When you need any radiology service performed follow the directions below. 1. Your physician will order the exam. 2. Your physician or nurse will instruct you on any additional preparations necessary for the test. 3. Arrive at the clinic desk at least 20 minutes before your test to allow plenty of time for any preparations. 4. The procedures time takes between 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the test.

Diagnostic Radiology

: Commonly called “X-ray”, Diagnostic Radiology is the production of x-ray images primarily of the bones and soft tissue of your anatomy. This includes the arm, hand, shoulder, pelvis, leg, and foot to name a few. This type of x-ray is typically ordered if your physician suspects you may have an injury, fracture, soft tissue damage, arthritis, unexplained pain or other similar conditions. An X-ray of the chest is often performed as part of a routine yearly physical exam. However, it can also be ordered to rule out pneumonia, congestive heart failure and other lung or heart conditions. It is the most common type of X-ray performed within the Imaging Services Department.

Ultrasound

: Ultrasound is a simple medical procedure that uses sound waves to examine and diagnose medical conditions inside the body. The sound is reflected back through the transducer and the image of the organs or tissue is projected on a screen. Ultrasound can be used to diagnose conditions such as cancer, blood clots and eye disorders.

MRI

: An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a sophisticated diagnostic technique that is non-invasive and does not use radiation. The MRI uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to generate detailed 2 dimensional images rather than the flat x-ray images. The MRI can be used to detect cancer in a variety of organs and tissues. The images are so clear that many organs can be seen in great detail. The MRI can also detect injuries, disorders and disease affecting tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone marrow.

CT Scan

: CT scanning – sometimes called CAT scanning – is a noninvasive, painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body and a computer to join them together in cross-sectional views of the area being studied. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed. CT scans of internal organs, bone soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity than conventional x-ray exams. Because some exams use iodinated contrast please be sure to tell your physician if you have diabetes, asthma, or any allergic disorders to any medicine, iodine, or barium sulfate.

ECHOCARDIOGRAM

: An echocardiogram checks how your heart’s chambers and valves are pumping blood through your heart. An echocardiogram uses electrodes to check your heart rhythm and ultrasound technology to see how blood moves through your heart. An echocardiogram can help your doctor diagnose heart conditions.

NERVE CONDUCTION STUDY

: Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons). EMG results can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission.

SCHOOL PHYSICALS

: Sports physicals help to make sure an athlete can safely play in their chosen sport as required by the state, school or sports organization. We have trained providers in Pediatric office.

PFT/SPIROMETRY

: Spirometry is one of the most commonly ordered tests of your lung function. The spirometer measures how much air you can breathe into your lungs and how much air you can quickly blow out of your lungs. This test is done by having you take in a deep breath and then, as fast as you can, blow out all of the air. You will be blowing into a tube connected to a machine (spirometer). To get the “best” test result, the test is repeated three times. You will be given a rest between tests. The test is often repeated after giving you a breathing medicine (bronchodilator) to find out how much better you might breathe with this type of medicine. It can take practice to be able to do a spirometry test well. The staff person will work with you to learn how to do the test correctly. It usually takes 30 minutes to complete this test.