Top 25 Interventional Radiologists Across the US
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What is an Interventional Radiologist?
Learn about this specialty, training requirements, and when to schedule a visit.
An interventional radiologist is a physician who specializes in performing minimally invasive procedures using image guidance such as X-ray, CT, ultrasound, and MRI. These highly trained specialists use catheters, needles, and small instruments inserted through tiny incisions to diagnose and treat conditions throughout the body, often replacing the need for traditional open surgery. Interventional radiologists combine expertise in medical imaging with advanced procedural skills to provide targeted treatments with less pain, shorter recovery times, and reduced risk compared to conventional surgery.
Training and Qualifications
Becoming an interventional radiologist requires extensive education and training:
- 4 years of medical school to earn an MD or DO degree
- 5 years of diagnostic radiology residency with comprehensive imaging training
- 1-2 year fellowship in interventional radiology or vascular and interventional radiology
- Total of 13-15 years of education and training beyond high school
- Some programs offer integrated 6-year IR residency tracks directly after medical school
Board Certification: American Board of Radiology (ABR) with subspecialty certification in Vascular and Interventional Radiology. Certification requires passing rigorous written examinations after completing an accredited residency and fellowship. The ABR also offers primary certification in Interventional Radiology for integrated pathway graduates.
When Should You See an Interventional Radiologist?
You should consider seeing an interventional radiologist if:
- You have uterine fibroids causing symptoms and want a non-surgical treatment option
- You have a tumor that may benefit from ablation or embolization therapy
- You need a vascular access device (port, PICC line, dialysis catheter) placed
- You have peripheral artery disease requiring angioplasty or stenting
- You need a biopsy of a deep organ or mass guided by imaging
- You have a blood clot requiring catheter-directed treatment
- You have varicose veins or venous insufficiency requiring treatment
- You need drainage of an abscess or fluid collection
Key Facts
Common Conditions Treated
Interventional Radiologists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common conditions that interventional radiologists help patients manage.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
A minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy for treating symptomatic uterine fibroids by blocking their blood supply through targeted catheter delivery of embolic particles.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Interventional radiologists thread a small catheter through the femoral artery to the uterine arteries and inject tiny particles that block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink significantly over several months while preserving the uterus.
Tumor Ablation
Destruction of tumors using extreme heat (radiofrequency or microwave ablation) or cold (cryoablation) delivered through image-guided needle placement directly into the tumor.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Interventional radiologists use CT or ultrasound guidance to precisely place ablation probes into tumors, delivering targeted energy that destroys cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, often as an outpatient procedure.
Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting
Opening of blocked or narrowed arteries in the legs, arms, or other areas using balloon catheters and metal stents to restore blood flow.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Interventional radiologists insert catheters through a small puncture, navigate to the blocked artery, inflate balloons to open the blockage, and place stents to keep the vessel open, restoring circulation and preventing amputation.
Port and Central Line Placement
Implantation of venous access devices such as ports, PICC lines, and tunneled catheters for chemotherapy, long-term IV medications, or dialysis access.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Interventional radiologists use ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance to safely place venous access devices with precise positioning, reducing complications and providing reliable long-term access for treatments.
Image-Guided Biopsies
Sampling of tissue from organs, masses, or lymph nodes using CT, ultrasound, or MRI guidance to obtain accurate diagnoses with minimal invasiveness.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Interventional radiologists use real-time imaging to guide needles precisely into target lesions, obtaining tissue samples for pathologic analysis while avoiding critical structures and minimizing patient discomfort.
Y-90 Radioembolization
Delivery of radioactive microspheres directly into liver tumors through hepatic artery catheterization, providing targeted internal radiation therapy.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Interventional radiologists map the liver blood supply, then deliver millions of tiny radioactive beads through a catheter directly to tumors, providing high-dose radiation to cancer cells while sparing healthy liver tissue.
Abscess and Fluid Drainage
Placement of drainage catheters into abscesses, fluid collections, or blocked organs using image guidance to remove infected material or relieve obstruction.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Interventional radiologists use CT or ultrasound to guide drainage catheters into collections, allowing infected material to drain and infections to resolve without major surgery, often converting emergencies into controlled situations.
Varicocele and Varicose Vein Treatment
Embolization of abnormal veins in the scrotum (varicocele) or legs using catheter-delivered coils or sclerosing agents to eliminate reflux and symptoms.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Interventional radiologists thread catheters through the venous system to abnormal veins and deploy coils or inject sclerosing agents to close them off, relieving symptoms and improving fertility potential without surgical incisions.
Important Note
This list represents common conditions but is not exhaustive. Interventional Radiologists treat many other conditions related to their specialty. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns, consult with a qualified interventional radiologist for a proper evaluation.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Understanding what happens during your appointment can help you feel more prepared. Here's what you can typically expect when visiting an interventional radiologist.
