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X-rayWhat is Diagnostic Imaging?
Diagnostic Imaging is another name for Radiology or X-Ray.
CVMC's Department of Diagnostic Imaging performs exams or “tests” to "image" internal parts of the body including internal soft tissues, bones and organs. These images, or pictures, help doctors diagnose injuries, diseases, and other illnesses. Our staff works hand-in-hand with our physicians and patients to provide credible, courteous, high-quality and cost-effective advanced imaging services.
Hours of Operation
The department is staffed 7 days a week, 24 hours a day to allow for emergency testing.
Our Services
We offer the following tests (all of which must be ordered by a doctor for both inpatients and outpatients):
- Routine X-rays
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scans - an x-ray enhanced by a computer to produce a two dimensional cross section image of the body's internal organs.
- Mammograms - an x-ray of the breast used to detect and diagnose breast disease.
- Ultrasound - an imaging method in which high-frequency sound waves are used to outline a part of the body. The sound wave echoes are picked up and displayed on a television screen.
- Nuclear Medicine - a specialized area of radiology that uses very small amounts of radioactive substances to examine organ function and structure.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - a non-invasive procedure that produces images of any body part using strong magnetic fields and radio waves. While MRI's forte is in Neuro imaging, it is also excellent at joints and vascular structures as well as a two-dimensional view of an internal organ or structure, especially the brain and spinal cord.
During these scheduled hours, Monday through Friday:
- Routine X-Rays 7:30 am - 8 pm
- CT scans 7:00 am - 9 pm
- Mammograms 7:30 am - 8 pm
- Ultrasound exams 7:30 am - 5 pm
- Nuclear Medicine exams 7:00 am - 3 pm
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging exams (MRI) 7 am - 9 pm (Monday thru Thursday only)
Staff
Our employees are highly-skilled and licensed. Several of our technologists are trained and certified in more than one modality (such as CT scanners, Mammography, and Ultrasound). CVMC also employs American College of Radiology board-certified Radiologists. These are doctors specifically trained to read and interpret the exams performed.
What You Need to Know
- The type of test you are scheduled for and if any special preparation is required, for example, certain ultra sounds require that you do not eat or drink after midnight; mammograms require you do not wear deodorant the day of the exam.
- Be sure to review any written or verbal instructions from your doctor prior to coming to the hospital.
What to Expect
If your doctor requests you have a Diagnostic Imaging procedure, you will need to:
- Arrive in the Patient Registration area, located off the Main Lobby 15-20 minutes before your scheduled exam time. You will need to bring your insurance card and a photo ID.
- Check in with the Diagnostic Imaging receptionists to announce your arrival in the department.
- Receive instructions regarding preparation for your test if any (changing into a gown/ drinking oral prep).
- Be prepared for possible delays. Although every effort is made to have tests performed on-time, there may be a 10-15 minute wait after arriving in X-Ray. There are many possible reasons for delays, with the most frequent being add-on emergency requests. If you wait more than 15 minutes, please notify one of the reception staff members.
- Wait after your test has been performed until you are told you may leave (while the images are being checked for technical accuracy).
- Realize your doctor will receive the results of your test within 48-72 hours of its completion. Your doctor will then contact you with the results.
Ensuring Safety
Radiology equipment operated by licensed technologists is completely safe and without significant health risks to you. Technologists use radiation-reducing measures such as minimizing the area exposed to x-rays, and lead aprons for patients of childbearing age. Pregnant patients are encouraged to notify the technologist before the exam starts.
Contact Us
Our main scheduling and information telephone number is: (802)371-4250.
Department Accreditations:
CVMC's Mammography Department is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and by the Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). The entire Department is also approved by the Joint Commission on Accreditation and Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). In addition to JCAHO accreditation, the imaging equipment is inspected by both Federal and State agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Vermont Department of Health & Human Services.
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