Need for More Verbal Communication Between Pathologists and Radiologists

I first discussed the merits of collaboration (or even merger) between the specialties of pathology and radiology in October, 2006 (see:Ten Reasons for Merging Pathology/Lab Medicine with Radiology). Since that time, I have commented on this same topic from time to time as well as how to improve pathology/radiology reports (see, for example:Radiologists and Pathologists as Information Specialists; Merger of the Specialties?; Making Surgical Pathology and Radiology Reports More Patient-Friendly;Pathology and Radiology Collaborate with a Concordance Conference). I recently came across a longish article encouraging pathologists to communicate verbally with radiologists when certain findings are encountered. Below is an excerpt from it:Discordance between radiology and pathology studies compounds...[the problem or arriving at the correct diagnosis]. As good practice, frequent verbal communications between pathologists and radiologists ensure that we recognize and minimize potential diagnostic confusion prior to issuing the pathology report. The radiologist-pathologist conversation may provide valuable feedback to the radiologist (because the pathologic findings may add to their understanding of imaging findings and improve interpretive skills), and to the pathologist (who may develop a better appreciation of the clinical question asked with the biopsy and provide a more relevant pathologic answer).....Importantly, the radiologist...[is] able to convey the degree of suspicio...
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