Imaging Services

A correct diagnosis is vital for determining the optimal course of treatment. Highly skilled radiologists, technologists and nurses at St. Francis use the hospital’s state-of-the-art medical imaging technology to provide your physician with the tools he/she needs to correctly diagnose your disease or injury and then prescribe the best treatment. Each year, more than 65,000 examinations are performed. Imaging services are available at both St. Francis Hospital and at the Rosemont Health Center for your convenience and comfort. Services include:

• Biopsy (using CT, ultrasound and fluoroscopic technology): Imaging technology is utilized by the physician for localization and guidance during the biopsy procedure. Specially-trained physicians use special instruments to obtain a specimen of tissue or fluid for laboratory analysis. This analysis will assist the primary physician with a diagnosis, helping him prescribe the best treatment for the patient’s condition.
• Bone densitometry: This test measures bone-mineral density in hip joints, the lumbar spine and wrists. Bone densitometry can help a physician determine if a patient is at risk for osteoporosis and the most serious of its consequences: hip fractures. The Women’s Center of St. Francis uses advanced technology that provides a complete risk assessment with a single scan.
• Breast Imaging (mammography): St. Francis offers a complete range of mammographic and ultrasound imaging services, as well as supplemental breast evaluations to complement mammography when necessary. St. Francis uses the MammoPad™ breast pad for extra warmth and comfort for women having a mammogram. Mammograms are performed at the Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Center for Breast Health (formerly The Women's Center of
  St. Francis) in the Rosemont Health Center using the latest digital mammography technology. Call (706) 257-7700 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
• CT (Computed tomography) imaging: St. Francis offers CT scanning with two Philips MX 8000 scanners. This advanced technology makes exams much easier on patients. It provides sharper images, while decreasing time spent in the scanner. 
• CT Angiography: CT angiography uses CT scans to perform three-dimensional (3D) images, which is especially useful for imaging of blood vessels. Three-dimensional images allow physicians to view abnormalities in the blood vessels, such as blockages (stenosis), and obtain more precise measurements. The 3D images also allow the surgeon to view the blood vessels and any abnormality in relation to other anatomy.
• Gastrointestinal Imaging (UGI, Small Bowel, LGI): These studies involve the administration of contrast media. Preparation is required.
• General Diagnostic Chest and Skeletal Studies: A full range of routine chest and skeletal diagnostic procedures are acquired and digitized.
• Genitourinary Studies: These studies involve the administration of contrast media. Preparation is required.
• Interventional Radiology: St. Francis is equipped with a dual c-arm digital imaging systems, which permits bi-plane imaging. Digital subtraction and 3-D image manipulations are used. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (angioplasty, stent placement, and embolization) are performed.
• MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging): This system utilizes magnetism rather than radiation and produces high-quality images of soft tissue.
• MR Angiography: This is a non-invasive method of evaluating vascular structures and pathology.
• Nuclear Imaging: St. Francis’ nuclear-medicine department has two-state-of the-art nuclear-medicine cameras. One new camera features a design that is less claustrophobic for the patient and enables technologists to image patients in wheelchairs and on stretchers and beds.
• Ultrasound – Interventional radiology: The ultrasound department provides suites for both general diagnostic and interventional studies.
  

Digital Picture and Archive System Photography & Computerized Storage
St. Francis began transitioning to an all-digital computerized radiography system in 2005. The new technology enables St. Francis to record and store images digitally, offering your team of physicians and specialists the benefit of viewing “soft copy” interpretation and the ability to copy images to a CD for imaging information release to your physician. Thus, the technology saves time and enhances teamwork among your caregivers.

To schedule an appointment, call centralized scheduling at (706) 596-4031.