Division of Emergency Radiology

The role of emergency departments in healthcare is undergoing significant change nationally. In addition to the treatment of traumatic injuries and acute illness, emergency departments provide access to point-of-care testing and a safety net for those lacking adequate health insurance. Radiology is playing an increasingly central role in efficient, accurate, and cost-effective triage and management of emergency department patients.

Services

The Division of Emergency Radiology provides 24/7 in-house attending radiologist coverage for patients at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Allen Hospital, and NewYork-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital emergency departments. Radiography (X-rays), ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are available on a 24-hour-a-day basis. Columbia University Irving Medical Center is a New York State Department of Health designated stroke center which requires a close collaborative relationship with our emergency department and neurology colleagues. During off-hours, the Division of Emergency Radiology is also responsible for exam interpretations for patients in the pediatric emergency department of the NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, which is a level one trauma center.

The Division of Emergency Radiology performs tens of thousands of radiographic and CT examinations each year, utilizing our state-of-the-art equipment which includes modern dedicated 64-slice CT scanners capable of fast, high-complexity imaging with substantially reduced radiation exposure.

Research

Division members participate in clinical and quality control research with topics including imaging utilization and incidental findings follow-up. National organizations in which members are involved include the American Society of Emergency Radiology, the Radiological Society of North America, the American College of Radiology, the American Society of Neuroradiology, and the Society of Skeletal Radiology.

Education

While 24/7 in-house attending radiologist coverage is in place, radiology residents continue to play an integral role in the functioning of the Division of Emergency Radiology, both during daytime and off hours. They have the opportunity to work independently while honing their diagnostic skills, although always with radiology attending oversight and feedback. All radiologists in the Division of Emergency Radiology are subspecialty-trained.