Frequently asked questions

Below are common questions and answers about our imaging program:

Q: Are your radiologists specially trained to treat children?

A: Children's Wisconsin radiologists have special training to care for infants, children, and teens. Our radiologists are board-certified or board eligible in pediatric radiology. Several of our radiologists have extra training and certification in interventional radiology, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and neuroradiology. It is important that the radiologists interpreting your child's studies have this level of expertise. Children are not small adults. Their bodies and health problems are very different from those of adults. We are experts at taking care of kids from birth to age 18.

Q: What steps do you take to reduce radiation exposure in children?

A: Special skills are needed to take medical images of children. Children's imaging staff have these special skills. This means we take fewer pictures. We are always looking for new ways to improve safety and quality. To do this, we invest in technologies and equipment that reduce radiation exposure. We also reduce the dose of radiation to the lowest amount possible for each child. We use just enough to get high-quality images.

Q: Do your technologists know how to get the best images?

A: It takes a lot of special training to get the best image the first time. We have ways of taking images that you will not find at a general imaging center. Our staff members are board certified in their fields and have additional training to get the best images in kids. For example, a radiologist for adults may need images of your child's broken arm and the uninjured arm for comparison. But pediatric radiologists specialize in children's bodies, so they may not need the second image. Taking fewer images limits your child's exposure to radiation and saves you time and money.

Q: Will my child be scared or uncomfortable?

A: We distract kids to keep them calm and tell them what will happen in language that they can understand to help make them as comfortable as possible. Taking these steps can help improve image quality. It can also reduce the need for medicine to relax your child or put your child to sleep. We show movies, blow bubbles, and play with toys. Some of our radiologists even sing to children!

Q: If my child needs to be sedated, will a doctor be there to supervise the sedation?

A: Sedation can ease pain and make your child more comfortable. A board-certified pediatric doctor will be there to supervise if your child is sedated. Sedatives are powerful medicines, and having a doctor there makes it safer for your child.