Katie Wall, MSN, FNP-C and Tiffany Ly, MPAS, PA-C, present “Genitourinary Radiology for the APP Discussion Session.”
How to cite: Ly, Tiffany. “Genitourinary Radiology for the APP Discussion Session.” February 19, 2025. Accessed Jul 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/genitourinary-radiology-for-the-app-discussion-session/
Genitourinary Radiology for the APP Discussion Session – Summary
Katie Wall, MSN, FNP-C, Academic Urology and Urogynecology of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, and Tiffany Ly, PA-C, Academic Urology and Urogynecology of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, discuss the expanding role of advanced practice providers (APPs) in urologic imaging interpretation. In this 11-minute conversation, Tiffany Ly emphasizes that while imaging review has traditionally been the purview of radiologists and physicians, APPs are increasingly expected to develop competence in reviewing CT scans, renal ultrasounds, and nuclear renal scans. Delays in interpretation or sole reliance on radiology reports can hinder timely patient care. Reviewing imaging directly can reveal clinically relevant details often omitted in radiology summaries, such as precise stone size or subtle hydronephrosis progression.
Ly highlights common scenarios where APPs must integrate imaging into clinical decisions, including hydronephrosis, urinary tract obstruction, and renal calculi evaluation. Distinguishing between acute and chronic findings is crucial. She identifies common pitfalls, such as confusion between ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) and ureterovesical junction (UVJ) obstructions, which can lead to different management approaches.
Ly notes that most PA and NP programs have limited formal radiology education. She recommends self-directed learning through platforms like Radiopaedia and emphasizes the value of routine practice and cross-checking one’s interpretation with radiology reports or attending physicians. She advocates for structured review protocols or checklists to ensure consistency and thoroughness. She also stresses the importance of collegial relationships with radiologists and supervising urologists to verify interpretations and foster collaborative learning. While APPs are not radiologists, they have a growing responsibility—and opportunity—to strengthen their imaging literacy to improve patient outcomes.
