What do radiologists do anyway?

Can be performed on any body part to evaluate anatomy for bone and soft tissue abnormalities. Excellent for evaluating certain body parts but is of limited value for evaluating other body parts.

X-rays are typically performed in one of our outpatient imaging facilities. X-rays can also be performed at our hospital locations, urgent care centers or at a physician’s office.

Limited preparation is required. 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.

X-rays are safe, easy, painless and widely accessible. X-rays can be performed without a scheduled appointment at multiple outpatient imaging facilities throughout West Michigan. X-ray is portable and can be performed quickly. The only risk of an X-ray is its use of ionizing radiation to create images. The amount of radiation required for most X-ray exams is very low.

An X-ray itself is painless. Some discomfort is possible during an X-ray exam depending upon the positioning required of the body part to be imaged. The vast majority of X-ray exams are tolerated well by patients.

Exam results are usually available within 24 hours after the exam is performed. Once the exam is interpreted and reported by the radiologist, the exam results become immediately available for review 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 at the performing imaging facility.

The vast majority of X-ray exam costs are covered by private insurance plans and Medicaid/Medicare plans. Generally speaking, the cost of most X-ray exams are low. 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.

Fluoroscopy is most often used to evaluate internal body structures offering a “live” X-ray look at the internal anatomy and its function. Excellent for evaluating certain body parts (such as the gastrointestinal tract) but is of limited value for evaluating other body parts. Fluoroscopy is most commonly used to diagnose a disease condition but it is also commonly used for diagnostic and therapeutic imaging-guided interventional procedures.

Fluoroscopy exams require an appointment and are typically performed at the Mercy Health Partners Health Pavilion. Diagnostic fluoroscopy and imaging-guided interventional procedures using fluoroscopy are also performed at our hospital locations.

Prior to a scheduled appointment some preparation may be required. Patients may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a certain length of time prior to the exam, however taking daily medication(s) is usually recommended. Some gastrointestinal (GI) exams may require ingesting of an agent to empty the GI tract prior to the exam. 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.

Fluoroscopy exams are safe, easy and generally painless. Can often provide better diagnostic information than X-rays alone. The main risk of fluoroscopy is its use of ionization radiation to create images, the amount of radiation required varies depending upon the exam. Some imaging-guided interventional procedures using fluoroscopy can use significantly more ionization radiation compared with an X-ray alone which at higher levels can have detrimental effects on your health.

The vast majority of fluoroscopy exams are painless and well tolerated by patients. Some interventional procedures using fluoroscopy guidance can result in patient discomfort. The vast majority of fluoroscopy exams are tolerated well by patients.

Exam results are usually available within 24 hours after the exam is performed. Once the exam is interpreted and reported by the radiologist, the exam results become immediately available for review 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 at the performing imaging facility.

The majority of fluoroscopy exam costs are covered by private insurance plans and Medicaid/Medicare plans. Generally speaking, the cost of most fluoroscopy exams are low. 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.

Mammography is used to evaluate for disease conditions affecting the breasts. A routine screening mammogram is considered a preventative health exam to evaluate for diseases of the breast and is usually performed on an annual basis for asymptomatic women beginning at age 40.

Routine screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms can be performed at the Lakes Village Comprehensive Breast Center and at Mercy Health Partners hospital locations.

Limited preparation is required. 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.

The benefits of screening mammography have been widely established and acknowledged by health care professionals. Annual screening mammography has been proven to reduce patient morbidity and mortality related to breast cancer. Mammography is the main diagnostic tool for detection of breast disease and is vital to detecting disease processes of the breast early in their course. Mammography uses a very small amount of ionizing radiation to create images so its risk to your health is very low.

The breast(s) must be placed in gentle compression by the mammography unit during acquisition of the images which can occasionally cause mild discomfort. The exam usually requires the patient to be standing motionless for a few seconds at a time, although the entire exam is fast. Most patients tolerate the procedure well.

