Think back to your last MRI, X-ray or mammogram. The procedure was likely performed by a technician. Your doctor then gave you the results and laid out the treatment plan.

Another physician, however, was able to consult with you about the scan that you should have, supervise the study and interpret your results. Then, your doctor shared these results with him or her along with any recommendations for treatment.

Your radiologist is a physician who works behind-the scenes.

Radiologists can be described as medical doctors. Radiation safety and medical imaging are two of the many areas that radiologists receive training for. Radiologists are trained to interpret and administer images such as sonograms and CT scans. Radiologists work closely with primary care physicians to provide the best possible patient care. In the United States, there are more than 33,000 radiologists.

The American College of Radiology (ACR), the nation’s oldest and most well-respected accrediting body for medical image facilities, publishes materials that aid physicians in determining the best imaging tests for over 200 medical conditions.

Many more expensive and invasive procedures can now be replaced by imaging studies. Imaging procedures can be performed in hospitals, radiology centers or doctors’ offices.

You can be sure that your ACR-accredited facility will supervise and interpret your image exam. A facility must permit qualified medical physicists access to its equipment in order to be granted ACR accreditation. Certified technologists must operate the machines.

“Medical imaging is serving an increasingly important role in the health care of Americans.”Dr. Arl Vand Moore Jr., FACR, chair, ACR “It’s important for patients to make sure that the facility where they get their scans is committed to quality care.”

How can you ensure high quality care? Patients should “ask for a radiologist to supervise their exam and interpret the results, and choose a site that is ACR-accredited,”Moore explains.

Visit this site to learn more about imaging and how a radioologist can help you meet your health care needs. www.MyRadiologist.com.

Today’s life is very fast. People can check their kids’ soccer scores on the phone, while also sending emails to work with the help of digital technology. With the advent of the Internet, consumers can expect the same conveniences from all services and businesses except their insurance companies. For many people struggling to pay their medical bills, this can seem like a long wait, even though 98 percent of claims for health insurance are processed in 30 days.

With almost two-thirds American households earning less than 2002, being insured is not enough. It’s vital to understand how quickly and efficiently your insurance carrier pays claims. This is critical for both financial recovery and physical recovery.

Recent research found that 66% would not be able to adjust to the high financial cost of serious illnesses or injuries. Only 49% of workers have over $1,000 to pay out-of-pocket costs. Employers are being forced to reduce costs as rising health care costs put even more financial pressure on their employees.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

Some people might have to wait as long as a month to receive their insurance payments. Many insurance companies are able to offer fast service because they have better technology and an understanding of today’s consumer needs. This is just one example. AflacIn the insurance industry, it is rare to find policies that allow for claims approval, processing, and payment within one day.

Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It’s a necessity. It’s vital to have funds readily available for serious illness or injury. Your insurance company should be able to respond quickly.

Aflac’s One Day Pay guarantee can be found on aflac.com/onedaypay.