document.write('<h2><a href="#" id="link3" onClick="javascript:choose(61);showLink3();"><img src="images/btn-login.gif" alt="LOGIN FOR RADIOLOGIST" width="114" height="28" align="right" border="0" /></a>FAQ&acute;s Radiology & Procedures<br /><img src="images/line.gif" width="563" height="4" /></h2><p><img src="images/pic-faqs.jpg"  align="right"  width="154  " height="191" />La Quinta Imaging Center and Oasis Radiology utilize state of the art Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM), offering patients the highest quality image resolution and three-dimensional visualization with considerable reduction in breast compression pressure. Digital images offer a variety of new and improved applications. Contrast enhancement of the image and the wide dynamic range of digital detectors will greatly improve visibility of mammographic features.<br /><br />The digital image will also provide our doctors with image archiving and retrieval advantages over conventional film imagery. The field of view for FFDM systems is very important for both the patient and treating physician. For US demographics, up to 30% of all women require this larger field of view. Improved image quality- computer aided diagnosis- soft copy review and digital archiving- three- dimensional visualization- reduction in breast compression pressure… All are very important considerations for pat<br /><br />The following information is provided for our patients, friends, and family to become more familiar with some of the most frequently asked questions, regarding procedures, equipment, and diseases.<br /><br /><strong>What is a mammogram?</strong><br />A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray picture of the breast. It is currently the most effective method of detecting breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. <br /><br /><strong>Why should I have a mammogram?</strong><br />A mammogram can find breast cancer that is too small to be seen or felt. If breast cancer is found early on, it can be treated early when it is easiest to cure. In some cases, finding a breast lump early may mean that a patient can choose surgery to save her breast. Early detection also may mean that chemothera<br /><br /><strong>How is a mammogram done?</strong><br />When you have a mammogram, you stand in front of a special x-ray machine. The radiologic technologist lifts each breast and places it on a platform that holds the x-ray film. The breast is then gradually pressed against the platform by a specially designed, clear plastic plate. Some pressure is applied for a few seconds to make sure the x-rays show as much of the breast as possible. This pressure is not harmful to your breast. Studies show that most women do not find a mammogram exam painful for the short time needed to take the picture.<br /><br /><strong>Should women be concerned about radiation dose during mammography?</strong><br />No. The risk of harm from radiation is very small when compared to the benefits of early breast cancer detection. There have been such improvements in mammography that women receive 50 times less radiation than they received 20 years ago, with the risk of long-term effects being almost zero.<br /><br /><strong>What is a screening mammogram?</strong><br />A screening mammogram is a quick, easy way to detect breast cancer early when treatment is more effective and survival is high. It is an x-ray of the breast that doctors use to look for breast changes in women with no symptoms of breast cancer. Usually, two x-ray pictures are taken of each breast. A physician trained to read the mammograms examines them later. Screening for breast cancer is best achieved by including both mammography and a clinical breast examination in the screening process.<br /><br /><strong>What is a diagnostic mammography exam?</strong><br />A doctor uses a diagnostic mammogram to help learn the cause of a woman’s breast problems such as a breast mass, skin changes, or nipple discharge. Diagnostic mammography takes a little longer than screening mammography because more x-rays are taken. A qualified ph<br /><br /><strong>Will my insurance cover this test?</strong><br />In most cases, the answer is &ldquo;yes&rdquo;. However, coverage for imaging tests is variable and depends on your insurance carrier, your plan, any exclusions, and sometimes the indications for the examination. We are not able to interpret your policy. Please check with your insurance company for specific information.<br /><br /><strong>What is an MRI and how does it work?</strong><br />Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic scanning technique based on the principles of nuclear magnetic resonance. The term "nuclear" has long been dropped from the description of medical MR techniques because of its association with radiation and radioactivity. MRI uses no radioactivity or x rays, which is one reason why it is often described as being such a safe modality. The basic principles are as follows:The human body is predominately made of water molecules which contain hydrogen protons.<br /><br />When you are placed in a strong magnetic field the tiny magnetic fields of the hydrogen protons, which normally move around randomly, are aligned to the magnetic field.<br /><br />A brief radio pulse is rapidly switched on and off. This makes the protons&acute; magnetic fields spin round in unison and emit a weak radio signal. (This is happening at a microscopic level, you will feel nothing at all)<br /><br />By altering the timing of the radio wave applications it is possible to produce images which show up the various body tissues as shades of grey. The contrast on MRI images is very good and the operator can change the parameters to give images that demonstrate the anatomy of the area and also, in many cases, highlight common disease processes.<br /><br />This contrast depends upon whether the hydrogen protons are linked to fat, muscle, water, etc. In certain anatomical areas the inherent contrast is poor and a small injection may be required to enhance the scan.