Rethinking the role of the radiologist: enhancing visibility through both traditional and nontraditional reporting practices.

The written radiology report is the primary method by which the radiologist communicates examination findings to the referring physician and the patient. Unfortunately, despite recent efforts to improve radiology reporting practices, dissatisfaction with regard to traditional reporting practices continues among referring physicians and patients. Moreover, the current reporting paradigm limits the amount of interaction that radiologists can have with patients and referring physicians. To address these issues, organizational efforts have been made by the Radiological Society of North America and the American College of Radiology to educate the public about the role of the radiologist in patient care, provide resources for individuals to learn more about the practice of radiology, and assist radiologists in creating a more "patient-centered" practice. In addition, individual radiologists may want to consider making adjustments to their reporting practices to improve communication of examination findings and increase patient awareness of the radiologist's role in clinical care. Many opportunities exist for radiologists to make such changes, both within the traditional reporting model (decreasing barriers to communication, educating patients) and with implementation of various nontraditional reporting practices (eg, delivering examination results directly to patients, receiving structured feedback on reports, establishing a diagnostic radiology consultation clinic). The authors provide guidance for radiologists who wish to enhance their visibility in clinical care with use of both traditional and nontraditional reporting practices.