Mammography exam costs are covered by private insurance plans and Medicaid/Medicare plans. Generally speaking, the cost of most mammography exams are low. 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.

Ultrasound can be performed on any body part and is mainly used to evaluate for internal soft tissue abnormalities. Excellent for evaluating certain body parts but is of limited value for evaluating other body parts. Can also be used as a screening tool to assess anatomy (for example, screening of a patient for an abdominal aortic aneurysm or evaluation of the fetal anatomy in a pregnant patient). Ultrasound is also used for imaging-guidance during some interventional procedural exams.

Ultrasound exams require a scheduled appointment. Outpatient ultrasound exams are typically performed at the Mercy Health Pavilion during normal business hours. Ultrasound exams are also performed at our hospital locations, urgent care centers and at the Mercy Health Comprehensive Breast Center. Some ultrasound exams are performed at specialist physician’s offices.

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. Prior to a scheduled appointment some preparation may be required. Patients may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a certain length of time prior to the exam, however taking daily medication(s) is usually recommended. You may be asked to fill or empty your bladder for some ultrasound exams. Some interventional procedures using ultrasound guidance require a radiology nurse to insert an IV for hydration purposes or injection of sedative medication.

The vast majority of ultrasound exam costs are covered by private insurance plans and Medicaid/Medicare plans. Generally speaking, the cost of most ultrasound exams are low. 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.

Exam results are usually available within 24 hours after the exam is performed. Once the exam is interpreted and reported by the radiologist, the exam results become immediately available for review 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 and/or report at the performing imaging facility.

An ultrasound itself is painless. Some discomfort may be experienced during an ultrasound exam mainly due to required positioning of the body part to be imaged. The vast majority of ultrasound exams are tolerated well by patients.

Ultrasound is safe, painless and relatively accessible. Ultrasound uses no ionizing radiation to create images. Ultrasound can provide a “live” look inside the body allowing direct visual assessment of anatomy and function of body parts. Ultrasound is portable and can be performed quickly. Ultrasound provides real time imaging guidance during interventional procedures. There are no significant risks to patient health for ultrasound itself.

CT exams are primarily used to establish a diagnosis for disease conditions affecting the body and to evaluate for bodily injuries after trauma. CT exams are often used as an initial problem solving diagnostic tool but can also be used as an adjunct to other types of imaging to provide additional diagnostic information. CT imaging can also be utilized to assess therapeutic response to treatment, evaluate unexplained changes in your health, to guide interventional procedures and for anatomic evaluation required for presurgical planning.

The majority of CT exam costs are covered by private insurance plans and Medicaid/Medicare plans. CT exams are an advanced diagnostic imaging tool that are more expensive than basic types of imaging. 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.

Exam results are usually available within 24 hours after the exam is performed. Once the exam is interpreted and reported by the radiologist, the exam results become immediately available for review 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 at the performing imaging facility.

Patients will be asked to lay down usually supine on the CT imaging table. A diagnostic CT exam is painless and performed quickly. Discomfort with CT imaging may be experienced due to required positioning of affected body parts during imaging. Some patients report a warm flushing sensation during IV injection of iodinated contrast material. Some patients experience a mild reaction following IV injection of iodinated contrast material such as itching, skin redness, nausea and a lightheaded feeling. These symptoms usually subside quickly requiring no medical intervention. Interventional procedures using CT guidance can be painful, in such instances IV sedation medications may be administered to alleviate pain and anxiety. The vast majority of CT exams are tolerated well by patients.

CT is a diagnostic imaging tool that is rapid, painless, readily accessible and provides excellent anatomic detail of internal and external body parts. CT is useful for establishing a diagnosis quickly and is a vital part of effective patient care following body trauma. CT is useful for evaluating the effectiveness of certain surgical procedures and treatment regimens. The main risk of CT is the use of ionizing radiation to create images of the body. CT radiation doses are much higher than X-rays doses and an excessive cumulative lifetime radiation dose can be detrimental to a patient’s health. CT radiation dose levels are reported but cumulative doses are not currently tracked on an individual basis.

