Radiologists are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques, such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound. At YRMC, radiologists interpret the results of these studies and more, providing their expert diagnoses and recommendations to other physicians in order to help cure illness and heal injury.

 

Radiologists who specialize in diagnosing or treating diseases using “noninvasive” methods are called interventional radiologists. These physicians guide narrow tubes through the body’s arteries and organs with the help of x-rays and other radiologic equipment. Interventional radiologists deliver medications directly to an organ in the body, open blocked blood vessels, obtain biopsies and perform other procedures.

 

Accreditation by the ACR demonstrates excellence and commitment to exceptional radiologic services. The ACR awards accreditation to hospitals and other facilities that achieve high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified radiologists and medical physicists who are experts in the field. According to the ACR, when you choose an ACR-accredited facility, you know that:

• Your hospital has voluntarily gone through a rigorous review process to be sure it meets nationally accepted standards
• The personnel are well qualified, through education and certification, to perform and interpret medical images
• The equipment is appropriate for the test or treatment you will receive, and the facility meets or exceeds quality assurance and safety guidelines

 

In order to make an appointment for an outpatient imaging study at YRMC East or YRMC West, you’ll need a referral from a licensed practitioner (e.g., physician, physician’s assistant, physical therapist or nurse practitioner). Once you have a referral, contact (928) 771-7577. 

 

Imaging Services has multiple locations, including:

• YRMC East (Inpatient Services, Outpatient Services, Imaging Services for children)
• YRMC West (Inpatient and Outpatient Services but no mammography)
• The BreastCare Center at YRMC East (Outpatient Services)
• Prescott Medical Imaging (Outpatient Services) 
• Prescott Valley Medical Imaging (PVMI) (Outpatient Services)

 

Please bring your insurance information and other identification to your appointment.

 

Due to the type of studies conducted by Imaging Services, your family member or companion will need to wait for you in our comfortable lobby area. While they’re waiting, your family members are welcome to visit YRMC’s Cafeteria for meals, snacks and beverages. They also may want to stop by the YRMC Gift Shop.

 

YRMC’s radiologic technologists understand that children may be intimidated by the imaging equipment. That’s why we embrace Image Gently®, a radiation safety initiative that also addresses feelings children may have about imaging procedures. Our radiologic technologists are prepared to be especially reassuring to children. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check out YRMC’s Medical Radiation Safety brochure under Resources which features helpful information about medical imaging and safety for children.

 

Yes. Knowing that a patient is pregnant or could be pregnant is important information for all of your medical team, especially Imaging Services. Many imaging tests are not performed during pregnancy. However, while most medical x-rays do not pose a critical risk to a developing child, there may be a small likelihood of causing a serious illness or other complication. The actual risk depends on how far along the pregnancy is and on the type of x-ray. For example:

• Ultrasound studies don’t use x-rays and have never demonstrated any risk to pregnancy.
• X-ray studies of the head, arms, legs and chest do not usually expose the baby directly to x-rays. The technologist who takes these x-rays will implement special precautions to ensure that the baby of a pregnant patient is not directly exposed to radiation.

 

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding. With your physician’s advice, you may decide to pump breast milk before the imaging exam and use it until after the contrast material clears your body, typically about 24 hours after the test.

 

Tell your physician about all medications – prescriptions, vitamins and herbals – you’re taking. Your doctor will advise you on what to do about the medications before your imaging study. Remember, it’s important to inform your physician of any recent illnesses or medical conditions before undergoing an imaging study.

 

There’s a slight risk of an allergic or adverse reaction with contrast materials. Because of this, it’s important that you tell your doctor about the following:

• Allergies to contrast materials, iodine, foods (especially seafood), drugs and dyes
• Medications you’re taking, including herbal supplements
• Recent illnesses, surgeries, or other medical conditions
• History of asthma and hay fever
• History of heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid problems or sickle cell anemia
• If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding

Our team will provide you specific instructions to help you prepare for your imaging study. Also, we are happy to answer any questions you might have. We’re here to help you!

 

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Depending on the type of imaging exam, you may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove, or leave at home, the following items:

• Dentures and other removable dental appliances
• Eye glasses
• Hairpins
• Hearing aids
• Jewelry
• Any metal objects or clothing that could interfere with the image

 

You’ll receive diet instructions from your physician that will depend on the type of imaging exam you’re undergoing. If you have diabetes or other medical conditions it’s important that you inform your physician. In general, if you’re undergoing an exam that requires iodine or contrast material, you’ll be instructed to:

• Avoid eating anything for several hours before the exam
• Not drink liquids that contain sugars or calories for several hours before the scan
• Follow your physician’s directions about medications you’re taking
• Inform your physician if you have any food allergies, especially to seafood

 

Most Imaging Services procedures are “minimally invasive,” meaning they are done without surgery. An advantage of this is that most interventional radiology procedures can be performed without anesthesia. Numbing medication may be used to minimize any pain around the procedure area. Often, patients also receive sedation medicine by IV to help them relax.

 

One of our experienced radiologists will analyze the images and provide your referring physician a report within 24-48 hours after the exam. Your physician will discuss the report as well as any follow-up examinations that are needed and why those follow-up studies are necessary.

 

Contact YRMC’s Health Information Management Department to get copies of your medical records.

 

YRMC’s Patient Financial Services can help you with questions regarding your bill