Imaging and Radiology

Imaging and radiology offers a non-invasive way for specially trained doctors, called radiologists, to view and assess structures inside of the body. At Hunt Regional Healthcare, our expert radiologists are equipped to evaluate a wide variety of diagnostic images, to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of many illnesses and injuries.

Services

When you’re exhibiting symptoms of an illness that a doctor can’t identify without seeing inside the body, medical imaging is the perfect tool. At Hunt Regional Medical Center, our skilled staff uses the latest radiology equipment and technology to diagnose and treat disease, with an emphasis on your comfort.

Can help evaluate most parts of the body and aid in the diagnosis of many conditions, a few common uses of this procedure include:

  • Calcium scoring
  • Examination of the chest, abdomen and pelvis
  • Diagnosis of spinal injuries
  • Diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases
  • Detection of different types of cancer
  • Examination of trauma patients

Are commonly used to diagnose and treat different types of cancer, as well as Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, Graves’ disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to scan your body and produce detailed pictures of arteries and veins that cannot be obtained with conventional X-rays.

Offers a non-invasive way to obtain information about your body. It can lead to early detection and treatment of disease because it makes it possible to see certain types of tissue. It can provide important information about the brain, spine, joints, and internal organs.

A mammogram is a specialized x-ray used to analyze breast tissue. This method of imaging and radiology can help screen for abnormal changes before a lump is large enough to be felt.

3D Mobile Mammography

A fully equipped with 3D digital mammography equipment to conduct mammograms at remote locations throughout Hunt County without a referral by a doctor.

Is commonly used to diagnose:

  • Cancer
  • Neurological problems
    • Alzheimer’s Disease
    • Parkinson’s Disease
    • Epilepsy
    • Stroke
  • Cardiovascular problems
  • Liver/Gallbladder disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Bone problems
    • Fractures
    • Arthritis
    • Osteoporosis

A bone density test is a simple, painless and non-invasive procedure that can detect osteoporosis.

An X-ray exam is a common and painless method of imaging that passes small amounts of radiation through the body to create pictures of your internal organs or bones.

Upfront Price

We accept most insurance plans and offer affordable cash price options to make sure our patients have easy and convenient access to imaging services. The discounted pre-paid price amount is collected in one initial payment and includes the radiologist’s interpretation.

You will receive a voucher to be presented at the time of service. Here is more information about pre-paid prices for imaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you’re scheduled for a diagnostic imaging procedure, you may be slightly nervous or intimidated, especially if you’ve never gone through the procedure before. We understand your uneasiness and will do everything in our power to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. One way we strive to do that is by providing you with as much information beforehand as possible, so you can be informed.

Exposure to any form of radiation can bring health risks, however medical imaging radiation is conducted in a way that reduces as much health risk as possible. Hunt Regional Healthcare radiologists are trained to understand the risks and reduce them to the best of their ability when conducting diagnostic procedures. While some patients may be at heightened risk of radiation dangers than others, our doctors will work with you to determine your level of risk and the proper precautions that should be taken.

Contrast material is a substance that temporarily changes the way X-rays, scans and other forms of medical imaging interact with the body. They can be taken in three forms: by being swallowed, through an enema, or injected into a blood vessel. Contrast materials are necessary because they help improve pictures of the inside of the body. Without contrast materials, the medical imaging will not produce clear enough images to properly diagnose health problems.

No, you should not experience pain during a medical imaging procedure. You may experience minor discomfort, depending on the type of procedure, but diagnostic imaging exams should not be painful.

Depending on the type of diagnostic imaging procedure, these exams are generally safe for pregnant women. According to the American College of Radiology, no single diagnostic X-ray results in radiation exposure enough to threaten the health of the developing embryo or fetus. However, your doctor can work with you to determine the safest diagnostic imaging method.

How you prepare for your exam will depend on the type of diagnostic imaging procedure you are scheduled for. Prior to certain exams you can go about your normal routine, including your normal eating schedule, but prior to others, there may be dietary and/or medication restrictions that must be followed. Your doctor will be able to explain any specific instructions to adhere to.

The answer to this question depends on which facility you are having your diagnostic imaging exam. However, Hunt Regional employs experienced, compassionate radiologists to perform X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and other medical imaging procedures. You can feel confident knowing that you are in good hands.

The best way to prepare for diagnostic imaging if you are claustrophobic is to first educate yourself about what to expect. Some procedures, like CT scans, aren’t completely enclosed, and many facilities have open MRIs, which have more space as all four sides are open. If you are still worried about being claustrophobic during the procedure, try meditation, deep breathing or listening to music. Ask your doctor as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. If you have to, talk to your doctor about taking a mild sedative for the procedure.

In order for the imaging procedure to produce the highest quality images possible, patients are asked to remain still. Your doctor will let you know when you should try to be still and when it is okay to move.

Fillings or braces may cause minor distortion of the diagnostic images if you are having a scan of your face, neck or back.

The best option is to wear comfortable clothing without any metal. Do not wear any jewelry, like necklaces, earrings or watches. You will not be able to take your car keys, watches, hair pins, cell phones, coins, glasses or other belongings into the exam room, so be sure to leave those items at home or with a loved one in the waiting room. Do not apply any skincare, like body lotions, sunscreen, topical analgesic ointments, creams, gels or sprays prior to your appointment.

If you wish, you can bring an adult family member or friend with you during the test. They may be checked beforehand, however, to ensure they do not have any metal on them. No children are permitted in the imaging and radiology area, and they must be accompanied by an adult in the waiting room.

In between imaging captures, you may talk to your radiologist or physician. However when the images are being taken, you must remain as still as possible.

The length of the procedure will vary depending on which type of imaging scan you are undergoing. An MRI usually takes about 45 minutes. A CT scan may take anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour. An X-ray typically takes about 15 minutes.

Related Locations

  • Hunt Regional Center Greenville
    Hunt Regional Medical Center Greenville

    4215 Joe Ramsey Blvd, Greenville, TX 75401 | 903.408.5000

  • Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center at Commerce

    2800 TX-24 Suite A, Commerce, TX 75428 | 903.886.3161

  • Hunt Regional Emergency Room Quinlan
    Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center at Quinlan

    738 E. Quinlan Pkwy., Quinlan, TX 75474 | 903.408.4800

  • Hunt Regional Open Imaging – Greenville

    3003 Joe Ramsey Blvd, Greenville, TX 75401 | 903.455.3330

  • Hunt Regional Open Imaging – Rockwall

    909 Rockwall Parkway, Rockwall, TX 75032 | 469.698.0045