The Radiology Department at Providence Health Center has staff available 24 hours a day in each modality, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Computerized Tomography, Diagnostic Radiology and Special Procedures.

To schedule exams between the hours of 7:30am - 5:00pm, 
Monday - Friday, call Special Procedures 751-4264, Nuclear Medicine at 751-4263, CT Scan, Radiology, Ultrasound at 751- 4624. After 5pm and Weekends please use the 751- 4624 number.

Radiology describes the area of medicine that utilizes X-rays, radioactive tracers, and ultrasonic waves in order to detect, diagnose, and guide treatment of numerous diseases and injuries. The discovery of the X-ray initiated the field of radiological imaging and continuing developments in technology, computers, and science are further advancing the capability to view inner body structures, tissues, and organs. Currently, the dynamic images that radiology provides are essential to both physicians and patients, thanks to their realistic depiction of the anatomy, functions, and abnormalities within the body. There are several categories of radiological procedures.
 
Ultrasound
 
Ultrasound, or sonography, uses high frequency sound waves to see inside the body. A device that acts like a microphone and speaker is placed in contact with the body using ultrasound gel to transmit the sound. As the sound waves pass through the body, echoes are produced, and bounce back to the transducer. These echoes can help doctors determine the location of a structure or abnormality, as well as information about its make up. Ultrasound is a painless way to examine internal organs such as the heart, liver, blood vessels, kidney, or gall bladder, and is most commonly known for its ability to examine fetuses in the mother’s womb. Ultrasound scanning is currently considered to be a safe, non-invasive, accurate, and cost-effective investigation of the fetus. It has progressively become a crucial obstetric tool and plays an important role in the care of many pregnant women.
 
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Imagine your doctor being able to clearly see what is going in inside your body without any incision or pain! Sound like the x-ray vision of science fiction or comic books? Actually, it's Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a system utilizing high-field strength magnetic power to scan and image areas of soft tissue and joints within the body all non-invasively and with no pain. MRI is used to diagnose illness, detect strokes, tumors, abnormalities, etc.; enabling physicians to more rapidly and accurately diagnose health conditions so that proper care can begin immediately. The MRI Center at Providence offers unparalleled sharper image quality, ultra-fast scan time for the patient (usually between 30 and 45 minutes), and an "open design" allowing for lessened anxiety and greater patient comfort.

Upper GI Series
 
An upper GI series is an x-ray exam of your upper digestive tract ( the area from you mouth to the start of your small intestines). This test helps your doctor find any problems such as ulcers, tumors, and certain diseases. There's a small amount of radiation with an upper GI series but the benefits far outweigh any risks. The success of your upper GI series depends on you. You will have to stop eating and drinking the night before your test as instructed. Food in your system can cause misread results. An upper GI series takes about 1 hour to perform.

 
Computed Tomography (CT)
 
Computed Tomography (CT) is a test that combines x-rays with computer scans. The scans appear as slices. The result is a detailed picture that may show problems with soft tissue, such as the lining of the sinuses, organs such as kidneys or lungs, and bones. There is a small amount of radiation with CT. But the benefits far outweigh any risk. A CT takes from 1 to 2 hours to complete and you may need to make changes in your diet to prepare for your scan.

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
 
An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an x-ray exam of your urinary tract (the kidneys, ureters, bladder). This test can helps your doctor find any problems such as stones or any other problems with your urinary tract. There's a small amount of radiation with an upper GI series but the benefits far outweigh any risks. The success of an IVP depends on you. You will receive instructions to follow on what to eat or drink before the test. An IVP takes about 1 hour to perform.