Radiology

The Radiology Department of Southwest Family Physicians, located in Middleburg Heights, Ohio provides the following services:

X-ray

X-ray filming is the easiest and fastest form of medical imaging. Small amounts of radiation are directed to a specific body part to produce an image of inside the body for evaluation. X-rays are used to diagnosis a broken bone, arthritis, infection or other conditions. There are usually no side effects from a medical X-ray.

Our office has DR (Digital Radiology) Equipment. Instead of using film, an x-ray image is captured on a special detector which transmits the image directly to a computer workstation. This image is seen on the computer by your doctor and is sent via the internet to a Doctor of Radiology, (radiologist) who will interpret the exam. The digital image can be enhanced with software that can change the contrast or magnify the image. The results are sent to the patient’s doctor who will relay the results to the patient.

All of our technologists have attended an accredited School of Radiology and are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Bone Density or Dexa Scan

The Bone Density test is designed to measure the strength of your bones. Our technologist will scan your lower back and hip to access for problems of osteoporosis which may put you at risk for broken bones. The scans are quick, simple and painless.

Our scans are read by a Doctor who is certified by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry. The results are sent to the patient’s doctor who will relay the results to the patient. A Bone Density test is recommended every two years, if you have risk factors for osteoporosis. All technologists performing the scans are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Mammography

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. We use very low dose radiation to obtain our mammograms using our 3D Fujifilm Cristalle digital mammography system. This system gives our patients access to high quality 3D digital mammography screenings right in our office. The Fujifilm Cristalle provides 2D (two dimensional) and 3D (three dimensional) images that enable extraordinary detail of potential abnormalities assisting in more accurate and reliable diagnoses.

During your screening the technologist may do many different positions and breast compression so all of the breast tissue is examined. Sometimes additional imaging or ultrasound is necessary to thoroughly examine the breasts. We will compare your recent mammogram to your previous one to see if there are any changes.

Medicare and most insurances offer 3D (tomosynthesis) mammogram coverage. You can verify that a 3D mammogram is covered by calling your insurance provider. If it is not a covered service, standard 2D mammography will be performed.

All mammograms taken using our digital mammography system are sent to a Radiologist for an expert reading. A report is sent to your doctor and a lay report is sent to the patient.

Screening mammography is still recognized as the most effective tool available for early detection of breast cancer. Southwest Family Physicians is proud to provide our patients with this digital technology right in our office in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.

Our office is accredited with the American College of Radiology and the FDA to ensure all laws under the Mammography Quality Standards Act and Program are followed. We are inspected each year by the State of Ohio and our machine is inspected yearly by an accredited Medical Physicist. All technologists are certified by the ARRT with a specialty in Mammography.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to image soft tissue structures in the body. Frequent areas of the body imaged by ultrasound are the abdomen, heart, and blood vessels. Different exams require a preparation before the exam is started; you will be notified of any necessary preparation when scheduling.

Studies have shown that ultrasound presents no hazard to the body; this is the reason fetuses in the womb are able to be scanned. The technologist will use a probe and some gel to press on the specific part of the body that is being scanned. This exam is generally easy for all patients.

Southwest Family Physicians has digital imaging ultrasound equipment. The image is seen on the computer by your doctor and is sent to a radiologist be read, via the internet. The digital image can be enhanced with software that can change the contrast or magnify the image.

All of our technologists are trained in ultrasound and are certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).