The term “board certified” gets thrown around a good amount in the medical world, but how does it apply to you, the patient? Well, for starters, board certification serves as a notable indicator for the highest standard of care available. When searching for a radiologist in your area, we strongly urge you to consider choosing a board-certified radiologist—and here’s why!
What is board certification?
Board certification signifies a physician’s achievement. It testifies to the mastery that your radiologist has shown in his or her respective field of medicine. To achieve board certification, the American Board of Radiologists conducts qualifying examinations to measure the competence of those who have completed their training in the radiology profession.
Upon completion of their initial certification, radiologists and medical physicists are then referred to as “diplomats of the ABR.” Board certification must be maintained and is an essential part of ensuring quality care. You can verify board certification status on the ABR website.
Why is board certification important?
Despite how it may sound, board certification is not mandatory for those who practice medical care. While it is not required, it is a valuable tool for determining your radiologist’s experience level and quality of care. Radiologists who are board certified have taken the extra step to go above and beyond, demonstrating an exemplary level of knowledge within their specialty and ensuring that they are providing the best care possible by regularly testing their knowledge of the radiology profession in the ever-changing medical landscape.
As mentioned above, board certification must be maintained. It’s not enough for a radiologist to prove their skills just once - they must retake the tests every few years (as determined by the ABR) to ensure that they continue to exemplify knowledge and expertise in their field of certification.
How does board certification benefit me?
By knowing you have a board-certified radiologist, you are assured that the professional taking care of you has gone the extra mile to demonstrate their exemplary expertise in the field. It’s important to note that most board certification tests are intended to be rigorous and demanding, so they are not for the faint of heart.
Board Certification at BICRAD
At BICRAD, we understand the importance of board certification and are proud to say that each and every one of our radiologists are board-certified and continue to regularly undergo a series of tests to maintain their board certification status. We believe that dedication to the field of radiology and maintaining knowledge and experience allows us to provide the best care possible to our patients. Let us show you the difference a board-certified team can make at BICRAD!