At Radiology Muskegon, our highly skilled fellowship trained radiologists use a variety of imaging techniques including X-ray, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and MRI to safely perform the interventional procedure on your body. The imaging utilized during the procedure significantly improves accuracy and allows the radiologist to be more effective at providing care while reducing the risks associated with the procedure. Our radiologists have specialty training to perform a wide variety of interventional procedures. We perform outpatient procedures at the Mercy Health Pavilion and the Mercy Health Lakes Village Comprehensive Breast Center. Inpatient and emergent procedures are performed at our hospital locations. Outpatient procedures are scheduled exams often requiring some patient preparation and limited follow-up care.
What is an interventional procedure used for?
Where do I go for an interventional procedure exam?
How do I prepare for an interventional procedure exam?
What are the benefits and risks of an interventional procedure exam?
What will I experience during an interventional procedure exam?
How do I get the results of an interventional procedure exam?
Are the costs of an interventional procedure exam covered by insurance?
What is an interventional procedure used for?
An interventional procedure is a minimally invasive procedure using imaging guidance that can be performed on most body parts and used to establish, confirm or exclude a diagnosis for disease processes affecting the body. Some interventional procedures are performed to provide therapeutic treatment for a disease condition or to provide pain relief.
Where do I go for an interventional procedure exam?
Outpatient interventional procedures require a scheduled appointment and are performed at the Mercy Health Pavilion, Lakes Village Comprehensive Breast Center and at Mercy Health Partners hospital locations. Emergent and inpatient interventional procedures can be performed without an appointment at our hospital locations and are given priority.
How do I prepare for an interventional procedure exam?
Prior to a scheduled appointment some preparation may be required. Patients may be asked to avoid eating/drinking or taking certain daily medications for a length of time prior to the exam, however taking daily medication(s) is usually recommended. Patients should be prepared to provide a list of current medications, physical exam details and surgical history. Loose fitting clothing is recommended. Patients may be asked to change into a gown provided by the imaging facility, remove jewelry or empty pockets prior to the exam. Some exams require a radiology nurse to insert an IV for hydration purposes, intravenous injection of contrast material or injection of sedative medication. Some patients may require a blood draw to assess certain blood markers or kidney function prior to the exam to reduce the risks associated with certain procedures. If IV sedation is to be administered during the procedure, outpatient procedure patients should arrange transportation from the facility to home.
What are the benefits and risks of an interventional procedure exam?
Interventional procedures are minimally-invasive and usually performed on an outpatient basis. Often an interventional procedure can be performed in lieu of a surgical procedure and does not require general anesthesia or hospitalization. Interventional procedures using imaging guidance are much more accurate and safe than procedures performed without imaging guidance. An interventional procedure can be instrumental in establishing, confirming or excluding a disease process. Interventional procedures can be diagnostic or therapeutic. Most interventional procedures are performed will very little discomfort to the patient and allow for much faster healing compared with surgical procedures. There are inherent risks with interventional procedures, such as pain, bleeding and post-procedural infection. The benefits, risks and complications of a specific procedure to be performed are always discussed with the patient (or patient’s family, caregiver or durable power of attorney). Verification that the patient understands the potential risks and complications of a procedure must confirmed and written and verbal consent to proceed with the procedure must be obtained from the patient to proceed with the procedure. Occasionally complications arise after a procedure requiring follow up medical care or hospitalization.
What will I experience during an interventional procedure exam?
Depending upon the interventional procedure to be performed, patient experiences will vary. After arrival, radiology staff will prepare the patient for the procedure which may include a discussion of physical exam and surgical histories, review of daily medications, a discussion of the procedure with its benefits and risks, checking vital signs and starting an IV. While laying on the imaging table, pre-procedural imaging will probably be performed. After verifying the patient information and procedure to be performed the interventional radiologist performs the procedure. IV sedation may be administered to alleviate pain and anxiety. Some but not all procedures can be associated with pain and discomfort which usually subsides quickly after the procedure. Some of the interventional procedures require a brief recovery period prior to discharge from the imaging facility. If symptoms do not abate or there is an unexpected complication after the procedure a longer recovery period, or hospitalization, may be required. Most interventional procedures are tolerated well by patients.
How do I get the results of an interventional procedure exam?
The results from some interventional procedures may be discussed with the patient immediately following the procedure. Interventional procedures that obtain a tissue, fluid or blood sample from the patient’s body are transported to and processed by the hospital laboratories with results usually available within 2-3 days following the procedure. The results can be reviewed by the requesting physician through the secure Mercy Health Partners patient portal system and the results become part of the patient’s permanent medical record. Patients can request a copy of their images or results at the performing imaging facility.
Are the costs of an interventional procedure exam covered by insurance?
At least a portion, if not all, of the interventional procedural service costs are covered by private insurance plans and Medicaid/Medicare plans. Most interventional procedures are more expensive than traditional medical imaging services but are less expensive than general surgical procedures. At Radiology Muskegon, we strive to reduce unnecessary costs incurred by patients. There are options available to patients for financial assistance or reduced payment plan options if patients are not able to pay the costs of imaging.