MRI:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of technology's most advanced diagnostic tools for today's physician. It allows your physician to see inside your body without surgery or the use of ionizing radiation. MRI uses a powerful magnet, low-intensity radio waves and computer technology to create detailed images of the soft tissues, muscles, nerves, and bones in your body.

How MRI Scanners Work: The main component of the MRI system, or scanner, is a magnet. This magnet causes your body's hydrogen atoms to align themselves in such a way as to receive radio signals from the magnetic resonance system. When your body receives these signals, it reacts by sending its own radio signals back to the scanner. It is this radio frequency transmitted by your body that is computer-processed and turned into incredibly detailed images.

Patients are asked to lie on a table and remain still for approximately 30 minutes to one hour depending on the test ordered. During the examination, a knocking sound will be heard, which is normal and is the operation of the imaging process. The MRI process captures different tissue characteristics and translates them into different levels of brightness on the image.

Ultrasound:

Ultrasound is a very valuable noninvasive diagnostic tool. It works by sending high frequency sound into the body and then reading the returning sound echoes from the internal organs. It allows for the real time visualization of structures such as cysts, tumors and stones. Unltasound can detect enlarged kidneys, liver, and pancreas structures, abnormal gall bladder and gall stones, breast masses and cysts, thyroid masses, enlargement of the ovaries and uterus, normal and ectopic pregnancies.

Ultrasound also can detect movement of blood in the artieries and veins making it an excellent tool for detecting blood clots in the veins and legs. It is also useful for detecting atherosclerotic narrowing or occlusion of the arteris in the neck.

Ultrasound does not use X-rays, so there is no risk of radiation exposure. There are no required injections, it is not painful and sedation is not necessary. The test usually takes about 20 minutes and is performed by a fully trained and board certified ultrasound technologist who moves a probe around the body in the area to be scanned. For scanning the female pelvis, a vaginal probe may be used.

Radiology Information System (RIS):

All appointments are made and stored in a scheduling system called "RIS." RIS software is designed to keep patient information easily accessible and very confidential. We take HIPAA compliance seriously and comply with all of the HIPAA requirements. In addition to our automated system, we also keep hard copies of all paperwork, for a reasonable period of time.

Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS):

PACS is a software system that stores images. All images are stored in our PACS system. PACS allows the radiologist and referring physician immediate access, viewing and consultation from any PC through our secure HIPAA compliant transmission. PACS allows real time communication between physicians and has the capability to send images to any medical specialist. Therefore, immediate diagnostic decision making is facilitated. Images can also be copied to a CD and given to our patients upon completion of exams. Physicians should contact us if there is an interest in having images transmitted digitally.