Radiating Hope: Radiology Department Blog

Search

Difficult News

Post Date: July 16, 2014
Difficult News

Sometimes radiologists are the bearers of bad news. If our imaging reveals something serious, we have a duty to tell you what’s going on.

In situations like these, one person is assigned as an advocate to help you and your family. The radiologist and advocate first speak with your doctor to discuss the results of the study and determine the best course of action. Once this discussion is complete, your family is taken to a private space so that the radiologist can share what we’ve discovered. Your advocate will remain in the room for support and take notes for you as the difficult news is given. Sometimes your doctor is present along with the radiologist to deliver the news while at other times your doctor may be on the telephone to discuss the results. Throughout the entire process, your advocate will remain with you and your family until you leave the Radiology Department.

We take our time to make sure that all of your questions are answered and that you are well informed of the situation. We understand that this moment will change your family forever, and we strive to deliver the news in the most caring and helpful manner possible.

Avatar photo

About the author: Alex Towbin

Alex is a radiologist and the Neil D. Johnson Chair of Radiology Informatics. In this role, he helps to manage the information systems used by the Radiology department. Clinically, Alex is the Assistant Director of thoracoabdominal imaging. His research interests include liver disease, liver tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, and appendicitis.

About The Department

The Radiology Department at Cincinnati Children's is a leader in pediatric diagnostic imaging, radiology research, and radiation dose reduction.

Radiology Specialties