Your First Visit
- Review of medical history, imaging studies, and previous treatments
- Physical examination focused on the condition being treated
- Discussion of procedure options, benefits, risks, and alternatives
- Explanation of the minimally invasive approach and what to expect
- Review of medications including blood thinners that may need adjustment
- Scheduling of pre-procedure testing if needed (bloodwork, additional imaging)
- Initial consultation typically lasts 30-45 minutes
Diagnosis & Testing
- Review of prior imaging studies (CT, MRI, ultrasound, angiography)
- Additional imaging may be ordered to plan the procedure approach
- Laboratory tests: kidney function, coagulation studies, complete blood count
- Mapping angiography for some procedures to identify blood vessel anatomy
- Multidisciplinary case review with oncologists or surgeons when appropriate
- Staging studies for cancer patients to determine treatment eligibility
Treatment Options
- Most procedures performed with local anesthesia and IV sedation (conscious sedation)
- Small incision or needle puncture (usually 2-3mm) at the access site
- Real-time imaging guidance throughout the procedure using fluoroscopy, CT, or ultrasound
- Procedure times vary from 30 minutes to several hours depending on complexity
- Post-procedure monitoring in recovery area for 2-6 hours
- Many procedures are same-day with discharge to home
- Follow-up imaging scheduled to assess treatment results
Tip for Your Visit
Bring a list of current medications, previous test results, and questions you want to ask. Writing down your symptoms—when they occur and what affects them—helps your interventional radiologist provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
How to Choose the Right Interventional Radiologist
Finding the right healthcare provider is important for your health and peace of mind. Here are key factors to consider when selecting an interventional radiologist.
Credentials to Verify
- Board certification in Vascular and Interventional Radiology by the American Board of Radiology
- Completion of ACGME-accredited interventional radiology fellowship
- Active, unrestricted medical license in your state
- Privileges at an accredited hospital or outpatient center
- Membership in Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR)
- Fellowship training in specific procedures relevant to your condition
Important Considerations
- Procedure volume and experience with your specific condition
- Hospital or center quality metrics and complication rates
- Access to full range of interventional techniques and equipment
- Participation in multidisciplinary tumor boards for cancer patients
- Availability for pre-procedure consultation and questions
- After-hours coverage for procedure-related complications
- Experience with complex cases and ability to handle complications
Quick Tip
Don't hesitate to schedule consultations with multiple interventional radiologists before making your decision. The right fit isn't just about credentials—it's also about feeling comfortable and confident in your care.
Cost and Insurance Information
Understanding the costs associated with seeing an interventional radiologist can help you plan for your healthcare needs.
Average Costs (Without Insurance)
Initial Visit
$200-$400 (consultation)
Follow-up Visit
$100-$250
Common Procedures
Note: These are estimated average costs and can vary based on location, provider, and specific services required.
Insurance Coverage
- Most health insurance covers medically necessary interventional procedures
- Prior authorization typically required for elective procedures
- UFE is covered by most insurers as alternative to hysterectomy
- Cancer treatment procedures (ablation, Y-90) generally covered with documentation
- Both facility fees and professional fees apply to hospital-based procedures
- Out-of-network providers may result in higher out-of-pocket costs
Medicare Information
Medicare Part B covers interventional radiology procedures at 80% of the approved amount after the deductible when medically necessary. This includes diagnostic procedures, tumor treatments, and vascular interventions. Outpatient procedures may have different coverage rates than inpatient hospital procedures.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Always verify your interventional radiologist is in-network before scheduling
- 2Ask about self-pay discounts if you don't have insurance
- 3Inquire about payment plans for expensive procedures
- 4Get prior authorization when required to avoid claim denials
- 5Use FSA or HSA funds for eligible medical expenses
Questions to Ask Your Interventional Radiologist
Being prepared for your appointment helps you get the most out of your time with your doctor. Here are important questions to consider asking an interventional radiologist.
How many of these procedures have you performed and what are your outcomes?
What are the alternatives to this procedure, including surgical options?
What type of anesthesia or sedation will be used?
What is the expected recovery time for my specific procedure?
What are the specific risks for this procedure based on my medical history?
Will I need to stop any medications before the procedure?
How will I know if the procedure was successful?
What follow-up imaging or appointments will be needed?
Who should I contact if I have problems after the procedure?
Is this procedure covered by my insurance and has prior authorization been obtained?
Pro Tip
Write down your questions before your appointment and bring them with you. Don't hesitate to take notes during your visit or ask for written instructions.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Know when symptoms require immediate attention versus a scheduled appointment.
