Why choose Children's Wisconsin?

Radiologists, technologists, and nurses at Children's Wisconsin are specially trained to acquire and interpret pediatric images. Specialized training and facilities create an environment that is beneficial to the patient and allows the staff to obtain high quality images. The technologists know how to get the best images on all patients from prenatal to adults. Having a pediatric radiologist is important because the physical structures are not the same as adults.

Our imaging team has over 1,750 combined years of experience at Children's Wisconsin and all imaging exams are read by a board certified radiologist specialized in pediatric radiology.

Child life

There is child life involvement for imaging exams. Child Life Specialist are professionals with expertise in helping children and their families overcome life's most challenging events. With an expertise in child development and family systems, child life specialists promote effective coping through play, preparation, education, guided imagery, and self-expression activities.

Low-dose radiation

We are committed to utilizing the lowest radiation dose possible. The effects of radiation exposure are unknown. Exposure to high doses of radiation increases the risk of cancer and other damage to our bodies. Medical tests have a very low dose. The added cancer risk, for most medical tests, is so small that it can't be measured. The radiologists are trained to interpret low-dose imagery without comparison images that may be obtained at other institutions. Some of the ways to reduce dose are:

• To obtain the image correctly, the first time to reduce radiation exposure. Our repeat rate is well below the national average.
• Scanning below the pediatric radiology dose recommendations. We use a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scanner, as well as we are a regional and national leader in low dose protocol.
• Using low-dose scoliosis imaging called an EOS low-dose radiation scanner. We offer this technology.

Family-centered care

Family-centered care is a collaborative partnership between the patient, family, and healthcare professional. Parents and family members may be involved in the exam to help with patient comfort. There is limitation to 2 family members in the exam room. We discourage siblings from being in the exam room for their safety as well as providing the best care for the patient.

Imaging exam without sedation imaging uses pediatric anesthesiologists for sedation during complicated or painful diagnostic procedures. However, often our imaging team makes every attempt to obtain quality images without the use of sedation unless absolutely necessary. This is an example of why having pediatric experience is so important. For some exams, your child can choose a movie to watch or to play their own music from an iPod docking station if they are not needing sedation. If your child needs to drink contrast, they will be able to choose what flavor to mix it with. Your child may be able to choose whether they sit up or lie down for an x-ray. In some areas, your child may be able to pick the room color or change the color of the lights that illuminate the room. One of our MRI scanners even has a light that can change color to meet the patient's preference.