To better serve our patients, physicians, and providers, we want to cover all the medical bases. Our spectrum of diagnostic imaging services include:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Angiogram
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- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the body's internal structures that are clearer, more detailed and more likely in some instances to identify and accurately characterize disease than other imaging methods. It is used to evaluate the body for a variety of conditions, including tumors and diseases of the liver, heart, and bowel. It may also be used to monitor an unborn child in the womb. MRI is noninvasive and does not use ionizing radiation.
- Please tell the technologist if you have any metal or electronic devices in your body, such as:
- * Non MRI Safe Artificial heart valves
- * An implantable heart defibrillator
- * A pacemaker
- * Non MRI Safe Metal clips and coils
- * Cochlear implants
- * A bullet, shrapnel or any other type of metal fragment close to the eyeballs.
- * Implanted drug infusion ports
- The presence of metal in your body may be a safety hazard or cause an artifact on the MRI image.
- Please let our technologists know if you received MRI contrast within last 24 hours.
- Please tell your doctor if you think you're or may be pregnant. The effects of magnetic fields on fetuses aren't well understood. Your doctor may recommend choosing an alternative exam or postponing the MRI till 2nd or 3rd trimester.
- Kidney or liver problems should be discussed your doctor and the technologist, because problems with these organs may limit the use of injected contrast agents during your scan.
- You may eat normally and continue to take your usual medications, unless otherwise instructed, prior to your MRI. You will be asked to change into a gown and to remove:
- * Jewelry
- * Hairpins
- * Eyeglasses
- * Watches
- * Wigs
- * Dentures
- * Hearing aids
- * Underwire bras
- If you receive IV contrast for your MRI we advise you to drink plenty of water/fluids to help flush the contrast out of your body.
- To learn more, please visit this page
- Arthrography - Offered at AMI and MIG
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- Arthrography is medical imaging used to help evaluate and diagnose joint conditions and unexplained pain. It is very effective at detecting disease within the ligaments, tendons and cartilage. It may be indirect, where contrast material is injected into the bloodstream, or direct, where contrast material is injected into the joint. Arthrography may use computed tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or fluoroscopy – a form of real-time x-ray.
- Your preparation may vary depending on which imaging method your exam will use. Tell your doctor if there’s a possibility you are pregnant and discuss any recent illnesses, medical conditions, medications you’re taking, and allergies – especially to contrast materials. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown.
- Please let your scheduler know if you are taking blood thinners, we may have to call your doctor’s office to see if they can stop the blood thinners for the procedure.
- Please tell your doctor if you're pregnant or may be pregnant. Avoid exposing your baby to radiation.
- To learn more, please visit this page
- Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)
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- Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic imaging test used to create detailed images of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels. The cross-sectional images generated during a CT scan can be reformatted in multiple planes, and can even generate three-dimensional images which can be viewed on a computer monitor, printed on film or transferred to electronic media. CT scanning is often the best method for detecting many different cancers since the images allow your doctor to confirm the presence of a tumor and determine its size and location. CT is fast, painless, noninvasive and accurate. In emergency cases, it can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.
- Computed tomography briefly exposes you to ionizing radiation. The amount of radiation is greater than you would get during a plain X-Ray. Ionizing radiation in CT Scan have not been shown to cause long-term harm, although there may be a very small potential to increase your risk of cancer. This risk increases if you are exposed to radiation repeatedly. Newer, faster machines and techniques require less radiation than was previously used. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of your CT scan.
- Please tell your doctor if you're pregnant or may be pregnant. Avoid exposing your baby to radiation. Your doctor may recommend another type of exam, such as ultrasound or MRI.
- You may be required to drink oral contrast, you may also receive IV contrast for your CT Scan. Contrast material can cause medical problems or allergic reactions. Most contrast induced reactions are mild and result in a rash or itchiness. In rare instances, an allergic reaction can be serious, even life-threatening. Please inform your doctor and the CT technologist if you've ever had a reaction to contrast material.
- Depending on which part of your body is being scanned, you may be asked to:
- * You may be asked to change into a gown.
- * Remove metallic objects, such as a belt, jewelry, dentures and eyeglasses as these cause artifacts on the images limiting accurate diagnosis.
- * May require you not to eat or drink for a few hours prior to the procedure.
- Infant or toddler is having a CT scan may have to have a sedative to calm them so they can hold still. Movements degrade the images and may preclude accurate diagnosis.
- Kidney problems should be discussed your doctor and the technologist, because problems with these organs may limit the use of injected contrast agents during your scan.
- Please let our technologists know if you received IV or oral contrast within last 24 to 48 hours of your examination. Residual contrast in the body may interfere with accurate interpretation of your images.
- Abdomen and Pelvis CT Scan: On the day of your exam, drink one bottle (450ml) of your oral contrast two hours before your exam. Drink the second bottle (450ml) one hour before your exam.
- If you receive IV contrast for your CT Scan we advise you to drink plenty of water/fluids to help flush the contrast out of your body.
- To learn more, please visit this page
- CTA
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- For CT Angiography, expect rapid assessments of blood vessels using radiation-dose-reduction techniques. In just minutes, CTA imaging provides high-quality analyses of blood vessels in the brain, neck, chest, and abdomen, detecting aneurysms and narrowing of the arteries.
- Ultrasounds and Vascular Ultrasounds
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- Ultrasound imaging uses a transducer or probe to generate sound waves and produce pictures of the body's internal structures. It does not use ionizing radiation, has no known harmful effects, and provides a clear picture of soft tissues that don't show up well on x-ray images. Ultrasound is often used to help diagnose unexplained pain, swelling and infection. It may also be used to provide imaging guidance to needle biopsies or to see and evaluate conditions related to blood flow. It's also the preferred imaging method for monitoring a pregnant woman and her unborn child.
