Radiology/Imaging Services

Imaging Services

From simple fractures to complex diagnostic procedures, Imaging Services at Riverview provides comprehensive services. We use the latest technology for both diagnostic and interventional radiology services. In addition, our patients enjoy the convenience of staying close to home to have the tests they need performed.

Services

Riverview's Imaging Services department provides comprehensive diagnostic and interventional radiology services. One department, in one central location, provides these services. This means if you require multiple tests, you have the convenience of one stop for all your imaging needs.

Imaging Services include:

• General Radiology
  General diagnostic radiographs (X-rays) for trauma and surgery patients are frequently performed. Services also include digital fluoroscopy used for procedures, such as colon studies, barium enemas, and joint studies.
  
  
  Patients may be asked to put on a hospital gown, depending on the area of the body to be imaged. X-ray is painless, quick and results can be quickly returned to the patient’s doctor’s office.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
  Utilizing the latest MRI technology, all types of MRI exams are performed; chest, abdomen, head, and pelvic. The MRI department uses two powerful magnets to provide detailed anatomical images that are ideal for looking at soft tissue, such as nerves and blood vessels.
  
  
  Patients are placed on a special table which slides into the MRI. You may hear tapping noises during the exam as the magnetic field is switched off and on to measure field is switched off and on to measure the signals reflecting back out of the patient’s body. Patients are able to talk to the radiologist or technologists at all times. Depending on how many images are required, the exam may take from 15 to 45 minutes, although a detailed study may take longer. Patients are asked to remain still during the exam but will be able to flex a bit in between sequences. Depending on the part of the body being examined, a contrast agent may be used to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or vessels. A small IV is placed in the patient’s arm or hand vein in these types of exams.
• Nuclear Medicine
  Our Nuclear Medicine services perform procedures that require the use of radioactive isotopes. These procedures use the latest equipment available, including both PET Scans (Positron Emission Tomography) and SPECT Scans (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography). These technologies allow the radiologist to evaluate organ function and metabolism. For our cancer patients, these gamma cameras are also used for oncology diagnosis and staging.
  
  
  Nuclear medicine studies can take anywhere from 30 to 120 minutes, depending on the type of study requested by your physician. Patients receive a small amount of radioactive material (tracers) that they will either swallow, inhale or take via injection. The radiation is often less than the exposure to a basic X-ray. During the study, the camera will detect gamma rays given off by the tracer as it moves through organs, bones and tissues. Patients are be positioned on a table and asked to be as still as possible during the exam. The table is open on all sides, unlike an MRI.
• CT Scan
  Known as Computed Tomography (CT) imaging or Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scanning, CT scanning images are an important diagnostic tool used to reveal the relationships between the soft tissue and bone. By using multiple X-ray beams projected at different angles, 3-D cross-sectional images are created. Theses examinations are reviewed on a three-dimensional workstation to reveal different levels of tissues that resemble slices.
  
  
  CT scans are quick, typically taking less than an hour. Patients are positioned on a padded table and asked to lie very still during the exam. The table will move through a large ring called a gantry. During the exam, the table will move slightly every few minutes while a beam of X-ray travels around the body creating an image “slice” for the radiologist to view.
• Ultrasound
  Comprehensive ultrasound procedures are preformed with the latest technology that provides four-dimensional images. Diagnostic ultrasound is used for abdominal and pelvic testing. Additionally, diagnostic ultrasound is used during pregnancy and for other cardiac and vascular testing.
  
  
  Ultrasounds are painless. Patients may feel pressure applied during the exam as the technologist ensures secure contact with the skin to generate accurate sound waves. A clear gel will be applied to the area being imaged.
• PET/CT
  Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computerized Tomography (CT) are imaging tools that allow radiologists to pinpoint exact locations of diseases such as cancer. A PET scan detects actively growing cells in the body. The CT scan then provides a detailed image of the inside of the body allowing physicians to precisely pinpoint locations of tumors or other abnormalities.
  
  
  Patients are asked to fast for approximately 6 hours, after which they receive an IV injection of a radioactive glucose solution. The solution will be allowed to work its way through the patient’s body. At that point, patients are asked to lie still on a table for the test. The table will move inside a large ring, moving just a small distance every few minutes as new images are taken. Patients will hear the sounds of the machine during the test. X-rays will be beamed across the patient’s body creating an image “slice” which can be viewed on a computer by a radiologist. The X-ray tube will rotate around the patient’s body while scanning it.
• Kyphoplasty
  Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed by a board certified radiologist. Your physician may choose either a local or general anesthesia. Kyphoplasty is designed to reduce pain for individuals with spinal fractures. Patients report an ability to return to simple, everyday activities such as walking, reaching, bending and lifting.
  
  
  A small incision will be made creating a pathway to the fracture. A tiny balloon will be guided through the instrument to the vertebra. This balloon will be carefully inflated to raise the collapsed vertebra and return it to its normal position. Then, the balloon is deflated and removed. The cavity is filled with a bone cement to support the surrounding bone and prevent future collapse. This cement forms an internal “cast” holding the vertebra in place.

Technology

Riverview provides the latest generation of technology within Imaging Services. We continuously replace outdated equipment. By using state-of-the-art equipment, our experienced staff and radiologists can obtain clearer images.

Patient Care Team

Under the leadership of the Medical Director of Imaging Services, we perform more than 40,000 imaging procedures per year. Our staff is here 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide imaging services to the community.

Physicians who interpret test results are radiologists. They are board certified by the American College of Radiology.

All of our staff members are registered in their area of expertise.

On staff we have:

 

• Radiological technologists who are RTs (Registered Radiological Technologists)
• Nuclear medicine technologists who are CNMTs (Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologists)
• Ultrasound technologists who are RDMSs (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers)

Also on staff is a registered nurse who is certified in radiology. Our radiology nurse assists technologists and physicians by administering medications and monitoring patients during certain procedures in addition to providing patient care required for imaging services.

Staff members participate in ongoing continuing education to remain certified/licensed within their area of expertise. In addition, Riverview Hospital is a clinical training site for radiological technology students.

Philosophy: Efficiency and Centralization

For non-emergency imaging services, patients can schedule their exams with an order from their physician. For patients who have an unplanned or emergency need for Imaging Services, our goal is to provide prompt services within minutes of their registration. 

When patients call our centralized scheduling, the scheduler will provide instructions about their specific test. Therefore, they will know what to expect when they arrive. Our staff members have applied the golden rule to their approach of providing care. Our goal is to inform our patients every step of the way and to make them as comfortable as possible. We even like to keep our patients warm, if desired, with our blanket warmers.

Contact Us

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call us at (317) 776-7247.