiation. Planning for the most effective and safest children's imaging requires experience and training, along with a collaborative approach involving a radiologist and the referring physician. Child friendly spaces There is no mistaking our heart for children when you see the reading and play space in our Lee's Hill lobby. That care extends into the warmth of staff greetings for both children and their parents. While all of our facilities use calming decorative colors and furnishings, our children's x-ray room lets children and families know that they have a special place in our hearts and services. We want every experience that a child has in our facilities to provide maximum support, all while working to reduce anxieties that may result from navigating the foreign world of medical equipment and facilities. Parent education is vital It's natural for parents to have concerns anytime their child requires medical testing or imaging. Helping parents to understand the needs and benefits of imaging is a key role for all physicians who interact with parents during the process. We help them to understand that the amount of radiation from an x-ray is very small, and that the RAF team works to keep that radiation amount as low as possible. They need to understand that both referring physicians and the RAF team balance the benefit of the test and potential risks to select the right test for the appropriate level of diagnostic support. RAF encourages the use of the Image Gently® brochure for parents, available on their website. Children's imaging records We suggest that parents be provided with a tool to keep track of their children's imaging records. In addition to records kept by physicians, this approach helps parents to be aware of their children's imaging as the child develops. This is useful for parents to take along to physician visits, and when completing recommended imaging. A useful template is provide by the Imaging Gently® Alliance Local services create digital, sharable records RAF retains digital records of children's imaging, which are shared with referring physicians, and can be used anywhere that children are receiving treatment that requires reference to their imaging studies. Imaging provided in the Fredericksburg and Stafford region can be used anywhere that children receive treatment, without the need to have the imaging service provided in a less convenient location. ACR accreditation RAF and its facilities are accredited by the American College of Radiologists. This important certification is one way that parents can feel confident in the training and technology that is used to serve their children. This accreditation relationship also provides RAF with appropriateness criteria for pediatric conditions, offering guidance about the utility of various imaging approaches. Children are a focus for our entire team The entire team, including technologists, front office, and doctors, are focused on providing children with the kind of caring environment that they deserve. This requires that we develop and update the protocols we use as the technology changes. Technologists and doctors participate in regular training for children's imaging. Imaging software advances children's care options RAF upgrades of CT scanning equipment are changing the way that images are captured. New CT scanners are already available at Mary Washington Hospital, and are being installed at Medical Imaging at Lee's Hill and Medical Imaging of Stafford by the end of 2015. This improved equipment provides advanced image post-processing software, allowing the initial image to be captured with lower amounts of radiation. Dr. Meyer is proud that RAF can offer the benefits of this technology: "The new scanners use advanced post-processing software to reduce the exposure by 30 percent or more." While using lower initial amounts of radiation, this improved software produces the same or better images. Each image uses a reduced radiation profile, and provides increased options for analyzing what has been captured. When you combine this with the focused training and experience of the RAF team for children, including both physicians and technologists, the new software offers a dramatic improvement in the value of images and lower risks for patients.

Nearly 80% of U.S. employees have a health plan requiring they pay at least $1,200 of medical expenses annually before insurance contributes its share. An astounding 40% have high-deductible health plans with larger obligations, noted Ed Swager, CEO of Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg (RAF). In response to the rising costs of deductibles, RAF and the outpatient centers it partners with, have been using an electronic check-in system and no-interest payment plans to make health expenses more understandable and affordable for patients at Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg, the Imaging Center for Women, Medical Imaging at Lee’s Hill, Medical Imaging of North Stafford, and Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates (VIVA). “Our check-in system helps clarify for patients what their financial obligation is based on their insurance, and our payment plans enable patients to pay these high out-of-pocket expenses over time, without interest, and still have their procedures now when they need them,” Swager explained. Recently, Swager spoke with Imaging Advances about the reasons why high-deductible health plans have become so prevalent, what their impact is on patients and healthcare providers, and how RAF and its partners are working with patients to manage health expenses. Cost Concerns Until the 1990s and early 2000s, most employer-sponsored insurance plans paid 80% of an employee’s medical costs, the employee paid 20%, and out-of-pocket expenses were relatively manageable for American workers, Swager explained. The concept of high-deductible health plans sprang from the idea that costs could be lowered if consumers had greater responsibility for their overall expenses. For example, a patient under the 80/20 plan who was likely to visit a doctor at the first sign of possible flu would be more inclined to wait to see if it were a simple cold if a high deductible had to be met. Today the federal government spends $3.8 trillion on healthcare annually and the pressure to contain costs continues to grow, he noted. High Deductibles Impact The major concern with high-deductible health plans is that some patients are delaying important medical services. In fact, a Reuters survey estimates that 24% of people have cancelled or postponed healthcare because of costs, Swager said. He added that many high-deductible health plans offer reasonably priced preventive care and lower monthly premiums but require patients to meet deductibles as high as $2,000 to $10,000 before their insurance kicks in, which helps patients in catastrophic medical situations but not most others. “Patients delaying healthcare because of costs is a real problem because early diagnosis is critical to the treatment of heart disease, cancer and many other serious conditions,” Swager explained. RAF Partners Respond Swager noted that VIVA, RAF’s interventional radiology and vascular surgery division, and Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) implemented a program to address the high-deductible challenge. Together, RAF and MWHC deliver services to four medical imaging centers in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford. “We recognize the burden on patients with high deductibles,” Swager said. “What we have done is to use technology and a payment process to help our patients.” The technology is Phreesia, an electronic check-in system that collects relevant clinical and demographic information from patients. Phreesia automatically communicates with a patient’s insurance company to determine benefits, co-pays and deductibles. “Through Phreesia, we can tell patients their current deductible and balance. We use this to let patients and our staff members know what insurance requires and the portion expected at the time of a visit,” Swager said. Patients also can pay part of their deductible now and the rest later through established payment plans. Swager can relate to the need for payment plans because of his sticker shock over the $6,000 deductible required for his wife’s recent back surgery. “That is a frightening amount when you consider that the average family is making $57,000,” Swager said. “We know our services and healthcare in general are costly. Patients can pay a portion at the time of their service and we also offer payment plans. So when you come in for an MRI, PET or other procedure, you can pay over time with no interest,” Swager explained. He also noted that MIF and VIVA’s outpatient facilities help conserve healthcare spending by offering lower-cost settings for medical procedures compared with inpatient hospital stays. “With these processes in place, our facilities are achieving patient satisfaction ratings in the top 95–99 percentile compared with other providers,” Swager said. “We are trying to ease the burden we all face with healthcare, through technology and payments over time.”

