What is Diagnostic Radiology?
Radiology is a medical specialty that employs the use of Radiation to visualize parts of the human body to help diagnose medical conditions. Radiographs or “X-rays” are usually taken by a trained Registered Radiologic Technologist. The resulting images are then interpreted by the Radiologist to make a diagnosis or suggest further tests. The radiologist’s report will be sent to your physician who ordered the exam.
For more information about this and all radiology specialties, including information about radiation safety and concerns, please visit RadiologyInfo.org.
Because radiation is used to acquire the X-ray images, please inform your physician and/or the technologist if there is any chance of pregnancy before having your exam.
Springhill Medical Center’s Diagnostic Radiology department offers a wide range of services from the more common procedures for chest, abdomen, and extremities to the more advanced procedures for Upper GI, Barium Enema, IVP, VCUG. All of our images are stored electronically on a picture archiving communication system (PACS). This allows the physicians to view images through a secure sign on from their office and other areas of the hospital.
After images are completed, they are read by a Board Certified Radiologist and immediately faxed to your ordering physician. All images are then stored in your personal chart. The patient will receive his/her results from their ordering physician.
Preparation
Most of the more common x-rays require no preparation for the patient.
Upper GI and Small Bowel studies require the patient to be “NPO” (nothing to eat or drink by mouth) for at least 6 hours.
When having a Small Bowel procedure, this test generally will take 2 to 4 hours, but could last longer, so you may want to bring a book! If the procedure goes beyond 2 hours, we will generally let you leave and come back for the delayed films.
The Barium enema and IVP will require the patient to take bowel prep the day before the procedure. Patients are allowed to drive after the exam.
How the X-ray is performed
The patient will be asked to remove jewelry or clothing that might interfere with the exposure of the area being examined. The patient will be positioned on an X-ray table or standing. Movement can cause a blurred image; this is why the patient will be asked to hold still and hold their breath. Various X-rays may have to be taken at different angles. Please inform the technologist before the exam if there is any chance of pregnancy.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
However, there are technologists on duty in the main Radiology department 24/7.
Location
The Radiology Department is on the first floor of the main hospital.
All Express Registered patients may go directly to the Radiology Department. All others must go through the Admitting Department in front of the hospital, from the lobby it's to the left. From there you will be directed to Radiology. After hours and on weekends the patient must go the Emergency Department to register.
Contact Us
For any questions or problems, please call Diagnostic Radiology at 251.340.7794, or the main Radiology department after hours at 251.460.5388.
To schedule an exam, please call Central Scheduling at 251.460.5362.
We look forward to the opportunity to provide you and your family with quality, compassionate care!