<br /><br />During the scan, the main magnetic field strength is altered using electromagnets. This causes a wide range of sounds during the scan procedure including banging, buzzing and rumbling noises. You will be offered ear protect<br /><br /><strong>What about MRI Results?</strong><br /><br />During an MRI scan there may be literally hundreds of images taken, remember that this procedure does not use x rays so from a safety viewpoint there is no real limit to the number of images we can acquire.<br /><br />These digital images are stored immediately onto a computer hard drive. The operator will check the images for technical quality and to ensure that every necessary view has been taken during the procedure.<br /><br />After all the images have been acquired and checked for technical quality, they will be arranged into logical groups and printed onto a transparent film, similar to the ones used in conventional radiographic (x ray) imaging. This allows the images to be reported or sent to the clinic.<br />The reporting is done by a radiologist; this is a doctor who specializes in the interpretation of diagnostic images. The report is usually done soon after the scan, often on the same day, and the films may also be sent to the referring clinician.<br /><br />The report will be sent to, and available at, your follow-up appointment with the consultant that referred you for an MRI scan.<br />As you can appreciate, reporting the scan is a process which requires time and expertise.<br />Please do not ask the radiographer for a result at the end of your scan, they are simply unable to give a report at this time. <br /><br />Remember, just because the radiographer can not give an answer does not mean there is anything wrong with you or the scan.<br /><br /><strong>What is a CT scan?</strong><br />A computed tomography (CT) scan is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that enables a physician to scan a patient&acutes chest, abdomen, and pelvis for abnormalities such as masses. CT is often accompanied by dyes or other image enhancers called "contrast media." You may take the contrast media orally (drinking it), be given via injection, or both. The contrast media is absorbed differently by different tissues in your body, and helps each type of tissue show up more clearly when scanned. After a few hours, the contrast media dissolves and is passed out of your body when you urinate. The CT scanner includes an x-ray machine that picks up signals from the contrast media absorbed by your body, and a computer that turns signals from the scanner into a three-dimensional image. This image gives the radiologist a finely-detailed picture of the area scanned.<br /><br /><strong>What is ultrasound?</strong><br />Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of creating an image of the internal organs through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No radiation is used in ultrasound imaging. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs, and enable physicians to see blood flow and other functions. <br /><br /><strong>What is PET scanning?</strong><br />Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a non-invasive, nuclear medicine technique that involves tracing slightly radioactive glucose (the sugar that cells use as food) as it is absorbed by cells. Cancer cells absorb glucose at much higher rates than do other cells, and put out a higher signal (show up brighter) on PET scans than do normal cells. PET scans are a good way of determining whether cancer cells have spread beyond the primary tumor site, because they can show up clearly as points of light elsewhere in the body. <br /><br /><strong>What are x-rays?</strong><br />X-rays are pictures produced by sending a stream of electrically charged, slightly radioactive particles through the body. Different types of tissues (bones versus organs, for instance) absorb these particles differently. By placing a sheet of x-ray film on the opposite side of a person from the source of the particles, a picture of bones and tissues can be created.<br /><br /><strong>What is a bone scan?</strong><br />A bone scan is a diagnostic test that uses a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) to visualize the bones in your body. The tracer will be injected into a vein, usually in the forearm. After administration of the radioactive material, you must wait approximately three hours while the tracer localizes in the bones and clears from the soft tissues.<br /><br /><strong>Do I need to do anything to prepare for my test?</strong><br />Procedures other than computed tomography usually require no special preparation. For some procedures, it may be better to abstain from using talc or underarm deodorant prior to your test, or to abstain from eating or drinking. Your physician or a member of the radiology department staff will tell you about any necessary preparations before the day of your test.<br /><br /><strong>How do I get the results of my test?</strong><br />Your physician will receive a formal report from the radiologist who performs your procedure. In most cases, the radiologist reviews the scan as soon as the procedure is completed. If you have an appointment with your physician later in the day, your doctor will usually have spoken with the radiologist about your results by the time he or she meets with you. Patients having mammograms will receive a written report on their procedure at the time of their visit. If you do not have an appointment with your physician shortly after your test, ask your physician how the results of your test will be given to you.<br /><br /><strong>What if I have additional questions regarding radiology?</strong><br />A good source of information for more specific questions may be found by visiting <a href="www.radiologyinfo.org" target="_blank">www.radiologyinfo.org,</a> or by conferring with your physician or radiology specialist.</p>');