State-of-the-art
IMAGING
Blue Mountain
Hospital offers
a wide range of
services, MRI,
general X-ray, CT,
ultrasonography,
mammography and
bone density tests.
Hospital offers multiple tools to look inside
By Larry Leos
To the Blue Mountain Eagle
R
adiology is now the
key diagnostic tool for
many diseases and has
an important role in
monitoring treatment and predict-
ing outcome.
There are a number of imaging
modalities within radiology. Here
at Blue Mountain Hospital we pro-
vide these comprehensive imaging
services in a patient-focused en-
vironment. We offer a wide range
of services, MRI, general X-ray,
CT, ultrasonography, mammog-
raphy and bone density tests. The
radiology department has a knowl-
edgeable staff of caring, dedicated
technologists providing imaging
services on high-quality, high-tech
equipment. During the summer of
2017, the hospital added a new CT
scanner. It produces excellent im-
age quality, gives patients a low-
er dose of radiation and provides
outstanding images across the full
range of clinical needs.
DEXA stands for dual energy
X-ray absorpiometry (or densiom-
etry). This is a procedure that mea-
sures the amount of bone, muscle
and/or body fat and determines
bone density. It is commonly used
to diagnose osteoporosis and oth-
er bone diseases. Scans are quick
(usually just a few minutes) and
are typically performed on the
lower spine and hip.
Safe and painless, MRI scans
give us a more detailed picture of
what is happening inside a patient’s
body than a traditional X-ray. MRI
uses powerful magnet and radio
waves to create these images. That
makes it possible to find even the
smallest changes within the body
and accurately diagnose conditions
from possible tumors to sports
injuries. We are very fortunate to
have a high-quality scanner here at
Blue Mountain Hospital.
Mammography is a specific
type of imaging using a low-
dose X-ray system for exam-
ination of the breasts. Blue
Mountain Hospital offers the
most advanced technology with
digital mammography. Digital
mammography is 25 percent
more effective at detecting
abnormalities in women with
dense breasts than convention-
al mammography. Your mam-
mogram is the first line of de-
fense against breast cancer. Our
mammography program is ac-
credited by the American Col-
lege of Radiology, meaning we
promise the best images using
the lowest dosage of radiation.
An ultrasound exam, also
known as a sonogram, is a safe,
state-of-the-art imaging exam. It
uses high-frequency sound waves
to produce real-time images that
differentiate between the body’s
soft tissues and fluid-filled struc-
tures. Our technologists, or so-
nographers, are expert in a variety
of ultrasound specialties and hold
advanced credentials recognized
by the American Registry for Di-
agnostic Medical Sonography.
Sonographers closely follow a
prescription in order to acquire the
images that have been ordered by
the patient’s doctor. While these
images are diagnostic in nature,
the sonographer does not personal-
ly make the diagnosis.
Come see us for your imaging
needs. The department is staffed
24 hours a day, seven days a week
for emergency situations. For out-
patient services, the department is
available from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Call 541-574-4154 to schedule
appointments or if you happen to
have any questions.
Larry Leos is the radiology
manager at Blue Mountain Hos-
pital.
Family Health Guide 2018 // 21