Qualifications of the Physician in the Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory

Abstract

The vascular diagnostic laboratory (VDL) is taking on added importance in the care of patients with vascular disease¹ while coming under increasing governmental scrutiny and economic pressures.^2,3 In view of these challenges, the qualifications and credentials of physicians who interpret noninvasive diagnostic studies have also taken on additional importance. While the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL) has established overall standards for vascular laboratories, physicians interpreting studies and directing VDL operations are still largely without standardized guidelines. Physicians from different specialty backgrounds and with different training and practical experience are all readers in and directors of vascular laboratories.^4,5 Can these diverse backgrounds and training be accommodated in a single set of standards that qualify physicians for working in the VDL? This chapter will examine the desired attributes with regard to formal education, acquired skills, and other special qualifications for these physicians.