Radiology services

Radiology is a specialty for taking scans and images inside your body. Patients of all ages can be seen by radiologists. Radiologists can help you with:

• X-rays, ultrasounds and imaging tests
• Diagnostic imaging (to help find an injury or illness)

Imaging tests can find a wide variety of illnesses and injuries in many parts of the body — from bone breaks to cancer. These tests help your doctor give you the care you need.

If you need an imaging test, your doctor can quickly connect you to the right type of care. Your doctor can also help you:

• Find the right specialist
• Locate an imaging center
• Schedule an imaging test

We offer a range of imaging tests, including:

• CT or CAT scan (computed tomography): This scan uses a computer and a special type of 3D X-ray to measure bones and organs. The image shows what objects look like “sliced,” but without any cutting.
• DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan): This scan uses X-rays to create an image of a bone. It’s the most common way to measure bone strength. DEXA scans are helpful for finding osteoporosis (weakening of the bones).
• Fluoroscopy: This test uses video to see parts of the body as they move in real time. This lets doctors watch a heart as it pumps or see how someone swallows, for example.
• Mammogram (breast X-ray): This test is used to screen for breast cancer. It uses X-rays to take digital images of the breast. Some locations offer 3D mammography so breast tissue can be seen one layer at a time. This makes it easier to spot problems. 
• MRA (magnetic resonance angiography): This test uses magnets and radio waves to look at blood vessels throughout your body.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): Similar to MRA, this test uses magnets and radio waves to get pictures of the head, spine, joints and other parts of the body. We offer both closed and open MRI scans. Open MRI can get high-quality images without the feeling of being in a closed tube. 
• Nuclear medicine: This type of test uses a small amount of radioactive material in the body called a tracer. Cameras show where the tracers go. The tracers help doctors see how well a body part is working.
• PET scan (positron-emission tomography): This scan uses a small amount of radioactive material called a radiotracer. Once inside the body, a radiotracer can be seen by a special camera. This type of scan can often find early signs of disease before imaging tests can.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to form pictures of soft tissues inside the body.
• X-ray: The X-ray is the oldest type of medical imaging. It’s still used most often today. X-rays can create a picture of the inside of the body in different shades of black and white. 

The types of imaging tests available vary by location. Talk to your doctor to find out more.