Summit Healthcare Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic Imaging
The Diagnostic Imaging Department of Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center 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. Here are some of the most common:
- X-Rays
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Computer Tomography (CT or CAT)
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Ultrasound
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.
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.
Other Diagnostic Imaging Services
- Abscess Drainage
- Arthrogram
- Arteriograms
- Barium Enema
- Bone Biopsy
- Bone Mineral Densitometry
- Breast MRI
- CT Scan
- DEXA Scan
- EKG
- Hysterosalpingogram
- Image Guided Biopsy
- Kidney Biopsy
- Liver Biopsy
- Lumbar Puncture
- Lung Biopsy
- Mammography
- MRI Scan
- MRI Ordering Guide
- Myelogram
- Nuclear Medicine Scan
- Paracentesis
- Percutaneous Nephrostomy
- Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter
- PET/CT Scan
- Sonohysterogram
- Stereotactic Guided Breast Biopsy
- Thoracentesis
- Thyroid Biopsy
- Ultrasound
- Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
- Upper GI Series
- Voiding Cystourethrogram
- Womens Imaging
- X-Ray
When is Diagnostic Imaging Necessary?
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?
Diagnostic Imaging Technology
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- 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
Locations
Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center
To schedule an appointment call 928.537.6554
2200 E Show Low Lake Road, Show Low
Snowflake-Taylor Outpatient Center
Services Provided:
- EKG’s
- X-Ray
- CT
- Lab Draws
- General Ultrasound
- DXA Scan
- Digital Mammography
- Urine Drug testing for DOT and non DOT
- Occupational Health
Hours of Operation
8:00am – 5:00pm: Mon – Fri
To schedule an appointment call 928.536.5000
1121 South Main Street, Snowflake