While most conditions can wait for a scheduled appointment with an interventional radiologist, certain symptoms require immediate emergency care. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience:
- Severe bleeding or rapidly expanding bruising at the procedure access site - may indicate arterial bleeding requiring immediate attention
- Sudden severe pain in the abdomen, chest, or treated area - may indicate organ injury or bleeding
- High fever (over 101.5F) with chills after a procedure - may indicate infection or abscess
- Leg swelling, pain, and warmth after a procedure - may indicate deep vein thrombosis
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain - may indicate pulmonary embolism or other serious complication
- Loss of pulse, coldness, or color change in an extremity after vascular procedure - may indicate vessel occlusion requiring emergency treatment
EMERGENCY
Call 911 or nearest ER
URGENT
Doctor or urgent care
NON-URGENT
Regular appointment
Interventional Radiologist vs. Other Specialists
Understanding the differences between medical specialists helps you choose the right provider for your needs.
Interventional Radiologist vs. Vascular Surgeon
Vascular surgeons primarily perform open surgical procedures with larger incisions, though many also do endovascular procedures. Interventional radiologists exclusively use minimally invasive, catheter-based techniques with image guidance. Both treat similar vascular conditions but use different approaches. Interventional radiologists also treat non-vascular conditions like tumors and biopsies that vascular surgeons do not typically address.
Interventional Radiologist vs. Diagnostic Radiologist
Diagnostic radiologists interpret medical images (X-rays, CT, MRI, ultrasound) to help other physicians diagnose conditions. Interventional radiologists complete additional fellowship training to perform image-guided procedures that treat conditions. While both are radiology specialists, interventional radiologists are proceduralists who directly treat patients rather than only providing diagnostic interpretations.
Interventional Radiologist vs. Medical Oncologist
Medical oncologists specialize in treating cancer with systemic therapies like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drugs. Interventional radiologists provide localized cancer treatments using image-guided procedures like tumor ablation and embolization. The two specialties often work together on multidisciplinary teams, with IR providing local tumor control while oncology manages systemic disease.
Not sure which specialist you need?
Your primary care physician can help determine the right specialist for your condition and provide a referral if needed.
Sources & References
Information about interventional radiologists is sourced from peer-reviewed medical literature and authoritative organizations.
Last updated: March 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about interventional radiologists
What is the difference between an interventional radiologist and a vascular surgeon?
Both specialists treat vascular conditions, but they use different approaches. Interventional radiologists use minimally invasive, catheter-based techniques guided by real-time imaging, accessing blood vessels through small needle punctures. Vascular surgeons primarily perform open surgical procedures requiring larger incisions, though many now also perform endovascular procedures. For many conditions, both specialists can achieve similar outcomes, and the choice often depends on the specific case, patient factors, and local expertise. Many hospitals have both work together in hybrid vascular programs.
How long is recovery after an interventional radiology procedure?
Recovery time varies by procedure but is generally much shorter than traditional surgery. Most diagnostic procedures (biopsies, drainages) require only 1-2 days of limited activity. Embolization procedures like UFE typically require 1-2 weeks before returning to normal activities. Ablation procedures may require 3-7 days of recovery. The access site (usually in the groin or wrist) typically heals within a few days. Your interventional radiologist will provide specific recovery guidelines based on your procedure.
Are interventional radiology procedures painful?
Most IR procedures are performed with local anesthesia and IV sedation (conscious sedation), which keeps you comfortable but not fully asleep. You may feel pressure or mild discomfort, but significant pain is uncommon during the procedure. Post-procedure discomfort varies - some procedures like UFE can cause cramping for several days, while biopsies typically cause only mild soreness. Pain is usually well-controlled with oral medications, and severe pain should be reported as it may indicate a complication.
Can interventional radiology cure cancer?
Interventional radiology provides important tools in cancer treatment but is typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Tumor ablation can cure small, early-stage cancers in some organs (particularly kidney and liver). For larger or more advanced cancers, IR procedures like embolization and Y-90 radioembolization can control tumor growth, shrink tumors before surgery, or provide palliation. IR specialists work closely with oncologists and surgeons as part of multidisciplinary cancer teams to determine the best treatment approach for each patient.
What are the risks of interventional radiology procedures?
While minimally invasive procedures generally have lower complication rates than open surgery, risks still exist. Common minor complications include bruising or bleeding at the access site (5-10%) and temporary discomfort. Serious complications are less common but can include infection (<1%), damage to blood vessels or organs, and allergic reactions to contrast dye. Specific procedures have unique risks - for example, post-embolization syndrome (fever, pain, nausea) occurs in up to 40% of embolization patients but is usually self-limited. Your interventional radiologist will discuss specific risks for your procedure.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Our editorial standards