Radiology
Why choose us
Imaging children poses challenges that adult radiology does not. It can be hard for kids to hold still for an X-ray or they may be afraid to get an MRI. Adult-centered practices may not have the necessary tools to fully meet the needs of pediatric patients or to keep radiation doses for CT scans and X-rays as low as possible. As the country's oldest and largest group of pediatric imaging specialists, the Radiology Department is uniquely equipped to meet the imaging needs of children and their doctors.
Innovative technology
Unsurpassed clinical care
Focus on safety
Pediatric anesthesia
Organ-based readings
Maximum comfort
Convenience
Innovative technology
We have the most sophisticated imaging equipment available and are constantly developing and investing in breakthrough technology. All of our equipment is specially designed or adapted for pediatric use, meaning it is sized or used in a way that maximizes your child's comfort and safety. But we don't stop there. We also provide an environment that is tailored for children, one that is soothing and fun, with colorful artwork and distraction therapies. One of our CT rooms has a Fenway Park décor; the other evokes a day at the beach! Our innovations
Unsurpassed clinical care
We have more than 40 pediatric radiologists, neuroradiologists, nuclear medicine physicians and interventional radiologists on staff; this makes us the largest group of pediatric imaging specialists in the country. Our board-certified physicians know which technologies will yield the most accurate diagnosis, and they work with referring doctors to make sure that each exam is absolutely necessary. They strive to utilize the imaging technology that is least invasive, provides the lowest radiation exposure and will be the most comfortable for your child. Our team
Focus on safety
By tailoring our equipment and protocols specifically to children, we keep radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable (the ALARA standard) during CT scans and other procedures that require radiation. Imaging practices that focus mainly on adults don't often use dose-reduction techniques when scanning kids, whose rapidly dividing cells are more susceptible to damage from radiation. In some cases, we can avoid radiation altogether by using ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Read more
Our efforts to promote safe pediatric imaging do not stop at our doorstep. Michael Callahan, MD, our director of CT imaging, and Keith Strauss, MSc, our director of Radiology Physics and Engineering, both serve on the steering committee of Image Gently, an international organization dedicated to educating medical professionals and parents about the potential risks associated with CT scans in children.
Pediatric anesthesia
Our staff is very skilled at helping young children stay motionless for imaging studies, employing distraction techniques that include video goggles, music, lighting and our MR simulator. Our "Try Without" Program gives children the opportunity to have an exam that would normally require sedation without sedatives. When sedation or anesthesia is necessary, it is administered by a team of experienced pediatric sedation nurses and anesthesiologists.
Organ-based readings
Our unique organ-system approach to radiology means that radiologists who sub-specialize in the disease or organ system under investigation will interpret the studies, regardless of the imaging technology used. Imaging by organ system
Maximum comfort
We are committed to ensuring that your child's experience here is as pleasant as possible. Every member of the medical staff is experienced in helping ease anxieties children may have about the procedures. In addition, we have certified child life specialists who can offer additional support and help parents prepare children for exams.
We want to diagnose your child's condition as quickly as possible. We offer easy access to the best diagnostic imaging in the world at our Boston, Lexington, Peabody and Waltham locations, as well as Boston Children's Physicians Weymouth. Our locations
- Centralized scheduling is available to schedule Radiology imaging at any location. You can call 617-919-SCAN (7226).
- Radiology appointments may be coordinated with other clinic appointments.
- All of our locations accept patients for x-rays on a walk-in basis during regular business hours.
- Ultrasound and Fluoroscopy appointments are available at all locations.
- MRI appointments may be scheduled in Boston, Peabody, and Waltham during daytime hours, and evening hours are available in Boston and Waltham. MRI appointments are available on Saturdays and Sundays in Boston and on Saturdays in Peabody and Waltham.
- CT and Nuclear Medicine appointments are available in Boston and Waltham.
- Interventional Radiology procedures may be scheduled at our Boston location by calling 617-355-6579.
- We offer free parking at our satellite locations.
