Neuroimaging Training Programs, Certification Pathways, and Credentialing Issues

Abstract

Neurologists have a unique ability to interpret neuroimaging in conjunction with clinical context and disease pathology, making their role vital in accurate interpretation. Neuroimaging education is essential for enhancing these skills, typically provided through neurology residency programs and specialized neuroimaging fellowships. Neuroimaging training experience in neurology residency programs can be quite variable. Neurology residents typically gain substantial exposure to neuroimaging techniques through the sheer volume of cases they encounter during training, often under direct guidance of subspeciality neurologists. However, curriculum implementation and proper documentation of training often lacks consistency, and opportunities for advanced neuroimaging training are limited. The number of fellowship-trained neuroimaging specialists is insufficient to meet the growing demand for neuroimaging expertise. Credentialing and certification issues related to neuroimaging training for neurologists hinder the integration of qualified neurologists into the neuroimaging field. The need for additional years of specialized training, financial burden associated with maintaining certification, opposition by radiological societies, complexities of reimbursement which vary by insurer, region, and hospital policies are some of the challenges. This article explores these issues and suggests that solutions may include the establishment of more accredited neuroimaging fellowship programs or an increase in the neuroimaging component of subspecialty training, as well as addressing credentialing and hospital privileging issues.