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Imaging and Radiology

Imaging and Radiology
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Imaging & Radiology at Southeastern Med

Southeastern Med is proud to offer advanced Imaging and Radiology services to the people of Southeast Ohio. Today, non-invasive imaging techniques such as X-Rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammograms, Ultrasounds, CT Scans, and Nuclear Medicine can provide doctors with a much clearer picture of what’s happening inside your body. This, in turn, can lead to a faster diagnosis and a more effective treatment plan.

Our team of radiographers (the technologists who operate our equipment) and radiologists (the physicians who interpret the imaging results and/or guide radioactive treatments) are highly skilled in their specialized fields, and are trained to handle your procedure with care and precision.

The Imaging and Radiology Services at Southeastern Med include:

Mammography

A mammogram is a special X-ray of breast tissue that can help detect breast cancer. We offer a Screening Mammogram for women with no sign or history of cancer, and a Diagnostic Mammogram for women who do have a history of breast cancer or breast health issues (this is often conducted when a lump is found, and requires a doctor’s order). The 3D images produced in these exams provide the best view possible of each layer of tissue.

Women aged 40 and older should have a Diagnostic Mammogram once a year according to the American Cancer Society. If your health insurance does not cover mammograms, give us a call at (740) 435-2500 and we will let you know if you qualify for a free or lower-cost exam.

We also offer screenings at Community Healthlink, which we promote regularly via social media and print media. Community Healthlink also accepts self-referral mammograms. Call (740) 432-5465 to learn more.

What to Expect with Your Mammogram
You should schedule your mammogram a week or so after your menstrual cycle so your breasts are less tender. On the day of the test, you can shower beforehand, but don’t apply any deodorant or lotion. During the exam, you’ll be asked to change into a gown that opens in the front. You’ll then get x-rayed with a licensed mammographer. The results will be reviewed by a certified radiologist and your doctor.

Imaging and Radiology

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Instead of using X-rays, an MRI produces an image of the inside of the body by using a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer system. Most exams take about 45-60 minutes, and they’re so precise that we can use them to map your whole circulatory system, revealing any problems in the arteries that could pose a threat of stroke or heart attack.

Southeastern Med offers a “wide-bore” magnet, which can help patients feel more at ease if they’re claustrophobic or uncomfortable with the dimensions of a traditional MRI machine. Because of the use of the magnet, however, patients with pacemakers or other medical equipment may not be eligible to undergo an MRI.

What to Expect with Your MRI
Getting an MRI can be a little intimidating, so the technologist will start by asking you some questions and easing you gently into the process. Earplugs will be provided to block out the sound of the machine. You’ll be asked to lie down in the center of the magnet and remain as still as possible throughout the MRI. We have light and air circulation within the MRI unit to help keep you comfortable, and two-way communication is available the whole time.

MRIs are conducted on the ground floor in the Diagnostic Imaging area. Call (740) 439-8040 with any questions.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine Imaging uses small amounts of radioactive agents and Gamma cameras to examine how your body systems are functioning, testing for anything from blood clots and infections to cancer and heart disease. The imaging material can be given to the patient through an IV, or by ingesting capsules, liquid or food. At Southeastern Med, all exams are supervised and interpreted by board-certified radiologists.

What to Expect with Nuclear Medicine
Talk to your doctor about what to eat or drink before your test. You should also bring a list of your current medications (or the medications themselves) on the day of the test, as your technologist will need to know exactly which medications you’re taking. After the imaging is complete, you should drink a lot of fluids to flush out the radioactive materials. Have questions?

Call (740) 439-8023 to learn more.

Imaging and Radiology

Ultrasound

Ultrasound Imaging, also known as Sonography, utilizes sound waves, and is often selected for examining the bladder, stomach, gallbladder, liver, and kidneys. Of course, ultrasounds are also used to track the development of a baby for pregnant women.

What to Expect with Your Ultrasound
Talk to your doctor about how to prepare. For an abdominal ultrasound, it is very important to avoid food and drink 6-8 hours before the test. For a pelvis or bladder ultrasound, however, you will need a full bladder so we can see things clearly. In these cases, you’ll be asked to drink 32-48 ounces of water without going to the restroom, taking the last sip about an hour before your appointment. When the ultrasound is concluded, the results will be reviewed by a radiologist and your doctor.

X-Ray

Probably the most well-known type of imaging, X-Rays are used to see images of bones and organs to assess a wide range of illnesses and injuries. An X-ray beam transfers the image onto a photosensitive surface, and a special computerized processor creates the digital image. Southeastern Med currently offers both Radiography (plain X-ray) and Fluoroscopy (X-ray with instantaneous image display on monitors), with and without using X-ray dye (contrast medium).

CT Scans (computerized tomography) show cross-sections of multiple X-rays and can be reformatted to show complex images not possible with standard X-rays alone. This is a great way to examine internal organs, bones, soft tissues and blood vessels.

Imaging and Radiology

Interventional Radiology

The interventional radiologist will take images but will also “intervene” on some medical procedures, such as:

  • Abscess Drain Insertions
  • Arteriograms / Angiograms / Embolizations
    • Carotid, Femoral, and Renal
  • Arthrograms
  • Biopsies – CT Guided & Ultrasound Guided
    • Bone Marrow Aspiration/Biopsy
    • Breast
    • Liver
    • Lung
    • Thyroid
  • Breast Biopsies – Stereotactic & Ultrasound Guided
  • Central Line Placement
  • Chest Tube Insertion
  • Diagnostic – Breast Mammogram / MRI Reading
  • Epidural Injections
  • Implanted Port Placement
  • Lumbar Puncture
  • Myeolograms – a special X-ray of the spinal cord and surrounding area
  • Nephrostomy Tube Insertion / Replacement
  • Paracentesis – inserting a needle into a cyst or cavity to remove fluid or gas
  • PET Scan Reading – positron emission tomography
  • PICC Line Insertions – peripherally inserted central catheter
  • Thoracentesis – inserting a needle between the lungs and the chest wall to remove excess fluid
  • Tunneled Dialysis Catheter Placement
  • Vertebroplasty / Kyphoplasty – inserting bone cement between two vertebrae to add space between them, or inserting a small balloon to space out the vertebrae, then adding the bone cement