Imaging

MRI machine

Over the past twenty-five years, Diagnostic Radiology Consultants has built a reputation for introducing imaging technology that makes a difference to the physicians and patients of our community. We have assembled a multi-talented team of radiologists that also hold on to the old-fashioned principles of integrity, compassion, and commitment to our patients.

A full range of diagnostic imaging examinations is available at several DRC practice locations. Our Battlefield Imaging, Chattanooga Outpatient Center, and Tennessee Imaging and Vein Center locations offer X-ray, digital fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, MRI, multislice CT, ultrasound (including vascular studies and echocardiography), and bone densitometry in a convenient outpatient setting. Battlefield Imaging adds state-of-the-art PET/CT and digital mammography to its comprehensive offerings. Several types of biopsies and therapeutic injections can also be performed at these locations.

Hutcheson Medical Center has a complete outpatient and inpatient imaging department including a digital angiography and interventional radiology suite. Image-guided biopsy, fluid drainage, conscious sedation, angioplasty, stent placement, uterine fibroid embolization, and varicose vein repair are a few of the services offered at the Hutcheson campus.

Diagnostic PET/CT of Chattanooga opened in September 2004 in the Diagnostic Center on McCallie Avenue. High-resolution Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for oncology and neurology, full-service CT with 32 slice per second capability, and full-service diagnostic ultrasound are currently offered.

Chattanooga Outpatient Center recently added the new 3T Open MRI to better accommodate patients with pain, mobility, and respiratory needs. With faster scan times and superior image quality, there is less need for sedation and it costs the same as lower field MRI scans.

By creating a wide area network and utilizing features of the internet, DRC radiologists are able to transfer images from one practice location to another for consultation with a sub-specialty expert at a different location. This level of communication results in improved patient care on a daily basis.

Making an Appointment

When you call, we'll ask you for basic information such as your Social Security number. We'll ask you what type of test you need to schedule, and will schedule you for the best possible time. If you need to reschedule your exam, you can call us back and we'll be happy to arrange a better time for you.

When you call to schedule your exam, we'll also give you important information about preparing for the exam. If your doctor has scheduled the exam for you, and you have questions regarding the preparation or the procedure itself, you can call the imaging department where your procedure is being performed (please refer to our 'Locations' page for exact phone numbers).

Your physician will have several tasks to perform:

Complete the necessary paperwork to order the test (similar to writing a prescription for medication)

Fax, mail, or place the order in our computer system

Call us to schedule a test for you or have your physician call us directly

Obtaining Your Images

Exam Image Availability

DRC's state-of-the-art PACS technology offers you immediate access to the images of your radiologic exam. No longer does your physician have to wait to have copies of your films made. Although we can still print your X-ray on film for you with just 24 hours notice, your physician can now review your exam images immediately via the Internet. We offer safe and secure web access for your physician through Specialty Networks. Your privacy and HIPAA compliance is assured.

Images on a CD

If your physician prefers, the digital images from your study can be written to a CD-ROM, giving him/her a permanent record that can be accessed easily and quickly via a computer. CDs hold multiple studies and take up significantly less space than the traditional film in the brown envelope. A 24-hour notice is also requested to create this digital record for you.

Versatile Image Viewing Options

Internet access to your studies for your doctor is available immediately after your pictures are taken. Copies of your images can be obtained on a CD or on film with 24 hours notice.

Both Internet and CD viewing offer your physician the ability to digitally adjust your images in ways not possible with traditional X-ray film. Using the computer, the image can be made lighter or darker or zoomed for better visualization of a particular portion, for example. Your physician can fine-tune the images to accommodate his or her preferences.

Obtaining Copies of Your Images

To receive a CD or film copies of exam images, please follow these steps:

1. Call the location where your examination was performed (please refer to the locations page). Please provide your name and other identifying information along with the study being requested. With 24 hours notice, we can either create a CD-ROM or print a film for you. Our representative at the imaging center will provide you with the times available to pick up the exam.

2. To protect your privacy, please be sure to bring a picture ID when you pick up your CD/films, you will have to sign a Medical Images Release form when receiving your CD/films. If anyone else picks up your CD/films for you, please be sure to give him or her your written authorization to release your information to him or her.

3. If you would like us to send a copy of your study to a physician outside the DRC system, we will need a signed release from you along with the study you would like sent and the receiving doctor's name and address. You can fax or deliver us that release in the form of a signed letter at the fax number listed on the locations page. Please allow us plenty of time to send your films.

Any Costs

Currently the first set of films is provided at no cost to the patient. There is no charge for CD-ROM's and, of course, the Internet is always free.