Some RadsForVets reports include a short video from the radiologist. When present, it gives the clinician another way to discuss the interpretation with the client while keeping the written report available. Video is not included in every report, and its presence should not be promised before the report arrives.
The treating veterinarian explains how the report relates to the patient and the proposed plan. A video can be used within that conversation, with time to explain unfamiliar terms, preserve the report’s qualifications, and answer the client’s questions.
Review the report before the conversation
Read the prioritized diagnoses and recommendations, then the findings relevant to the client discussion. If a video is included, review it before using it in the consultation. Identify which finding it explains and whether the written report contains qualifications or recommendations that still need to be discussed.
Preparation prevents the video from becoming an isolated explanation. The clinician should understand its place in the complete interpretation and be ready to explain the patient’s current condition. A report video is supporting material within a clinical conversation, not a replacement for reviewing the full report.
Introduce what the client is about to see
Explain that the video accompanies the radiologist’s interpretation of the submitted study. State the clinical question and describe why the selected finding is relevant to that question. Use ordinary language without converting a possible explanation into a confirmed diagnosis. Preserve the meaning of the written impression.
The client may need help connecting an anatomical observation to the reason imaging was performed. Pause to explain unfamiliar terms and distinguish what the images show from what remains uncertain. The aim is an understandable discussion, not simply playing the material and assuming it has answered every question.
Keep uncertainty and recommendations visible
A visual explanation can feel persuasive, but it does not change the strength of the underlying interpretation. If the report gives differentials, limitations, or a recommendation for further assessment, retain those in the discussion. Do not treat the existence of a video as evidence that the case has a single established diagnosis.
If a statement needs clarification, the clinician can use RadsForVets Real-Time Chat to ask the interpreting radiologist a focused question. Clarify the interpretation before translating it into a stronger client-facing claim. The patient’s examination and other tests remain part of the treating veterinarian’s assessment.
Finish with the clinician’s next step
After discussing the findings, explain the clinical plan and the reason for it. Separate the radiologist’s recommendation from the decision the treating veterinarian has made after considering the complete case. The ACVR describes radiologists as correlating imaging with examinations and tests and consulting with the referring veterinarian. [1]
Ask what questions the client still has, and document the material discussion through the practice’s normal process. Avoid suggesting that seeing a video means the client has necessarily understood, agreed to, or consented to a proposed action. Those are distinct parts of the clinical conversation.
Use the same structure when no video is included
The written report remains the primary source for the interpretation. If no video is present, explain the principal finding, the leading interpretation, the remaining question, and the proposed next step from the report itself. A video is an additional communication aid, not a condition for a complete consultation.
RadsForVets’ practical feature is an optional visual explanation alongside the written findings. Its appropriate use is selective and case-specific. Whether the discussion uses a video or only the report, keep the interpretation accurately represented and the treating veterinarian’s responsibilities clear.
Frequently asked questions
Does every RadsForVets report include a video?
No. Some reports include a video from the radiologist. Do not promise a video for every submitted study.
Should the veterinarian review the video first?
Yes. Review it with the written report so the clinician can explain its context, qualifications, and relationship to the patient’s current assessment.
Does a report video replace the written interpretation?
No. Use it alongside the written report. The complete findings, impression, and recommendations remain relevant to the discussion.
Does video establish greater diagnostic certainty?
Its presence does not strengthen the interpretation by itself. Preserve the uncertainty and limitations stated in the report.
What if a client asks a question the report does not settle?
Identify the open question and consider focused clarification with the interpreting radiologist. Do not provide a more certain answer than the evidence supports.
What should happen when no video is included?
Use the written report to explain the finding, interpretation, remaining uncertainty, and the treating veterinarian’s proposed next step.
Related reading
References
- [1]American College of Veterinary Radiology. Diplomate Certification: What & How?. https://acvr.org/who-we-are/diplomate-accreditation/
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