You’ll most likely see a radiologist — and a radiologic technologist — after a recommendation from another doctor, which may be your primary care doctor or a specialist like an orthopedist.
What to Expect with the Radiographer
You’ll often be sent to the lab right from your primary care doctor's office if they think you need imaging. There, you'll talk with a radiographer about the procedure and what to expect.
Your appointment may take just minutes, though more complex procedures can take 2 hours or more. You might have to avoid certain foods, medications, and drinks beforehand.
Always tell the radiology office if you’re pregnant, as X-rays and CT scans use low doses of radiation. But keep in mind that the risk of not having a test that you need could be higher than the risk from the radiation. Talk to your doctor about the risks and your concerns.
What Is a Midwife?
A midwife is a trained health professional who helps healthy women during labor, delivery, and after the birth of their babies. Midwives may deliver babies at birthing centers or at home, but most can also deliver babies at a hospital. Women who choose them have had no complications during their pregnancy.
Midwives may have different levels of training:
Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses who have graduated from an accredited nurse-midwifery education program and have passed a national exam. They can practice in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Certified midwives (CMs) are non-nurse midwives who have a bachelor's degree or higher in a health field, have completed an accredited midwifery education program, and have passed a national exam. Only a few states permit CMs to practice.
