Department Discovery September 2015: Radiology

The September Department Discovery shines a light on Campbell County Health's Radiology Department.

Radiology provides diagnostic imaging services such as CAT, MRI and PET scans, general X-rays, lung cancer screening, mammography's, nuclear medicine, and ultrasounds. These exams provide physicians with information about your health and can help diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. Sporting a grey uniform so they are easy to identify, the department has 33 employees and three Radiologists on staff—to which the staff will tell you that they're almost 50 shades of grey, but not quite.

In May, the department moved to a new location in the hospital—the total area for Radiology services has almost doubled, from 8,030 to 15,000 square feet, with some room to grow in the future.

"We've not only moved, we greatly expanded it with better, clearer imaging equipment, new treatment approaches and accommodations for bariatric patients up to 600 pounds," says Terri Kinney, Radiology Director. "Almost every type of imaging equipment is brand new, including the CT-scanner, MRI, three digital X-ray rooms and a mammogram machine."

The MRI has a quiet feature that significantly decreases the noise, which is a real plus if you've ever had an MRI before. The new mammography technology gives the Radiologists quality images with reduced radiation for the patient and it has the capability to upgrade to 3D imaging when this technology is approved by the FDA. And, to top it off, there are three separate waiting areas with large, patient-friendly dressing rooms and a dedicated Women's Services area.

Currently, radiology services are performed at CCMH and the Medical Arts building, but a new location will open up at 508 Stocktrail Avenue in November. This new center is convenient for both CCMG Orthopaedic Specialists, which will also move there in November, and Powder River Orthopedics and Spine clinics. Patients can also choose to use the Imaging Center for x-rays ordered by any physician when they call for their appointment. Parking is only steps away from the entrance on the north side of the building as well.

As you can tell, the department has had quite a busy year with moving and settling in; but they are handling it well. Some additional little known facts about this team include:

• CCMH's Radiology Department was the first in Wyoming to acquire a 3.0 Tesla (measurement of the strength of the magnet) MRI.
• Digital online x-ray viewing has been available for five years in the hospital and physician offices.
• All CCMH Radiology staff are certified in their respective specialties, and most have multiple certifications for different specialties such as CT and Mammography.
• Digital mammography was added in 2007, which was also the first in Wyoming.

Terri will tell you that those little known facts pale in comparison to her staff. "The passion of the Radiology staff and for what they do is the most exciting part of my job. We have a great team of caregivers who love taking care of our patients," she says.

For more information on radiology, please visit www.cchwyo.org/radiology.

A big round of applause to the Radiology staff! Thank you for all that you do for CCH and for helping to keep our community healthy.