Diagnostic Imaging Services

Lewis-Gale Diagnostic Imaging Center offers a full complement of leading edge, timely and cost-effective services while maintaining the highest levels of patient comfort and satisfaction.

Services include the region's first digital mammography, as well as the 3T MRI, the latest technology in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Lewis-Gale Diagnostic Imaging Center delivers the precise, high quality images physicians demand. Combined with our highly trained staff and expert interpretations, you can feel confident when you have a scan at our center.

Diagnostic Imaging services at Lewis-Gale include:

Digital Mammography
We're proud to offer the region's first digital mammography--a powerful new tool in the detection of breast cancer--with many advantages for patients and physicians. Images are processed electronically in real time and can be displayed in a matter of seconds--half the time of film screen--so examinations can be completed more quickly. Digital mammography provides the largest field of view on the market today, a useful feature in the precise imaging of patients with dense breasts. And, when a consulting opinion is necessary, digital mammograms can be shared electronically with consulting physicians. All digital mammograms are read by our on-site radiologists.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Magnetic resonance imaging uses radio waves and a strong magnet field rather than X-rays to produce very detailed, cross-sectional images of the body.  MRI requires specialized equipment and expertise and allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible with other imaging methods.MRI employs radio waves to measure the energy of cells. MRI is critical in the diagnosis of brain and spinal disorders.

3T MRI
Lewis-Gale Diagnostic Imaging Center offers the region's first 3.0T MRI, a new MRI imaging system that assists physicians in diagnosing a wide range of patient conditions and prescribing the right treatment to expedite recovery. Uses the latest High Definition technology to produce superb, high-resolution images, the system helps doctors definitively diagnose the most complex cases, from sports injuries to life-threatening heart conditions.

Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT or CT)
CT uses a computer and highly-sensitive X-Ray beams to create wafer-thin cross sectional pictures of the body. The computer analyzes the information on the basis of tissue density. CT scans are vital in the detection of tumors.

Treatment Without Surgery

Lewis-Gale Medical Center offers minimally-invasive radiological procedures that enable patients to avoid surgery and lessen recovery time including:

• Percutaneous Vertebroplasty. Radiographic dye is mixed with bone cement and injected into the site. (Click on procedure name for more information).
• Cerebral Aneurysm Therapy. The catheter approach to cerebral aneurysm is highly successful and means less hospitalization - two days compared with five to seven days for a craniotomy for aneurysm.
• Declotting Dialysis Grafts. This procedure eliminates blockages so grafts can last for years instead of months, improving the health, comfort and convenience for patients and reducing costs.
• Renal Artery Angioplasty. Renal artery angioplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses a balloon catheter to reinforce a vessel, thereby improving blood flow.
• Uterine Fibroid Embolization. Agents are injected through an angiographic catheter that block blood flow to the tumor.

For 24/7 free physician referral, health information, or consultation with a registered nurse, call Consult-A-Nurse toll free at 1-877-2HCA DOCS (1-877-242-2362)