- Ultrasound evaluation may not require special prep except:
- * Ultrasound of the gallbladder, we ask that you not eat or drink for up to 6 hours before the exam.
- *Ultrasound of pelvis, may require a full bladder, we ask you to drink up to six glasses of water two hours before the exam and not urinate until the exam is completed.
- When scheduling your ultrasound, ask your office for specific instructions for your exam.
- For an ultrasound exam, we need you to remove jewelry and some or all of your clothing, change into a gown, and lie on an examination table. Gel is applied to your skin to keep air pockets that can block the sound waves from forming.
- A registered sonographer will press a transducer against your skin over the area being examined, moving it as necessary to capture the image. The transducer sends sound waves into your body and the machine creates images from the sound waves that bounce back and sends them to a computer.
- Some ultrasounds evaluations require the transducer to be inserted into a natural opening in your body. Examples of these exams include:
- * Transrectal ultrasound. A transducer is inserted into a man's rectum to view his prostate.
- * Transvaginal ultrasound. A transducer is inserted into a woman's vagina to view her uterus and ovaries.
- Ultrasound is usually painless, you may however, experience mild discomfort as the sonographer guides the transducer over your body, especially if you're required to have a full bladder.
- A typical ultrasound exam takes from 30-45 minutes.
- To learn more, please visit this page
- General Radiography
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- X-rays machine produces a safe level of radiation that passes through your body and records an image on a specialized plate. You can't feel an X-ray.
- A technologist positions your body to obtain the necessary views, we may use pillows or sandbags to help you hold the position. We ask you remain still during X-ray exposure, and sometimes hold your breath to avoid moving so that the image doesn't blur. An X-ray procedure may take only few minutes.
- Children having an X-ray, we may use restraints or other techniques may be used to keep him or her still. These restrains won't harm the child and will prevent the need for a repeat procedure. If you decide to be with your child in the X-Ray room we will ask to wear a lead apron to shield you from unnecessary radiation.
- X-rays images are post processed on a computer and are transferred over to the radiologist digitally for interpretation.
- Please tell your doctor if you're pregnant or may be pregnant. Avoid exposing your baby to radiation.
- Bone Densitometry
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- Early detection is the key to protecting your patients from debilitating osteoporosis. With 55% of people over 50 diagnosed with the disease, our non-invasive DEXA readings provide quick, easy readings to help you offer proactive bone care to those in your care.
- Digital Mammography - Offered at AMI and MIG
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- Mammography is a specific type of breast imaging that uses low-dose x-rays to detect cancer early – before women experience symptoms – when it is most treatable.
- Tell your doctor about any breast symptoms or problems, prior surgeries, hormone use, whether you have a family or personal history of breast cancer, and if there’s a possibility you are pregnant.
- Choose a certified mammogram facility.
- Bring your prior mammogram images.
- Don't use deodorant before your mammogram.
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- * Check with your doctor if over-the-counter pain medication about an hour before your mammogram might ease the discomfort during mammography.
- * You will be asked to change into a gown.
- For the procedure itself, you stand in front of an X-ray machine specially designed for mammography. The technician places one of your breasts on a platform and raises or lowers the platform to match your height. The technician helps you position your head, arms and torso to allow an unobstructed view of your breast.
- * Your breast is gradually pressed against the platform by a clear plastic plate. Pressure is applied for a few seconds to spread out the breast tissue. The pressure isn't harmful, but you may find it uncomfortable or even painful. If you have too much discomfort, tell the technician.
- * Your breast must be compressed to even out its thickness and permit the X-rays to penetrate the breast tissue. The pressure also holds your breast still to decrease blurring from movement and minimizes the dose of radiation needed. During the brief X-ray exposure, you'll be asked to stand still and hold your breath.
- Please tell your doctor if you're pregnant or may be pregnant. Avoid exposing your baby to radiation.
- Federal law requires mammogram facilities to send your results within 30 days, but you can usually expect to receive your results sooner. Ask the technician what you can expect.
- To learn more, please visit this page
- Coronary Calcium Scoring
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- Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring (also called coronary artery calcium scoring), which examines the coronary arteries to measure the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries which is an indicator of the amount of plaque in the arteries. Importantly, calcium scoring only measures the presence of plaque. It cannot evaluate the severity of coronary artery narrowing (stenosis) due to the plaque.
- A coronary calcium score may give you information about your heart attack risk if you fall into the intermediate heart attack risk category. You may be considered to have an intermediate heart attack risk if you're between the ages of 55 and 65 years and you have borderline high cholesterol or blood pressure or are a smoker. Your doctor can help you determine what your risk level is. A heart scan may be useful if you're at intermediate risk or if you have chest pain, especially if it's unclear whether a heart problem is the culprit.
- There is some evidence that people whose calcium scores show a risk of heart disease are more motivated to make lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and quitting smoking, than those who don't get scanned.
- To learn more, please visit this page
- Lung Cancer Screening - Offered at AMI and MIG
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- CT lung screening is a noninvasive, painless procedure that uses low-dose x-rays to screen the lungs for cancer in just 30 seconds. Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. This disease is responsible for more deaths annually than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined. In the United States, the lifetime risk of developing invasive lung cancer is 1 in 17 for men and 1 in 18 for women.
Talk to your doctor to see if you would benefit from having a Low Dose CT Lung Cancer screening exam.
- CT lung screening is a noninvasive, painless procedure that uses low-dose x-rays to screen the lungs for cancer in just 30 seconds. Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. This disease is responsible for more deaths annually than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined. In the United States, the lifetime risk of developing invasive lung cancer is 1 in 17 for men and 1 in 18 for women.
To learn more, please visit this page