Basic Training Program on the Safe Use of Fluoroscopy

The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements in NCRP Report 168 lists interventional procedures with the potential for high patient skin doses. This list includes, but is not limited to: TIPS creation, embolization, stroke therapy, biliary drainage, angioplasty, stent graft placement, intervention for GI hemorrhage and RF cardiac ablation. Physicians performing these procedures require a more detailed level of training than the course proposed in this application. However, outside of this list, there are hundreds of medical uses of fluoroscopy that, while not likely to result in skin injury, still expose patients and staff to high levels of ionizing radiation. The proposed course is constructed at a level of complexity appropriate for physicians who perform routine fluoroscopic procedures that are not likely to result in skin injury. Some examples of disciplines where the proposed course would be appropriate for the operators of fluoroscopic equipment includes: orthopedic surgery, general surgery, oral surgery, gynecology, urology, pain management, speech pathology, plastic surgery, gastroenterology and endoscopy. Only a select few physicians receive extensive training in the safe use of fluoroscopy, these physicians being interventional radiologists. Board certified radiologists receive some limited training but not to the extent of those who complete a fellowship in interventional radiology. Fluoroscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool and a critical tool for guidance of minimally-invasive therapeutic procedures. However, when used inappropriately, great harm can be caused to both patient and operator. Patients are at risk for debilitating radiation-induced skin injuries as well as neoplastic risks from exposure to ionizing radiation. Operators are at risk for both stochastic and deterministic radiation injuries, including cancer and cataracts. Proper education and credentialing of those who use fluoroscopy has the potential to greatly reduce the chance of harm to both patient and operator. Fluoroscopy is being more widely adopted each year, and additional physicians with little or no training in its safe use are added to the ranks of operators. This activity is designed to provide these physicians with the didactic training necessary to understand the principles of radiation biology, radiation safety, radiation physics, and fluoroscopic imaging that will allow them to more safely utilize fluoroscopy.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 6 specialties.

Enduring / On-demand
Credit · Up to 4 credits
MOC · Up to 4 points
Fee · varies

Released

Jul 10, 2025
Last day to claim credit

Jul 11, 2027 9 months left

Basic Training Program on the Safe Use of Fluoroscopy

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