Story: Out and About
Business: Health Images
www.healthimaages.com
City: Denver
1102 Words

An Inside Look at an Inside Look

by Pam North

     Diagnostic testing has become a recognized part of everyday life, but that doesn't mean that trepidation about such procedures has been conquered completely by those who must undertake them. Meeting up with machines that diagnose and measure what's going on inside the human body becomes much less formidable when the clinic staff are understanding and knowledgeable, the testing environment is calm and comfortable, the equipment is new and cutting-edge in technology, and the diagnostic work is accurate and reliable. All these benefits mesh into the positive experience that Health Images is dedicated to providing, and this cohesive combination accomplishes much toward banishing butterflies and relieving uncertainty. Apprehension can be smoothed away effectively when the staff know how to achieve that result, and they care enough to make it happen. 
     Health Images recently has opened their seventh center, this time in the Boulder area, and Shelley McLeod, Vice President of Operations for Health Images, maintains that the same superior level of patient care that has been the hallmark of their other successful centers likewise will be the focus in their new outpatient office. Shelley proudly points out that the highly competent team of radiologists and health care professionals on-hand at their Boulder location specialize in superior diagnostic imaging, short scan times, flexible hours and weekend/evening appointments, and easy access to the facility. Additionally, the  center is the first in the area to offer better affordability in diagnostic services, at approximately one-third less in cost. With a history of being market leaders in the Denver area, Health Images continues to be dedicated to the highest quality patient attention and care. Shelley says, “We have always offered our patients and referring physicians better service,  and we plan to duplicate that service to Boulder and the surrounding community.” She emphasizes the skills of the center's radiologist, saying, “She has been trained by a world-class radiology group in San Francisco in all aspects of radiology, and additionally, she has subspeciality training in musculoskeletal radiology. She also is an endurance athlete who is excited about becoming part of the community.” She continues, “Our providers are the only imaging providers in the marketplace who truly are focused on enhancing our patients' health and well-being through outstanding expertise and hospitality. In a time of fast-paced, impersonal medical service, our centers are committed to making the diagnostic imaging experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. They work together with the patient to confirm that insurance coordination is completed accurately (most insurance plans are accepted); that the appointment scheduling and timing is as convenient as possible; and that the tools and resources are available for the patient to live a full and healthy life on an ongoing basis.”
       The Health Images centers maintain the very latest in imaging technology, ensuring that patients' procedure results are accurate and reliable, and the fast turnaround rate of data enables their patients' doctors to react to any urgent needs as quickly as possible. The centers are conveniently located, and their hours are flexible to make sure we can meet your specific needs. The other centers are in the Denver metro area;  Lafayette, Louisiana; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Colorado Springs; and the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.
     Services include: MRI scans (open MRI scans, short-bore MRI scans, high-field MRI scans and more); MRA scans (MR angiography); CT scans (CAT scans); ultrasound scans/sonograms; X-rays; fluoroscopy, pain injections/management; and cardiac scoring/arthrograms. Their state-of-the-art equipment encompasses: GE 1.5 450 MR Scanner (exceptional image quality that can accommodate patients up to 550 lbs.); GE Brightspeed 16 slice scanner; GE Logiq 8 Ultrasound machine; and Digital XR room.
     MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a painless way to look inside the body without the use of X-rays. It allows the doctor to see certain types of tissue, and can provide very important information about the brain, spine, joints and internal organs. MRI can provide the opportunity for early detection of disease or injuries so that proper treatment may be started as soon as possible. 
     Computer Assisted Tomography (CAT), also known as CT (computerized tomography), is an X-ray technique that uses a special scanner to create cross-sectional images of the body and head. This produces "slices" similar to the slices in a loaf of bread. The CT scanner performs spiral slices, the newest and fastest scanning technology available. CTs can image the internal portion of the organs and separate overlapping structures precisely. Unlike standard X-rays, which take a picture of the whole structure being examined, CT has the ability to image that same structure one cross-section or slice at a time, allowing the internal body area being examined to be depicted in much greater detail than standard X-rays. CT also is able to provide clear imaging of both soft tissue, such as the brain, as well as dense tissue, like bone. Because a CT scan uses an ultra-thin, low dose X-ray beam, radiation exposure is minimized.
     Appointments are scheduled easily and conveniently, and may be made on evenings and weekends for the convenience of the patient. The center's team of staff members, chosen carefully for their high degree of expertise and commitment to the well-being of patients, work closely with their clients to familiarize them with the scheduled procedures, so that there is a high comfort level with what will take place. Procedures are conducted by a registered technologist with extensive training in radiological procedures, and interpretation of the results is done by a radiologist who has pursued specialized training in diagnostic radiology and advanced training in MRI. All radiologists are Board Certified by the American Board of Radiology, and Fellowship trained. A written report is provided to the patient's referring physician within 12 business hours of the exam. Referring physicians in certain specialties, such as neurology, neurological surgery, physical medicine, orthopedics and other specialists may want to review the actual films, which the Health Images' courier will deliver to their offices. A communication network within the several Health Images locations allows convenience for patients and doctors when necessary.
     Above all, Health Images wants their patients to be provided with a consistent, superior level of service that will allow them to relax in an atmosphere of trust and calm. This is the heart of Health Images program. Patient response to this warm professionalism has been appreciative and positive, prompting many of them to recommend Health Images to their physicians, according to Shelley. Advanced technology has been made more comfortable than ever, thanks to a nurturing philosophy. 

Health Images
2495 Canyon Boulevard  -  Boulder, CO
(303) 246-7191
Website:  www.healthimages.com