A modern, low density CT Scanner is available by appointment Monday-Friday with availability 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency. The new CT scan is faster and safer for patients with decreased exposure time to radiation. With more capabilities and advanced software, this equipment helps to achieve our goal of providing excellent patient care. It is important to inform the technologist if you could be or are pregnant.

What to Expect:

• You may be asked to remove certain clothing or objects and change into a gown.
• You may need to fast for a few hours before the scan.
• If having contrast, you will have an IV started.

Procedure:

• You will be asked to lie on a table that slides in and out of a large donut-shaped scanner.
• The scanner will rotate around you, taking x-rays of your body.
• You may be asked to hold your breath.
• If given contrast, you may feel a warm sensation throughout your body.
• The scan typically takes 10-15 minutes from start to finish.

After the Scan:

• The radiologist will review the images.
• Typically, the results are back to your provider within 24 hours. 

DEXA (dual x-ray absorptionmetry) scans measure bone density and body mass composition. Routine scans help diagnose or assess the risk of bone-related health problems such as osteoporosis. DEXA screenings are typically done every two years. Scans can also measure the amount of fat, muscle, and lean mass in your body.

What to Expect:

• You may be asked to change into a gown.
• You may be asked to stop certain medications the day before the scan.
• You may need to be prepared to have height and weight measured. 
•  You will be asked to lie on a table while the scanner measures your body. 

Procedure:

• The scan typically takes 10 minutes from start to finish.
• You may be asked to hold still.

After the Scan:

• For a DEXA scan, the radiologist will review the images.
  • Typically, the results are back to your provider within 24 hours. 
• For the body mass composition scan, a handout will be printed with the results the day of the scan.

Gothenburg Health offers breast imaging with the Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ from Hologic. We offer routine exams, diagnostic imaging, and breast implant screenings. With early detection, the five-year survival rate is almost 100%!

What to Expect:

• You will be asked to refrain from using deodorant, lotion, or powder the day of the exam.
• You will be asked to removed clothing and change into a gown. 
• The technologist will explain the exam in detail and talk you through the exam to encourage utmost comfort.

Procedure:

• The breast will be placed on an image detector with compression applied.
• You will be asked to hold still and to hold your breath for the duration of the exposure.
• Upon completion of the exposure, compression will automatically release, allowing you to step back from the machine.

After the Scan:

• The radiologist will review the images.
• The time it takes for results to be sent to your provider will vary. 

MRI is offered on weekdays, in-house at Gothenburg Health in the MRI suite which features a new 1.5 T Siemens MAGNETOM Aera. Our technologists will take time with you to ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout the scan.

What to Expect:

• You will be asked to change out of your clothing and change into a gown.
• You will be asked to remove all jewelry, watches, hearing aids, and metal objects. 
• If having contrast, you will have an IV started. 

Procedure:

• You will be asked to lie on a table that slides inside of a cylinder tube surrounded by a large magnet.
• You will hear loud knocking and clicking sounds while the scan is occurring.
• You will be asked to hold still.
• You may be asked to hold your breath during certain parts of the scan.
• The scan typically takes 1 hour from start to finish.

After the Scan:

• The radiologist will review the images.
• Typically, the results are back to your provider within 24 hours. 

Ultrasound scans are a non-invasive diagnostic technique that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. Gothenburg Health offers abdominal, OB/GYN, echocardiography and vascular ultrasound.

What to Expect:

• The scan is performed by placing a small probe on the skin, typically lubricated with gel.
• You may be asked to change into a gown.
• You may need to fast for a few hours before the scan.
• You may need to have a full bladder for the scan.

Procedure:

• The scan typically takes 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
• You may be asked to hold your breath and/or to hold still.

After the Scan:

• For a general ultrasound and some vascular ultrasounds, the radiologist will review the images.
  • Typically, the results are back to your provider within 24 hours. 
• For some vascular and all echocardiograms, the cardiologist will review the images.
  • Typically, the results will back to your provider within a couple of days. 
     

X-ray uses a small amount of radiation to take pictures of the inside of the body. Digital diagnostic x-rays are mainly used to look at bones and joint, including chest, abdominal series, extremities, spine, etc.  It is important to inform the technologist if you could be or are pregnant.

What to Expect:

• You may be asked to remove certain clothing or objects and change into a gown.
• You can expect to be asked to keep as still as possible. 

Procedure:

• You may be asked to lie on a table.
• You may be asked to hold your breath.
• The scan typically takes a few minutes from start to finish.

After the Scan:

• The radiologist will review the images.
• Typically, the results are back to your provider within 24 hours. 
   

As part of Gothenburg Health's focus on improving our service area's health and wellness, we're now offering Direct Access Testing (DAT). Individuals can receive four Diagnostic Imaging wellness screenings, without a written physician's order. Diagnostic Imaging screenings available through Direct Access Testing require an appointment but allow you to manage your health. Patients who are uninsured, have a health savings account, have a high deductible, or who don’t want to file a claim to their insurance may request the tests they need at a low out-of-pocket cash price.

Learn More About DAT