Outpatient Diagnostics: Imaging & Tests

Outpatient Radiology Services

Radiology departments at our Baptist facilities offer a full range of services:

Diagnostic X-rays

X-rays or X-radiation is electromagnetic radiation and is most used to examine skeletal problems. If you were to go to the doctor for pain that does not go away, your doctor may order an X-ray to see if there is a break in the bone.

Computed Tomography (CT scans)

These scans are noninvasive exams that provide greater clarity and detail than standard X-rays. Your physician may call for a CT scan to help establish the presence and extent of disease in or damage to any of your organs, blood vessels and bones. Some scans include an injection of iodinated contrast media to enhance the images.

Interventional Radiology

Also referred to as surgical radiology, this is used for minimally invasive procedures in place of traditional surgery. Many traditional surgical procedures are now replaced by interventional radiology in order to minimize risk to patients and decrease post-surgical recovery times.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI scanning combines a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of your tissues, joints, and internal organs. An MRI can help your physician diagnose and assess many conditions, including growths, tears, aneurysms, degenerative disorders and sports- or work-related injuries or disorders.

Mammography

Our mammography services are available at most of our Baptist facilities. For more information on breast health diagnostics, please visit Breast Health Services.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine testing uses a small amount of radioactive material (given orally or by IV) and a special camera to produce images. These tests can help your physician evaluate organ function, assess bones affected by trauma or disease, or evaluate bodily fluids, such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Nuclear medicine is helpful in diagnosing the following: obstructions; abscesses, infection or inflammation; fractures not visible on X-ray; tumors; postsurgical changes; and many other conditions.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT scans)

PET images provide information about tissue and organ function. Computed tomography (CT) images contain information about soft tissue and bones. PET/CT combines a PET scanner and a CT scanner in a single imaging system. Most commonly used in oncology, cardiology or neurology patients, PET/CT exams assist your physician in diagnosing and establishing the presence and extent of disease.

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is a moving X-ray image that allows us to study the movement of body structures in many body systems, including the digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. It is often used in patients of all ages who are being tested or treated for dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or aspiration (when liquid or food "goes down wrong" into your airway). A continuous X-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined and displayed on a monitor so the body part and its motion can be seen in detail. Fluoroscopy is commonly used for modified barium swallow studies, upper gastrointestinal studies, small bowel studies, barium enema imaging, myelograms, esophagrams and hysterosalpingograms.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound (sonography) uses sound waves to produce images of your internal organs and other structures. This simple, effective diagnostic tool can help your physician diagnose and plan treatment for masses, inflammation, abscesses and other conditions. In women, ultrasound also helps evaluate issues involving the reproductive system. This exam can also be used to monitor post surgical changes. Unlike exams, an ultrasound does not require dyes (contrast media) or radiation.

Other Outpatient Diagnostic Services

Other outpatient diagnostic services include laboratory services for blood tests, urine samples and other screening exams that our physicians use to diagnose conditions and form treatment plans. Diagnostic testing services are part of most visits at Baptist Memorial Health Care facilities since they help doctors better understand how you’re feeling and what is ailing you at the time of your visit.