Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging

Health Central Hospital Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging

Breast Imaging Center - NOW OPEN

The new Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital Breast Imaging Center offers state-of-the-art technology for diagnostic breast imaging in a newly renovated inviting space, with a focus on patient comfort and superb customer service. Our hospital-based outpatient location gives you convenient access to a comprehensive scope of breast imaging services, for an accurate and timely diagnosis that will set you on the best path to treatment and recovery.

• Dedicated breast imaging services
• Advanced imaging technology that produces highly detailed images and precise results
• All studies interpreted by board-certified radiologists
• Easy appointment scheduling

Services include:

• Bone density/Dexa scan
• Breast MRI
• Breast ultrasound
• Diagnostic mammography
• Screening mammography
• Stereotactic biopsy
• Ultrasound-guided biopsy

CT Scan

The CT (Computed Tomography or CAT) scan uses X-rays to obtain detailed, cross-sectional views of internal organs, blood vessels, soft tissues and bone. It can diagnose disorders of the lungs, digestive system, heart and vascular system, as well as infectious disease and much more. Beyond its diagnostic value, CT can be used to guide biopsies and administer radiation treatment.

CT scanning can identify healthy and diseased tissue, making it useful to not only diagnose, but also treat, illness. It is less expensive than MRI and some other diagnostic procedures. The radiation delivered is equal to the amount of "background" radiation a person would receive in about three years. Results are usually available from your physician's office within a few days.

Health Central Hospital uses the latest in CT Scan technologies, and features the Toshiba Premium 160. This CT Scanner technology speeds up the scanning process and decreases a patient's exposure to radiation by 50 percent.

Health Central Hospital, has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in computed tomography (CT) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). CT scanning - sometimes called CAT scanning - is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and tailor treatments for various medical conditions.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

Heart Screening / CT Calcium Score Now Available

A Heart Screening, sometimes called a Calcium Score or Heart Scan, is a low dose, non-invasive (without needles) procedure that affords you the opportunity to determine the presence and extent of coronary calcium. The scan is useful for early detection of heart disease and allows for appropriate intervention to take place before the clinical manifestations of coronary artery disease develop.

The fee for a Heart Screening / CT Calcium Score is $100, which is due at the time of service and is NOT covered by insurance. Cash, credit or check will be accepted. The fee includes a CT scan and the review by a Radiologist.

The process takes less than 30 minutes and requires no special preparation. No needles, IV's or contrast is required for this test. It is recommended that you refrain from stimulants 6 hours prior to the test such as (caffeine, smoking, and stimulant medications). This helps ensure a steady, slower heart rate for your scan and improves the overall quality. You may eat and drink prior to your test and will be able to return to normal activities immediately following your test.

Heart Screening Exam Information Exam Results

Your Heart Screening / CT Scan will be read by a Board Certified Cardiac Radiologist. Results are usually available within 24 hours. Once the results are transcribed and released by the Cardiac Radiologist, they will be sent to your doctor.

A Physician's order is required

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) creates a strong magnetic field and uses radio-frequency waves to examine internal organs and tissues. It is used to diagnose a broad range of conditions, including heart disease, stroke, musculoskeletal disorders and diseases of the lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen and pancreas.

Traditional MRI devices are closed cylindrical units into which the patient table slides. Newer MRI "short bore" systems are wider and the tunnel is shorter. Some units are open on all sides.

Unlike other diagnostic tests, MRI does not use radiation. MRI is also more expensive than other imaging methods but may reduce the need for invasive procedures. Results are usually available within a few days.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound, also called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves that bounce off tissues to create an image of the inside of the body. No radiation is used and ultrasound is widely available, easy to use and relatively inexpensive. There is no known risk.

An ultrasound is fast (less than 30 minutes), painless and non-invasive.

The device includes a fixed console with a video display screen and a hand-held transducer, about the size of a bar of soap, which is held against the skin and picks up the radio waves. The image is visible immediately on the computer screen and can sometimes be seen by the patient.

Ultrasound is useful in imaging the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and bladder. It is also used to monitor the growth and well-being of a fetus. Because it provides real-time images, it can be used as a guide for needle biopsies and other minimally invasive tests. Results are usually available from your physician's office within a few days.

*Some services available on an outpatient basis