General diagnostic radiology includes chest, abdomen and extremity x-rays. It also includes fluoroscopic procedures, such as upper GI series and barium enema. Plain film radiology and fluoroscopy have been the mainstay of diagnostic radiology for years, and are often the first radiological exams performed on a patient.
CT Scan is a method of viewing the body’s internal structures without surgery. Using radiation to produce data and a computer to reconstruct images, physicians can view internal organs in “slices”.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) combines the power of magnetic waves with radio waves to produce information that can be constructed into useful, 3D images by a computer. MRI, a painless procedure, uses no radiation.
Nuclear Medicine scans use radioactive tracers to diagnose and treat disease and evaluate function. The tracer is combined with different chemicals depending on the area of the body to be visualized. It is then injected into the body and images are created.
Ultrasound scans use sound waves instead of radiation to view many areas of the body. It is non-invasive and requires no anesthesia.
Bone Density is the only way to determine bone health. It is an x-ray-like test that is quick and painless. It is recommended for women past menopause, particularly those 65 and older, who have had a bone fracture and those with one or more risk factors for an osteoporosis-related fracture.
Digital Mammography is shown to decrease the need to repeat images due to processing artifacts providing better resolution for reading images and exposing the patient to less radiation. In addition, digital mammography has computer-aided detection for spotting abnormalities.
Please note that not all services are available at all facilities. Please refer to individual sites for exams available.