Diagnostic Radiology | Breast Imaging | Ultrasound | Nuclear Medicine | Computed Tomography (CT) | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) ] Special Procedures | Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT) (NEW)| Picture Archiving & Communication System (PACS) | Support Staff
Mercy’s Radiology Department offers a full complement of diagnostic and specialized services.
It is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by highly trained professionals. Radiologic Medical Services (RMS) provides professional services to the Mercy Radiology department and all radiologists are board-certified by the American Board of Radiology.
Diagnostic Radiology
- Digital radiography (x-ray)
- Fluoroscopic imaging of the upper and lower gastrointestinal track
- IVP exams for evaluation of the kidneys, ureter, and bladder
- Hysterosalpingogram exams for fertility evaluation
- Voiding cystourethrograms (VCUG)
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Breast Imaging
- Digital screening and diagnostic mammogram exams
- Computer aided detection, often referred to as CAD, is available to assist radiologists in the reading of mammograms and breast MRI
- Pre-surgical breast needle localization procedures
- Breast stereotactic biopsies offer minimally invasive highly accurate results for evaluation of various types of breast lesions
- Mammopad cushions are routinely used for more comfortable exams
- Accredited by Mammography Quality Standards Accreditation (MQSA)
- Conveniently located on the main level of the hospital, near the Emergency Care Unit
- Free parking in the Emergency Room parking lot located at the corner of Gilbert and Bloomington Streets.
- Early morning and late afternoon appointments are available as well as Saturday morning appointments on the second Saturday of each month
- Breast ultrasound
- Ultrasound-guided biopsies
Tips for scheduling and undergoing a mammogram:
- If you are still having menstrual cycles, please schedule your mammogram soon after a period to avoid excessive breast tenderness.
- If you are breastfeeding, please wait at least three months after stopping breastfeeding to have your mammogram.
- Please plan to arrive at the Breast Imaging Center 15 minutes early and bring your physician order and insurance card(s).
- Wear comfortable clothes, preferably a separate top and bottom.
- Avoid wearing underarm deodorant, lotions, or powders as these products may show up on the mammogram. We provide deodorant pads for use after each exam.
- It may be helpful to take a mild over-the-counter pain reliever one-hour before your exam, as the compression used during the mammogram may cause some discomfort.
- If you had a previous mammogram at a different facility, it may be necessary for you to bring the report and/or films with you or have it sent ahead of time. Please ask the Breast Imaging Center staff.
The results of your mammogram will be sent to your physician in 2-3 working days. You will also receive the results in the mail within two weeks.
To make an appointment at the Breast Imaging Center, please call 319-339-3948.
Click here to view the American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of breast cancer.
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Bone Densitometry – DEXA
- Quick and precise exam to determine bone density and evaluate osteoporosis
Ultrasound
- Obstetric imaging
- Gynecological evaluations
- Vascular imaging – carotid, venous lower extremity, Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)
- Abdominal imaging – liver, pancreas, kidneys, aorta
- Pediatric neurology exams
- Ultrasound-guided biopsies
Nuclear Medicine
- Cancer evaluations
- Bone scans – Osteomyelitis, sports injury
- Cardiac perfusion imaging
- Kidney imaging
- Cardiac Ejection Fraction
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Computed Tomography (CT)
- 64-slice Dual Source CT System and 40-slice scanners featuring improved image resolution and shorter exam times critical to trauma care
- Advanced cardiac imaging to evaluate the coronary arteries and anatomy of the heart
- Vascular imaging provides surgery planning information
- Chest, abdominal and pelvic imaging for oncology, urology and general medicine specialties
- CT Colonography (virtual colonography)
- Nerve root and facet injections
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Two high-field magnet scanners featuring a new system in March 2005, providing ultra-fast image scanning and a dramatic reduction in acoustic noise
- Magnetic Resonance Angiograpy (MRA) provides angiographic imaging of the vessels of the brain, carotids, kidneys, aorta and lower leg run offs
- Neurologic, vascular, orthopedic, breast, and body imaging services are offered
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Special Procedures
- PICC line placement for vascular access
- Epidural steroid injections for pain management
- Joint injections to evaluate for injuries and treatment
- Lung and liver biopsies
- Paracentesis procedures
- Thoracentesis procedures
- Trigger point injections
Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT)
- Siemens biograph6 PET/CT with high-resolution imaging
- Oncology Specialties - diagnosis, staging, restaging, treatment planning and monitoring
- Other Specialties - useful in diagnosis of cardiovascular and neurological diseases
- PET/CT imaging is provided on Wednesdays
Picture Archiving & Communication System (PACS)
- Provides for the acquisition, transmission, storage, display and manipulation of image data and Radiology reports
- Digital image capture allows for image accessibility through the physician portal from the inpatient units and physician offices
- Elimination of lost films improves efficiency of exam reporting and physician diagnosis
- Increased consultation and communication with referring physicians
Support Staff
- 4 Full Time Radiology Nurses dedicated to provide all aspects of Radiology care
- Point-of-Service Registration
- Centralized Radiology Scheduling, call 319-339-3948 or 1-800-MERCYIC (637-2942)
Pre-registration is encouraged. Please call 319-358-2687 or 1-888-252-1694 to pre-register for your appointment.
If you would like a nurse to help you make an appointment with a Mercy doctor, call Mercy On Call at 358-2767 or 800-358-2767, or visit www.findamercydoctor.com.
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