Summit Healthcare Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic Imaging

The Diagnostic Imaging Department of Summit Healthcare offers state-of-the-art diagnostic services. Our team includes licensed x-ray technologists, certified CT technologists, and board certified Mammography technologists and radiologists. Our expert staff complements the comprehensive imaging technology, ensuring excellent patient care and treatment. We are the regional referral center for Northeastern Arizona. Our department is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Providing quality patient care is the primary focus of what we do.

What Is Diagnostic Imaging?

Diagnostic imaging employs different technologies to create visual representations of the interior of the body for diagnosis and treatment of disease and other health issues. Although everyone knows the original form of diagnostic imaging — the x-ray — today x-rays have been joined by CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, ultrasound, and other technologies to make a huge impact on diagnostic ability.

Although the x-ray has been used since 1895, it doesn’t distinguish between different soft tissues of similar densities. This made it necessary to perform “exploratory surgery” in many cases so that the surgeon could get an accurate representation of what was going on inside the patient. Today’s advances in imaging technology are revolutionizing diagnosis, and because of it, treatment. Most exploratory surgery is no longer necessary, thanks to these advances.

Common Forms of Diagnostic Imaging

At Summit Healthcare, we use a variety of forms of diagnostic imaging. We want to provide our patients with the most accurate information possible, and advanced technology aids us in that goal. Here are some of the most common:

X-Rays

Radiography uses x-rays, gamma rays, or similar radiation to produce an image either on film or digitally. Traditional x-rays are best for distinguishing fractures and other problems with the bones and for seeing changes in the lungs. When radio-opaque contrast liquids are used, such as barium, x-rays can also show the structure of the stomach and intestines. The benefits of x-rays include:

Quick diagnostic results
Less radiation exposure
Electronic storage of data
Higher quality images

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRIs use powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed images. Because they don’t use radiation, MRIs can be given more frequently without worry about radiation exposure. MRIs poorly visualize bone, so they are perfect for creating images of the brain and within the spine. MRIs can also be used to check the health of various organs such as the pancreas or liver.

Computer Tomography (CT or CAT)

CT scans use a combination of x-rays and a computer to create pictures of your organs, bones, and other tissues. CT scans show more detail than a regular x-ray. In a CT scan a narrow x-ray beam circles around the area being targeted, providing a series of images from many different angles. The computer then uses this information to create a cross-sectional picture. A number of these “slices” are produced and the computer stacks the scans to create a three-dimensional image. CT scans can give an excellent view of organs, bones, and blood vessels.

Positron Emission Tomography

PET scans reveal how your tissues and organs are functioning. In PET a chemical compound labeled with a short-lived positron-emitting isotope is injected, swallowed, or inhaled depending on which organ or tissue is being studied. The isotope collects in areas of your body that have higher levels of chemical activity, which can correspond to areas of disease. On the PET scan, these areas show up as bright spots. PET is valuable for detection of cancer and in the evaluation of heart conditions.

Ultrasound

Medical ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves that are reflected by tissue to varying degrees. While ultrasound doesn’t provide the anatomical detail of CT or MRI, it can show moving structures in real time. Although associated with imaging of the fetus in pregnant women, ultrasound also is used for imaging of the abdominal organs, heart, breast, muscles, tendons, arteries, and veins.

Nuclear Medical Imaging

Nuclear medical imaging procedures often detect a wide variety of conditions such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis and infection. Summit Healthcare was the first hospital in Arizona to acquire a state-of-the-art D SPECT Nuclear Camera.

A mobile Pet Scan is at Summit Healthcare once per week.

When is Diagnostic Imaging Necessary?

Any time there is a question of what is happening inside the body, diagnostic imaging is an effective way to reveal internal structures that could only otherwise be viewed through exploratory surgery. Diagnostic imaging reveals internal structures hidden by the skin and bones, and it allows doctors to have a database of normal anatomy and physiology that can then be compared with the patient’s results to identify abnormalities.

Preparing for Your Exam

Some exams require preparation; others do not. Depending on the type of imaging exam you are having, your preparation will be different. Some exams may require fasting for 24 hours prior to the procedure, while with others you can eat and behave normally. We will discuss what you need to do, if anything, to prepare for your exam.

Bring your health insurance card with you to your appointment
Please provide our staff with 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule
Please leave all jewelry and unnecessary valuables at home
Unless instructed otherwise, take medications as prescribed
Do not hesitate to call our facility with any questions that you may have
Carefully follow all examination prep instructions given
Bring a designated driver if sedation or support is needed

What Happens After Your Exam?

Once your diagnostic imaging exam has been performed, you’ll have a brief wait while we make sure your images have the necessary clarity and resolution, and are oriented correctly. You’ll have a brief consultation with your technician who will explain how the imaging exam went and what the next steps will be. He or she will tell you how long it will take for your doctor to examine your test and provide his or her diagnosis. Most exams don’t require any recovery, but if you were given a sedative you’ll need to have someone else drive you home.

Diagnostic Imaging Technology

- 64-slice volume
- D SPECT Nuclear Camera
- Acuson S2000 Ultrasound

Why Choose Us?

Expertise in mammography, Ultrasound, MRI, CT, PET and Interventional procedures
Modality Accreditations by TheAmerican College of Radiology
Technologists with advancedlevel training and certifications
Dedication to patient care andeducation with advanced state-of-the-art imaging services
Same day appointments
Full Service Women’sImaging Center
The most TechnologicallyAdvanced Equipment
Fully Digitally
Latest Software
Sub Specialty Trained Radiologists
All Radiologists are BoardCertified and ACR Accredited
Easily AccessibleRadiologist Contact
Capability to Access reports and Images remotely (real time)
STAT reports and wet reads
Copies of images deliveredupon request
Evening and weekend availability

Meet Our Physicians

Grant Berges, M.D.

Willie Nunez, MD

Ken Giles, M.D.

Jones Cavanaugh, M.D.

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