Since the 1990s, emergency radiology has become a specialty in the wider field of radiology. Many hospitals currently offer fellowships specifically in emergency radiology to not only grant a radiologist the emergency radiology specialty to his curriculum vitae, but also to strengthen the skills needed for effective emergency medical imaging interpretation. With this creation of a radiology specialty, patients can expect and receive better care and treatment when visiting the emergency room. (But patients should not expect less time in the waiting room.)

By having radiologists who practice nothing but emergency radiology, the ER will have a higher quality of radiologic interpretation and diagnosis. This benefits the hospital as well as the patient. With a higher quality of care, hospitals potentially have fewer missed diagnoses. Emergency physicians have better assistance treating patients. Malpractice lawsuits potentially decrease. Everyone wins, especially the patient.