The terms "radiologist" or "chiropractic radiologist" signify a board certified specialist who uses the methods of the practice of radiology and imaging procedures including, but not limited to:
The quality of the interpretive services provided by the chiropractic radiologist in independent practice is reflected by the quality of their professional credentials. Each radiologist is a licensed doctor of chiropractic and has specialty certification status as Diplomate from an examination board with the minimum standards:
a) a minimum of three years of clinical radiologic experience and required postgraduate hours in radiology, sponsored by a chiropractic college which holds status with the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) or its equivalent, following a syllabus prescribed by the school; or
b) a minimum 4000 hour residency under the auspices of a chiropractic college which holds status with a national chiropractic accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, or its equivalent, following a syllabus prescribed by the college; and
c) successful completion of a comprehensive certifying examination covering all aspects of radiology.
General members of the American Chiropractic College of Radiology are certified Diplomates of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology (DACBR).
Radiologists supervise and interpret routine radiologic, and advanced imaging procedures. Radiologists provide written radiology reports. They advise referring physicians on the necessity and appropriateness of radiologic services and whether to seek or to avoid certain diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
A radiologist makes available modern imaging on a cost-effective basis to the public and the referring doctors. In some instances, there is a need for the radiologist to take an active part in ordering radiologic studies. They pursue research in the diagnostic application of radiologic procedures. They may be called upon to act as expert witnesses in radiology in legal matters or litigation.
Radiologists serve in an advisory capacity to governmental agencies, licensing boards and other organizations as a radiology consultant.
Chiropractic radiologists are also deeply involved in advancement of technology. The production of images in the demonstration of normal and abnormal anatomy, as well as an understanding of the interaction of energy and matter, make the radiologist vital in the practice of modern chiropractic in almost any setting. The advance of the medical and technological facets of radiology is so rapid that certified radiologists are essential in assisting the clinician to integrate new technologies with case management.
The practice of radiology continuously involves the application of this technology to patient imaging and treatment. As long as these modalities continue to evolve, it is not practical to prepare a static definition of the practice of radiology which cites every modality and procedure by name.
Acceptable practice of radiology is now well recognized to include, but is not limited to, plain films, fluoroscopy, tomography, thermography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine imaging, computed tomography, digital radiography, magnetic resonance, and interventional radiology.
Individual practices may vary by intent, licensure and scope of practice laws.
Norman W. Kettner, D.C., DACBR, FICC
President, ACA's American Chiropractic College of Radiology
Chesterfield, Missouri
Many relevant diagnostic signs are not performed deliberately by the examiner or by the patient at the examiner’s direction. They are observed as the patient reacts to their condition. Fortin’s finger sign, Minor’s sign, and Vanzetti’s sign are three examples of this principle.
On Feb. 1, 2024, two more legislators – John R. Carter (R-Texas) and Robert “Bob” Good (R-Va.) – co-sponsored the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2023, bringing the co-sponsor total to 155, two more than the total achieved over the entire two-year congressional cycle in which identical legislation last appeared (2021-22).
While working at the Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque, N.M., one of the primary care physicians stated that imaging every patient prior to receiving chiropractic was not medically necessary. It was at that point I reconsidered the need for the imaging of every patient to avoid malpractice.
