The interventional radiology clinic: key ingredients for success.

During the past two decades, the practice of interventional radiology has evolved into one that mandates longitudinal patient care taking place before, during, and after interventional procedures. This requires the establishment of relationships between physicians and patients that often must be fostered in an outpatient clinic setting. Recognition of this practice shift was formally made by the American College of Radiology with the publication of a document concerning the importance of clinical patient management within the practice of interventional radiology. This article will review the clinical patient management as it relates to the practice of interventional radiology, with a focus on the physician-patient relationship and the components of a successful outpatient clinic.