Radiology

Our radiology department offers a complete range of radiological services, including:

• Bone densitometry (DEXA)
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Diagnostic radiology
• Echocardiography
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Mammography
• Ultrasound

Patient safety is a top priority. We have rigorous training and certification expectations for our technologists. Radiation dose monitoring and dose reduction are always a focus. We work with ordering health care providers to ensure that appropriate ordering criteria are considered. We are active participants in the ImageGently and ImageWisely campaigns to reduce radiation dose.

Download our Radiology Imaging Services brochure (PDF).

Our hours

• Radiology is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 am until midnight for routine outpatient exams. A technologist is on call from midnight to 6:30 am to cover emergencies.
• Wide-bore MRI appointments are available on Mondays and Thursdays.

Exam interpretation

All imaging exams are interpreted (read) by a board-certified radiologist from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics which employs many radiologists with subspecialties in multiple areas. This allows our patients to have their exams read by a radiologist who specializes in the area or type of exam that is being reviewed.

Note: Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics will bill separately for the interpretation of your radiology procedure.

Bone densitometry (DEXA)

Both women and men should consider having a bone density exam done. Discuss your risk factors with your provider.

Computed tomography (CT) scan

CT scan services are the standard of medical care for diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of conditions such as stroke, trauma, and chronic pain. Our CT department is lead by CT certified technologists. These are technologists who have received additional training and certification in the area of CT.

Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) scan uses computers to allow radiologists to obtain detailed information by providing cross-sectional images on various parts of the body. This information is essential and highly effective for studying the brain, torso, and extremities. Our state-of-the-art 80 slice scanner allows us to acquire more information in a shorter time. Additionally, our multi-slice scanner uses dose reducing software to ensure that you receive the lowest amount of radiation possible.

We emphasize the role that careful risk assessment and dosage minimization plays in our practice. Patient safety is our highest priority, and prominent among these protections are the measures we take to provide effective dosage monitoring and radiation reduction in CT exams.

CT Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is a disease that affects more than 200,000 people a year in the United States. While lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, making up nearly 25% of all cancer-related deaths, there is hope, especially with cancer detected at an early stage.

Mt. Ascutney Radiology is an American College of Radiology (ACR) designated Lung Cancer Screening Center. The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends Lung Cancer Screening in adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Please contact your health care provider to determine if you are eligible for a screening.

Diagnostic radiology

We offer routine x-rays of the entire body, fluoroscopic exams for all barium studies to include:

• Barium enema
• Barium swallow
• Modified barium swallow
• Upper GI

Other fluoroscopic exams offered include joint injections, arthrograms, and myelograms.

Echocardiography

We offer echocardiograms (an ultrasound of your heart) on Tuesdays. This is a mobile service provided to us by Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. An echocardiogram can be scheduled through your provider's office.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI is provided by a mobile service. The equipment utilized is the latest technology. The technologists are certified in MRI. These are technologists who have received additional training and certification in the area of MRI.

An MRI examination can be scheduled through your provider's office.

Wide-bore MRI

The MRI answer for larger patients and those who experience anxiety or claustrophobia. Our new Wide-Bore MRI offers exceptional image quality and faster patient access.

Scan days every Monday and Thursday.

• Bore opening is 70cm in diameter and 145cm deep
• Comfortable access for patients weighing up to 550 pounds
• Almost 12 inches of space between the patient’s head and magnet
• Many exams can be completed with the patient’s head outside the bore
• 64 channels allows for exceptional image quality
• Faster acquisition and exam times
• Safer magnetic fields
• Decreased energy consumption

Patient cost is determined by insurance authorization and plan coverage. For more information, contact Mt. Ascutney Hospital at (802) 674-7276 or speak to your primary care provider.

Mammography

We perform 3D breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography). 3D mammography provides a 40 percent higher detection rate of invasive cancer than 2D imaging alone. We are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), which means we adhere to strict stipulations and guidelines, ensuring you a high-quality mammogram. All technologists that perform mammograms are certified in mammography. These are technologists who have received additional training and certification in the area of mammography.

It is recommended that all women over the age of 40 receive a yearly mammogram. If you are questioning whether you should have a mammogram or not, please discuss this with your health care provider.

Before your mammogram

• If you have had mammograms elsewhere, please call that facility and have your results (including images) sent to us before your appointment. These tests will be needed for comparison.
• Try to schedule your mammogram for the week following your menstrual period, when your breasts are less tender.

On the day of your mammogram

• Wear a two-piece outfit to the examination so you will only have to remove your top.
• Don't apply powders, ointments or creams to your chest area the day of the exam. These products can show up on the X-ray images and can make them difficult to interpret.
• If you wear deodorant, please apply it sparingly. You will be asked to wash it off before your mammogram.

After your mammogram

• You will be asked to wait while the images are being processed. The mammographer will determine if the images are technically acceptable or if she needs any additional views necessary to include all the breast tissue.
• Your mammogram will be read by one of our radiologists, who will send the results to your physician. You will receive a written summary of the report. If you have not received your results within two weeks, contact your physician or the radiology department.
• Don't be alarmed if you are asked to return for additional images. This does not always mean that the radiologist found something alarming on your mammogram. Breasts cannot be positioned exactly the same from year to year. Sometimes it is necessary to have one ore more additional image to see things clearly. If you are requested to return for additional images, the radiologist will speak to you about your results once the additional images are complete and will be able to answer any questions you might have.

Ultrasound

General ultrasound, vascular and musculoskeletal ultrasound services are provided Monday through Friday with varying hours. Our ultrasound department is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Please contact our office to schedule an appointment.