Medically reviewed by Raghuveer Boddireddy, MD, Interventional Radiology. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Interventional Radiology?
An interventional radiologist (IR), a doctor who uses imaging to guide treatments, provides this care. These doctors work closely with your other doctors. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Interventional radiology, or IR, is a medical specialty. IR uses imaging such as X-rays, CT, MRI, or ultrasound to look inside the body and pinpoint the problem. The treatments are minimally invasive. This means they are done through a tiny cut in the skin. This overview covers IR in general, not one single procedure.
Why a doctor might recommend it
IR treats vascular conditions, such as blood clots, poor circulation, and chronic leg pain. It also treats many types of cancer. IR treatments often come with less risk, less pain, and shorter recovery times than open surgery. Common IR treatments include the following.
- A biopsy removes a piece of tissue or a sample of cells so it can be tested in a laboratory.
- Embolization usually means placing medical materials in a blood vessel to stop bleeding.
How to prepare
Ask your doctor about treatments that are less invasive. If you are a candidate for open surgery, consider getting a second opinion from an IR. An IR works closely with your other doctors, before, during, and after your treatment.
What happens during it
Most IR treatments begin with the prick of a needle. The IR then directs a thin wire and a catheter, a thin tube, through a blood vessel to treat the source of pain or disease. Patients get medicine through a vein for sedation and pain relief.
Recovery
Most of these treatments are done on an outpatient basis. Patients are sent home the same day. At follow-up visits, your IR checks your progress.
Risks and side effects
Radiation use is not without risk, as with any medical procedure. IRs have extensive training in radiation safety. They follow federal guidelines to lower the risks. They make it a priority to use as little radiation as needed.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Who performs it
IRs are board-certified physicians with fellowship training. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are often the first point of contact for a patient.
Common questions
Can IR treat cancer?
Yes, IRs treat or kill cancer with minimally invasive therapies. They treat many types of cancer, including liver, kidney, bone, and soft tissue cancer.
Do I need general anesthesia for IR?
Most IR treatments do not require general anesthesia. Patients get medicine through a vein for sedation and pain relief. They go home the same day.
How is IR different from open surgery?
Unlike open surgery, IR treatments are done through a tiny cut in the skin. The cut is usually closed with skin glue or a Band-Aid. They often come with less risk, less pain, and shorter recovery times than open surgery.
Is radiation a concern with IR?
Radiation use is not without risk, as with any medical procedure. IRs follow federal guidelines to lower the risks.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- Society of Interventional Radiology - FAQs about interventional radiology
- RadiologyInfo.org - Interventional Radiology
- Society of Interventional Radiology - Interventional radiology for patients
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
