Radiology and Imaging: We See the Problem
Radiology is critical to nearly all health care services. Radiology uses imaging technology to see what’s going on inside the body. From broken bones to brain tumors, clear images allow for a precise diagnosis, guide surgeons, and inform follow-up care during recovery.
Munson Healthcare board-certified radiologists and specialty-trained certified technologists provide close to home imaging services throughout northern Michigan. These experts capture and analyze extremely detailed images that allow your health care team to detect, diagnose, and treat diseases and injuries. Physicians and consulting specialists have immediate online access to images from their office or home, speeding your diagnosis and reducing your time to treatment.
Every radiology exam requires a physician’s order and many are available by appointment. Walk-in X-rays are available without an appointment. Emergency imaging is available around the clock at Munson Healthcare hospital emergency departments in Cadillac, Charlevoix, Frankfort, Gaylord, Grayling, Kalkaska, Manistee, St. Ignace, and Traverse City.
All Munson Healthcare radiology teams follow the same evidence-based protocols for consistent, high quality results.
We Use Advanced Technology
Munson Healthcare provides the highest level of imaging services by keeping pace with rapidly evolving medical imaging technology.
Our advanced digital imaging equipment allows for exceptional images with minimal radiation exposure.
Today, two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of organs, tissues, bones, and other structures are clearer and more detailed than ever before.
Nuclear Medicine and SPECT/CT Imaging
Nuclear medicine imaging uses microscopic materials called radiotracers to treat and diagnose a variety of diseases. Radiotracers are typically injected or swallowed into the body and traced to the area being examined, such as the heart, bone, or kidneys. Special cameras detect gamma energy from the radiotracers and computers then develop images of the inside of your body.
Nuclear Medicine combined with SPEC/CT scanning technology creates an even cleaner image for trained clinicians to read and diagnose. Applications include:
Heart care patients will also benefit from nuclear medicine combined with SPEC/CT scanning in ways such as:
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Stronger heart image clarity with less shadowing from overlying tissues
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Increased comfort by eliminating the need for a ten-minute scan in a prone position
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Ability to receive a diagnostic scan for patients unable to raise the left arm above his or her head
Nuclear Medicine with advanced SPECT/CT is available in Traverse City and Gaylord.
Mammography Services
Experts recommend women over age 40 should receive regular screening mammograms. While these exams do not prevent breast cancer, they can save lives by detecting breast cancer as early as possible.
3D Mammography (Digital Breast Tomosynthesis)
Advanced 3D mammography benefits patients by increasing detection of small breast cancers by as much as 20 to 30 percent. It also reduces call-backs from screening mammograms by as much as 30 to 40 percent. Those designated as high-risk or with specific breast conditions are eligible. Ask your primary care provider for more information. Patients need a specific 3D mammography order from their provider to obtain the test and not all insurances currently cover the technology.
Advanced 3D mammography is available at all Munson Healthcare screening locations. Learn more.
Breast MRI and MRI Guided Breast Biopsy
Performed at Cadillac Hospital and Munson Medical Center, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast is an imaging test that uses strong magnets and radio waves to form pictures of the inside of the breast. It also creates images of the tissues that surround the breast. Breast MRI is used to check for problems, such as a leaking breast implant or a suspicious lump or mass. It can also be used to help determine if breast cancer is present and aid in diagnosis and management.
We Work with Board-Certified Radiologists
Munson Healthcare’s Radiology team includes fellowship and board-certified radiologists and interventional radiologists who have the knowledge and expertise to ensure the best exam and patient care possible. These physicians specialize in:
- Breast Imaging
- Diagnostic Radiology
- Diagnostic Radiology/Cardiac CT
- Interventional/Vascular Radiology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Musculoskeletal Radiology
- Neuroradiology
Grand Traverse Radiologists, PC, is a large physician group that serves Munson Medical Center, Foster Family Community Health Center, and the Smith Family Breast Health Center, all located in Traverse City, Mich., as well as Cadillac Hospital, Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital in Frankfort, Kalkaska Memorial Health Center in Kalkaska, Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord and Grayling Hospital. Charlevoix Hospital and Manistee Hospital partner with board-certified radiologists in their communities.
We Meet the Highest Standards
Together, our Munson Healthcare facilities are certified and recognized by the following accrediting organizations for adhering to the highest quality standards:
- American College of Radiology
- American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
- Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Nuclear/PET Medicine Laboratories
- Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL).
- Medicare/Medicaid certification
- The Joint Commission
Women’s Imaging
All Munson Healthcare hospitals offer Women’s Imaging Services. Women’s Imaging encompasses obstetrical, gynecological, bone density, and breast imaging.
For More Information
If you have questions about how to prepare for an exam, please talk to your health care provider.
How can I obtain physical copies of my radiology records?
Please click here to learn more about how to obtain a physical copy of your radiology records.