 |
 |
| Congressman Eliot Engel joined the Radiology department at Montefiore Medical Center to discuss radiation exposure in patients and Montefiore's innovative ways to prevent it. |
Representative Eliot Engel of New York's 17th District visited Montefiore Medical Center on Friday to learn about new technological advancements in the radiology department.
Jacqueline Bello, MD, Director of Neuroradiology at Montefiore, and Don Ashkenase, Special Advisor to the President of Montefiore, lead Engel on the tour and showed him some of the projects underway to help diagnose and treat various problems such as strokes, obstructive sleep apnea and heart disease.
A main topic of discussion was the use of Computed Tomography (CT) scans and how to balance its effectiveness with the potential health risks an overexposure to radiation can cause. In order to get the clearest picture possible during a CT scan, a high dose of radiation is sometimes needed. If a patient has too many scans in a short period of time and is exposed to the radiation too often, the side effects can become dangerous.
Chairman E. Stephen Amis, MD, Department of Radiology at Montefiore, is recognized nationally as a leading advocate for radiation safety. In February, he spoke on behalf of the American College of Radiology at a hearing before the U.S. Congress discussing medical radiation issues.
Dr. Bello said the department has made an effort to track the amount of CT scans and prevent doctors from "overscanning."
Overexposure can be especially dangerous when dealing with pediatric cases. Montefiore participates in the Image Gently Campaign, an initiative that raises awareness about the importance of using low radiation doses when scanning children. They have also started using bismuth shields to cover the breasts and eyes to reduce exposure to the radiation on sensitive areas of the body.
Also discussed was the Bronx Regional Health Information Organization (Bronx RHIO), which will allow the medical records of patients to be shared throughout local health facilities in the Bronx. The secure exchange of information will help local clinics save money and work more efficiently by not repeating the same tests that have been done elsewhere. As a result, doctors would be aware of how many scans a new patient has received from other hospitals and can monitor the radiation levels better.
Mr. Ashkenase, who is also chairman of the board of Bronx RHIO, said that making medical records more readily available will help to alleviate some of the concern with doctors overscanning.
Representative Engel said he was encouraged by the work that he saw.
"In my 22 years in Congress, in terms of getting federal funding, this institution has always been number one for me," Engel said. "Every time I visit Montefiore, I'm impressed with the superior, cutting-edge work that is being done."
Administrative Director of Oncology Services
Medical and Radiation Oncology
We have long term relationships with oncology patients and their families, providing the best care possible for them during very difficult times.
[more]