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.

Prior to a scheduled appointment some preparation may be required. Patients may be asked to avoid eating/drinking and to withhold certain medications for a certain length of time prior to the exam. Some CT exams require insertion of an IV for hydration purposes or intravenous injection of iodinated contrast material. If IV contrast material is to be injected some patients may require a blood draw to evaluate kidney function prior to the exam. If a patient is allergic to iodinated IV contrast material and IV contrast administration is desired, the patient will require a steroid prep prior to the exam.

Outpatient CT exams are performed by appointment only at our Mercy Health Pavilion and occasionally at one of our hospital locations. Once a request for a CT exam is received and approved by the imaging department, the patient will be contacted and scheduled for the exam. Emergency room patients and inpatient CT exams are given priority and are performed 24 hours a day at our hospital locations.

MRI is primarily used to establish a diagnosis for disease conditions affecting the body and to evaluate for bodily injuries after trauma. MRI exams can be performed as an initial problem solving diagnostic tool but are most commonly used as an adjunct to other types of imaging to provide additional diagnostic information. MRI can also be used to assess therapeutic response to treatment, evaluate unexplained changes in your health, to guide interventional procedures and for anatomic evaluation required for presurgical planning.

The majority of MRI exam costs are covered by private insurance plans and Medicaid/Medicare plans. MRI exams are an advanced diagnostic imaging tool that are more expensive than basic types of imaging. 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.

Exam results are usually available within 24 hours after the exam is performed. Once the exam is interpreted and reported by the radiologist, the exam results become immediately available for review 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 at the performing imaging facility.

Patients will be asked to lay down usually supine on the MRI imaging table. A diagnostic MRI exam is painless but is time consuming compared with other types of imaging. Maintaining a motionless position and performing breath holds can be very difficult for young, ill and elderly patients. Discomfort with MRI may be experienced due to required positioning of affected body parts during imaging. Some patients report a warm flushing sensation during IV injection of contrast material. Some patients experience a mild reaction following IV injection of contrast material such as itching, skin redness, nausea and a lightheaded feeling. These symptoms usually subside quickly requiring no medical intervention. Interventional procedures using MRI guidance can be painful, in such instances IV sedation medications may be administered to alleviate pain and anxiety. Most MRI exams are tolerated well by patients. However, some patients experience a claustrophobic feeling and increased anxiety during imaging which may require oral or IV sedation to alleviate symptoms.

MRI is an advanced diagnostic imaging tool that uses no ionizing radiation to create images of the body, therefore it is safe for all patients including pregnant and unborn patients. MRI is painless and provides excellent anatomic detail of internal and external body parts. MRI is useful for establishing new diagnoses. MRI is also useful for evaluating the effectiveness of certain surgical procedures and treatment regimens. There are no significant health risks associated with MRI.

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. All magnetic material must be removed prior to imaging.

Prior to a scheduled appointment some preparation may be required. Patients may be asked to avoid eating/drinking and to withhold certain medications for a certain length of time prior to the exam. Some MRI exams require insertion of an IV for hydration purposes or intravenous injection of contrast material. If IV contrast material is to be injected some patients may require a blood draw to evaluate kidney function prior to the exam. A detailed patient clinical and surgical history is required as part of the screening process prior to the exam. Additional medical information and imaging may be required prior to an MRI exam to further assess for contraindications to MRI such as metallic surgical implants and foreign bodies.

MRI exams are performed only at our hospital locations. Outpatient MRI exams require a scheduled appointment. Inpatient and emergent MRI exams do not require a scheduled appointment and are given priority. Once a request for an MRI exam is received and approved by the imaging department, the patient will be contacted and scheduled for the exam.