Patient safety has been a top priority for Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg (RAF) since its inception.  With a focus on training, the use of alternative screening tools whenever appropriate, and the utilization of technologies and approaches that minimize radiation, RAF is continuously working to obtain the most useful medical information with the lowest dose of radiation.  

RAF is committed to imaging gently and wisely

 

Implementing national protocols for safety

As participants in the national Image Wisely® Initiative, [registered R is & #0174; in html] (and Image Gently® Campaign for children), RAF has adopted protocols for medical imaging that have been developed with the express purpose of reducing radiation exposure.  These protocols impact the choices that radiologists make in the selection and approach to various imaging studies, built upon a broader body of knowledge about techniques that enhance safety.  Through this association relationship, RAF is able to evaluate equipment and protocols, and maintain the highest level of training for imaging safety.   RAF has adopted these four key Image Wisely® approaches:

1. To put our patients' safety, health, and welfare first by optimizing imaging examinations to use only the radiation necessary to produce diagnostic-quality images;
2. To convey the principles of the Image Wisely program to the imaging team in order to ensure that our facility optimizes its use of radiation when imaging patients;
3. To communicate optimal patient imaging strategies to referring physicians, and to be available for consultation;
4. To routinely review imaging protocols to ensure that the least radiation necessary to acquire a diagnostic-quality image is used for each examination

  "We continually strive to use cutting-edge technology and improve our protocols to deliver more effective results." Dr. Meyer, Chief of Radiology Mary Washington Hospital  

New scanners reduce radiation

The selection of equipment and technology planning is a critical activity for RAF doctors.  Constantly under evaluation, the use of existing technology and the opportunities to upgrade imaging equipment requires careful observation and the review of sophisticated research.   Ongoing equipment upgrades include new scanning equipment, changing the way that images are processed.  New scanners are already available at Mary Washington Hospital and are being installed at Medical Imaging at Lee's Hill and Medical Imaging of Stafford in 2015.   This equipment provides for advances in image post-processing software, so the initial image can be captured with less radiation.  The software maximizes the value of the images that can be captured using a reduced radiation profile, and provides amazing options for analysis and detail.  Even with a lower initial use of radiation, it produces the same or better images.  When you combine this with the training and experience of the RAF team, both physicians and technologists, the result is a dramatic improvement in the value and a reduction of risk for patients.   Dr. Meyer discusses the benefits of this technology: "The new CT scanners use post-processing software that can reduce the total exposure by 30 to 40%, which is a substantial achievement.  RAF constantly monitors opportunities to improve equipment and implement best practices to make each imaging study more valuable for diagnosis and treatment, while continuing to reduce radiation for patients."  

Appropriateness Criteria is a key tool for referring physicians

The importance of selecting the right imaging study for the right patient’s needs cannot be overstated.  This is a primary way to avoid unnecessary imaging.  To assist referring physicians in selecting the study that will answer the diagnostic or screening questions their patients need, RAF provides an Appropriateness Guide that has been developed by the American College of Radiology.  This guide is available both online and in hard copy from RAF.  

Our practices are the focus of constant improvement

We approach the practice of radiology with a collaborative and proactive system.  All the members of the RAF team, including imaging technologists, have their own areas of expertise, and contribute and share cutting-edge research and insights that allow us to make continuous improvements to the protocols that guide our work.  We are proactive about the way that imaging is planned and implemented, so that our patients get the latest and most effective approaches.  These two factors make a big difference as we continually upgrade our methods to maximize safety for our patients.   When we identify a modified approach that has been tested with adequate research, we implement this within our protocols.  Our entire team is trained on this approach, to effectively implement a revised procedure.  This is a continual process for RAF, and allows our facilities to stay at the top of the curve by providing the best care for our patients, and the best support for referring physicians.  

A regional team of the highest caliber

RAF physicians provide medical support in all four regional Medical Imaging locations [link1], as well as the Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Viva [link] and Stafford Hospital.  This allows a diverse set of specialties [link2], to be available throughout our region.  RAF doctors have been trained at many of the top residencies and fellowships in the country.  This makes the RAF team an important reason that imaging studies provided locally offer greater convenience, while retaining the highest levels of technology and experience that patients want and need.