Memorial Hospitals Radiology/Imaging Services: On The Leading Edge of Quality

Medical imaging, including CT and MRI scans, are among the most important and most frequently used diagnostic tests in the United States. But, according to a recent article in the New York Times titled, "Good or Useless, Medical Scans Cost the Same, as many as 20 to 50 percent of the procedures should never have been done because their results did not help diagnose ailments or treat patients. At issue: the age of scanners along with the qualifications of the technicians who do the scans and the physicians who read them. As a result, starting in 2012, Medicare will pay only for scans done at centers accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR).Memorial Hospital is ready now to meet those requirements as its MRI, CT, mammography, ultrasound imaging and breast imaging services are all ACR accredited. Amy Landry, MHA, assistant director of ancillary services, explains the importance of meeting these high standards. This is a tremendous achievement that ensures our patients that their scans are done by fully qualified technologists and read by skilled radiologists using state-of-the-art technology. Our hospital is one of very few in the area thats been accredited in all of these areas. During the ACR accreditation process, there is expert assessment of image quality and a peer review-based evaluation of the practice. Landry said, In order to be accredited, you need quality in equipment, in the techs who are performing the tests, and in the radiologists who are reading them.Sherry Cormier, the departments clinical supervisor, talks about some recent technology and equipment upgrades. We have a new C-arm which provides for real time imaging during operating procedures, as well as a new digital radiography system that produces high quality images with a decrease in radiation dose. The ultrasound machine from GE provides better penetration, crisper images and 4D capabilities. Cormier added that continued staff training and certification is essential for getting the most out of the technology. Since the majority of our staff are trained in multiple modalities, we have much greater flexibility in how we can serve patients. Plus this gives us improved efficiency throughout the department.Memorial has 18 registered radiology/imaging techs on staff plus an on-site board-certified radiologist, Ray H. VanWyngarden, DO. Dr. VanWyngarden is at Memorial Hospital Monday through Friday, and is affiliated with Spectrum Radiologyof Scarborough, Maine. With Spectrum, we have access to radiologists in sub-specialties like pediatric radiology, says Landry.Landry and Cormier are justifiably proud of the department that has been at the forefront of digital imaging for more than a decade. Theres a real misconception that a small, rural hospital cant be every bit as technologically advanced as a major medical center," Landry said. "Memorial was one of the first small hospitals in New England to go digital. Since our diagnostic modalities are digital and stored electronically, physicians can compare them to earlier digital tests. Were also happy to provide patients with a CD or DVD of their images. Special ServicesThe hospital also offers Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) service three days a week. The state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla super-conducting MRI system is capable of acquiring images in the finest detail and can produce these excellent images in less time than ever before. Along with its improved speed, the system has the capabilities of Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), which offers physicians a view of the blood flow in the vessels of the head and neck. This non-invasive technique may be used to see aneurysms and decreased blood flow, sometimes indicating stenosis.The department also offers ultrasound exams that use leading-edge 4D and real-time 3D imaging technology. This type of imaging is especially meaningful to expectant moms and women undergoing evaluation of breast masses. With 4D ultrasound, multiple pictures of the womb are taken from different angles, then transferred to a computer screen where the images can be viewed in real-time.The scope of our imaging services means that patients and physicians can get most of the tests needed without having to travel to a major medical center, says Cormier. Its thanks to the dedication and commitment of our departments staff, the hospital leadership and the community, which has supported us, that were able to offer this level of service. Memorial Hospital, located in North Conway, New Hampshire, is a critical access hospital with 25 acute care/swing beds and a 45-bed intermediate care facility. Serving the greater Mount Washington Valley and western Maine, it provides primary care, medical and surgical care, 24-hour emergency services, obstetrical care, intensive/critical care, and comprehensive outpatient services. For more information, visit www.MemorialHospitalNH.org.