This manual is designed to assist medical students, health-care providers,  and interested parties in selecting the right imaging test for the right patient in the right order.  The goal is to improve the efficiency and utilization of radiology and nuclear medicine.  This text is organized as a series of brief suggested algorithms based on the anatomical part of the body being imaged or a specific clinical problem.  This is not a comprehensive presentation, but rather is designed as an educational aid to address common situations in imaging in a general manner. Of necessity, this is not an authoritative document, and all suggested algorithms serve as an overview designed for the clinical realities present at MCG. Patterns of practice may differ in other circumstances at other locations. Please feel free to contact an imager in any section of the department and discuss complex or atypical clinical scenarios in order to customize your imaging requirements as clinically indicated.

This manual is brought to you by your colleagues in the Imaging Department.  Please let us know of any suggested future topics, questions about this manual, or other ways in which we can serve you better and meet the imaging needs of your patients.  Feel free to e-mail the editor of this manual, Dr. Paul Karmin.