83,246
Radiologists
100%
Accepting patients
84%
Most common: MD
FindClarity lists 83,246 radiologists nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is MD (84%). 72% accept Medicare.
Radiologists are physicians who specialize in interpreting medical images: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, mammograms, and nuclear medicine studies. They are the doctors behind the scenes, reading your imaging studies and providing the diagnoses that guide your treatment. Some radiologists also perform image-guided procedures like biopsies and drain placements.
After medical school, radiologists complete a five-year residency (one transitional year plus four years of diagnostic radiology). Many pursue additional one- to two-year fellowships in subspecialties like neuroradiology, musculoskeletal imaging, breast imaging, interventional radiology, or pediatric radiology.
You may never meet your radiologist in person, but their interpretation of your images directly affects your diagnosis and treatment. When your doctor orders a CT scan or MRI, a radiologist reads the images and sends a detailed report to your ordering physician. Interventional radiologists, however, perform procedures and often meet with patients directly.
You typically do not schedule a visit with a radiologist directly. Your treating physician orders imaging, and a radiologist interprets it. However, you may see an interventional radiologist for image-guided biopsies, tumor ablation, angioplasty, embolization, or drain placement. For screening mammography, you interact with the breast imaging radiologist through the mammography center.
For imaging studies, you will check in at the radiology department, change into a gown if needed, and the technologist will perform the scan. The radiologist reads the images afterward and sends a report to your doctor, usually within 24 to 48 hours. For interventional procedures, you will meet the radiologist beforehand, discuss the procedure and risks, and receive sedation or local anesthesia. Afterward, you will be monitored briefly before going home.
X-ray: $50-300 · CT scan: $300-3,000 · MRI: $500-3,500 · Mammogram: $0 (preventive) or $100-500
CT scans use X-rays and are fast (minutes), making them ideal for emergencies, lung imaging, and bone evaluation. MRIs use magnetic fields (no radiation) and produce detailed soft tissue images, making them better for brain, spine, joint, and ligament evaluation. Each has strengths. Your doctor and radiologist choose the study that best answers the clinical question.
Modern imaging uses the lowest possible radiation dose. A single chest X-ray delivers a tiny fraction of annual background radiation. CT scans use more radiation but are still considered safe when medically indicated. Radiologists follow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). The diagnostic benefit of a needed scan almost always outweighs the minimal radiation risk.
Yes. You have the right to obtain copies of your medical images and radiology reports. Most imaging centers provide CDs or digital downloads. Some hospitals offer patient portals where you can access your images online. Having copies is useful for second opinions or when seeing a new doctor.
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Imaging is ordered by your treating physician and covered under your medical insurance. Many studies require prior authorization, especially MRI, CT, and PET scans. The imaging facility may bill separately from the radiologist who reads the study. Verify both are in-network. Outpatient imaging centers often cost significantly less than hospital-based imaging for the same study.