Digital Imaging Expands Radiology Services at Pioneers Medical Center

July 18, 2006---MEEKER—Virtual immediate access of X-ray files and the ability to transmit those images to a remote hospital is one of the upgraded services now available through the Radiology Department at Pioneers Medical Center.

The new Digital Radiography system offers rapid results and produces images, which are immediately available on a computer screen to our physicians both onsite at the Meeker Family Health Clinic, as well as off-site for diagnostic interpretation by radiologists at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs. Additionally, the information will be available via Internet to the emergency room at St. Mary ’s Hospital in Grand Junction and other service locations.

The state of the art system takes the radiology department to the next level, including decreasing the turn around time for diagnosis. The hospital’s new KODAK CARESTREAM picture archiving and communications system (PACS) will provide radiologists with immediate electronic access to medical imaging exams and will enable faster and more efficient distribution of radiology reports and images.

“Pioneers Medical Center has always offered bed-side services in the hospital. Now, we have a new portable X-ray machine that moves and positions patients with greater ease and more comfort, ” says John Kapushion, Radiology Manager. “Once the X-ray is completed, we are able to archive it electronically, so patient files can be virtually and immediately accessed by a doctor in a off-site hospital, if necessary,” continued Kapushion.

Furthermore, this spring a new state of the art General Electric “Diamond” model mammography unit was installed. The new unit features SOFT paddles that contour to the shape of the patient, giving a more uniform compression and therefore clearer images. Another feature is the flexibility of the X-ray tube heads, which allows for improved positioning and comfort for the patient.

Pioneers' Radiology department features advanced imaging techniques including CT scans, fluoroscopy services, ultrasound, mammography, and general radiologic services. Our technicians are nationally board certified. Additionally, a radiologist visits each week to oversee the readings and reports their professional interpretation to the local physicians.

“We are excited about the level of service we offer patients,” said Robert Omer, CEO, Pioneers Medical Center. “With the ability to archive images, we can serve patients better. The electronic archiving gives physicians and radiologists at referral hospitals the instant information they need when seeing a patient referred from Pioneers Medical Center,” explained Omer.

The Picture Archiving Center (PACS) was partially funded through a $270,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the Governor’s Rural Health Initiative.

Pioneers Medical Center coordinates with the Rio Blanco County Health Services to offer Mammography screening to the low-income or under-insured. Thanks to the generosity of the Marvine Ranch, an account has been set-up to assist in covering those costs. It is important for women to have access to critical healthcare. Mammography screening in women over the age of 50 years old lowers the chance of breast cancer by 35%.

In 2005, Pioneers Medical Center performed 335 mammography exams.