Radiology — A Full-range of Imaging Services
MRI Services
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a revolutionary diagnostic imaging modality that uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide remarkably clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. The technique has proven very valuable for the diagnosis of a broad range of pathologic conditions in all parts of the body including cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke, and joint and musculoskeletal disorders. MRI requires specialized equipment and expertise and allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible with other imaging methods.
Mountain View Hospital uses a General Electric Medical System 1.5T, 8 channel magnet which is a high performance, short bore, whole body imaging system. The MRI magnet accommodates patients up to 350 pounds, is capable of performing routine to high-performance applications including the central nervous system, body, joints, and vascular anatomy, as well as gastrointestinal, gynecologic and urologic exams. In addition to performing complex applications, another advantage of this system is the superior image quality.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services are available every Tuesday and Friday at Mountain View Hospital.
Computed Tomography (CT) Services
CT (computed tomography), sometimes called CAT scan, uses special x-ray equipment to obtain image data from different angles around the body and then uses computer processing of the information to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs.
CT imaging is particularly useful because it can show several types of tissue — lung, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels — with great clarity. Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.
At MVH, we are able to offer a full service line of CT exams and procedures to assist your physician with detection, diagnosis and treatment plan options.
Please note - All imaging services, with the exception of mammograms, will require a written order from your primary or referring physician.
Digital Mammography Services
A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the diagnosis of breast diseases in women. Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor, and transmitted and stored just like computer files.
From a patient's point of view, having a digital mammogram is very much like having a conventional mammogram. Both film-based and digital mammography use compression and x-rays to create clear images of the inside of the breast. During all mammography exams, the technologist positions the patient to image the breast from different angles and compresses the breast with a paddle to obtain optimal image quality.
Unlike film-based mammography, digital mammograms produce images that appear on the technologist's monitor in a matter of seconds. There is no waiting for film to develop, which can mean a shorter time spent in the breast imaging suite.
Compassionate Care with Confident Results
Mountain View Hospital (MVH) is certified as a Softer Mammogram Provider®, a distinction awarded only to an elite group of healthcare facilities that offer MammoPad® as a standard of care. We provide every woman with a digital mammogram that includes the MammoPad breast cushion, a foam pad that serves as a cushion between you and the mammography machine. This comfort technology improves your mammogram experience by decreasing the pain associated with the exam.
MammoPad has been clinically demonstrated to reduce discomfort, associated with mammograms, for most women. It is FDA-cleared, does not impair image quality, and makes it easier for you to relax during your exam. This helps our highly skilled mammography technologists achieve the best possible mammogram.
For more information or to schedule a softer mammogram, please call MVH's Imaging Department at (541) 475-4032.
Ultrasound Services
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and thus determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or fetus.
Millions of expectant parents have seen the first "picture" of their unborn child with pelvic ultrasound examinations of the uterus and fetus. Ultrasound imaging is used extensively for evaluating the eyes, pelvic and abdominal organs, heart and blood vessels, and can help a physician determine the source of pain, swelling or infection in many parts of the body.
Because ultrasound provides real-time images it can also be used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which needles are used to sample cells from organs for laboratory testing. Ultrasound is now being used to image the breasts and to guide biopsy of breast cancer Ultrasound is also used to evaluate superficial structures such as the thyroid gland and scrotum (testicles).
Please note - All imaging services, with the exception of mammograms, will require a written order from your primary or referring physician.
To learn more about the method of obtaining images through ultrasound, please follow this link: www.aium.org/patient/aboutExam
X-ray Services
An x-ray (radiograph) is a painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Radiography involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.
An Xray can be used to:
- determine whether a bone has been fractured or if a joint is dislocated
- ensure that a fracture has been properly aligned and stabilized for healing following treatment
- determine whether there is a build up of fluid in the joint or around a bone
- guide orthopedic surgery, such as spinal repair, joint replacement and fracture reductions
- evaluate injury or damage from conditions such as infection, arthritis, abnormal bone growths or other bone diseases, such as osteoporosis
- assist in the detection and diagnosis of cancer
- locate foreign objects
- evaluate changes in bones
Accreditation
Mountain View Hospital is accredited through the American College of Radiology (ACR). At an ACR accredited facility, you can rest assured that your prescribed imaging test will be done at a facility that has met the highest level of imaging quality and radiation safety. The facility and its personnel have gone through a comprehensive review to earn accreditation status by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the largest and oldest imaging accrediting body in the U.S. and a professional organization of 34,000 physicians.
What does ACR accreditation mean?
- Our facility has voluntarily gone through a vigorous review process to ensure that we meet nationally-accepted standards of care.
- Our personnel are well qualified, through education and certification, to perform mdical imaging, interpret your images, and administer your radiation therapy treatments.
- Our equipment is appropriate for the test or treatment you will receive, and our facility meets or exceeds quality assurance and safety guidelines.
Why should I have my imaging exam done at an accredited facility?
When you see the gold seals of accreditation prominently displayed in our imaging facility, you can be sure that you are in a facility that meets standards for imaging quality and safety. Look for the ACR Gold Seals of Accreditation.
To achieve the ACR Gold Standard of Accreditation, our facility's personnel qualifications, equipment requirements, quality assurance, and quality control procedures have gone through a rigorous review process and have met specific qualifications. It's important for patients to know that every aspect of the ACR accreditation process is overseen by board-certified, expert radiologists and medical physicists in advanced diagnostic imaging.
For Appointments or For More Information
Contact Jill Sansom
541-460-4033
Email: Director of Imaging