Nuclear medicine exams can be performed on many body parts. Nuclear medicine is unique in that the information gathered and images created allow for assessment of a body parts function at a cellular level which cannot be obtained with other types of medical imaging. It is mainly used as a diagnostic tool but can also be used to assess response to a therapeutic and surgical intervention. Excellent for evaluating certain body parts but is of limited value for evaluating other body parts.

The vast majority of nuclear medicine exam costs are covered by private insurance plans and Medicaid/Medicare plans. Because nuclear medicine exams use special radioactive materials that need to be created and prepared, the costs of the exam are higher than other types of basic diagnostic medical imaging. 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.

Exam results are usually available within 24 hours after the exam is performed. Once the exam is interpreted and reported by the radiologist, the exam results become immediately available for review 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 at the performing imaging facility.

Most nuclear medicine exams require insertion of an IV for intravenous injection of nuclear medicine materials. After IV injection or oral ingestion of the radioactive materials, most exams require the patient to lay on an imaging table for a period of time while a special camera obtains data and creates images of the body. Some of the nuclear medicine exams can be lengthy requiring the patient to remain laying relatively motionless for an extended period of time. Some exams require additional patient cooperation such as insertion of a bladder catheter, breathing info a mask or even physical activity which can be pain producing (cardiac stress testing). Some discomfort is possible during a nuclear medicine following the IV injection of radioactive materials which can resulting a warm flushing sensation. The vast majority of nuclear medicine exams are tolerated well by patients.

Nuclear medicine exams are generally safe and painless. Nuclear medicine exams are unique in medical imaging, the physician can gather useful information about a body parts function at the cellular level which allows for more accurate diagnosis of disease conditions affecting the body. Because nuclear medicine exams creates images depicting body part function at the cellular level, the exams are very sensitive and can detect disease conditions at a very early stage which may not be visible on other types of medical imaging exams. Nuclear medicine exams require IV injection, oral administration or inhalation of radioactive materials. The amount of radioactive material administered to a patient for a specific exam is usually safe and not detrimental to the patient’s health, however higher doses of the radioactive material administered for a single exam, or more likely as a cumulative lifetime dose from multiple exams, can be detrimental to a patient’s health.

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. Prior to a scheduled appointment some preparation may be required. Patients may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a certain length of time prior to the exam, however taking daily medication(s) is usually recommended. Most exams require a radiology nurse to insert an IV for intravenous injection of nuclear medicine materials.

All nuclear medicine exams are performed at our Mercy Health Partner Muskegon hospital campuses. Most but not all of our exams are performed as an outpatient requiring a scheduled appointment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DEXA is a type of X-ray used mainly to evaluate the density of a patient’s bones to assess for a reduction in bone density and also calculate a patient’s risk for the probability of developing a future fracture. A DEXA exam is often performed on an annual basis as a diagnostic screening tool most commonly in middle-aged and elderly women. DEXA exams are useful for determining an initial baseline bone mineral density or as a follow-up to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment aimed at preventing or reversing bone loss.

All or nearly all DEXA exam costs are covered by private insurance plans and Medicaid/Medicare plans. Generally speaking, the cost of DEXA exams are low. 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.

Exam results are usually available within 24 hours after the exam is performed. Once the exam is interpreted and reported by the radiologist, the exam results become immediately available for review 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 at the performing imaging facility.

Patients will be asked to lay on the DEXA imaging table while the X-rays are performed. The DEXA exam itself is fast and painless. Some discomfort is possible during an exam depending upon the positioning required of the body part to be imaged. The vast majority of X-ray exams are tolerated well by patients.

DEXA exams are safe, fast, easy, painless and widely accessible. We preform DEXA exams at multiple imaging facilities within West Michigan. The only risk of a DEXA exam is its use of ionizing radiation to create images. The amount of radiation required for a DEXA exam is very low.

Limited preparation is required. 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.

A DEXA exam can be performed at the Mercy Health Lakes Village Comprehensive Breast Center and at our hospital locations. A scheduled appointment is usually required.