Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in a patient’s preventative health. Imaging tests help medical providers take a closer look at what’s going on inside of their patients’ bodies. This may assist with a diagnosis that can’t be determined from an external exam.

Imaging specialists help detect disease before symptoms present, deliver medical providers further details about a specific bone or organ, and ensure all community members can lead healthy lives. Larry Booker, Imaging Manager at Prowers Medical Center, said he and his staff aim to always provide the best care and accurate results for their patients.

“We want to get our patients on the right care regimen to protect themselves,” he said. “We have the same equipment as a Level 1 Trauma Center. Our nuclear machine, DEXA scanner and mammography unit are what you’d find in any big-city imaging center. Everything we have right now is as good — if not better — than what you’d find at larger hospitals.”

New Equipment for Bone Density

A DEXA scan is a noninvasive exam in which images are produced inside of the body to determine how strong a patient’s bones are and to detect any bone loss. According to the World Health Organization, one in three women and one in five men will experience a fracture due to osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become porous, making them weak and brittle.

Last year, the Prowers Medical Center Imaging Department acquired a new DEXA machine that allows staff to both measure bone density and predict future fractures. According to Booker, this is helpful if a preventative care plan needs to be implemented for the patient, since a fractured bone can take anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks to heal.

“This amazing new machine looks at more than bone density and bone levels; it improves the way we diagnose people with fractures or who are prone to fractures,” Booker explained. “We added this machine to ensure our patients have the best technology accessible to them to prevent fractures from occurring in the first place.”

Strides in Nuclear Medicine

The Prowers Medical Center Imaging Department also added an up-to-date nuclear machine in June that tracks multiple functions of the patient and their body in which X-rays and other forms of imaging cannot. Staff utilizes this type of machinery to examine organ function and structure, identify stress fractures and view soft tissues like the intestines and muscles.

“This type of exam is great because we can view where the radioactive isotopes settle to highlight any weaknesses in the bones, joints or tissues, allowing us to help our providers more effectively diagnose a patient,” Booker said.

The previous nuclear machine at Prowers Medical Center was over 30 years old. Booker stated the new machine provides improved accuracy and is faster, quieter, safer and more efficient. It is beneficial for patients with heart, lung, brain, gallbladder and thyroid conditions.

“We can offer more tests and services than ever before thanks to this new technology,” Booker said. “It provides real-time information to see if organs or bones are functioning in the way that they are supposed to.”

Local Mammography Services

Prowers Medical Center offers both screening and diagnostic mammograms, including 3D mammography, which is advanced technology that takes multiple images of breast tissue to recreate a three-dimensional picture of the breast. It is different from traditional mammography, which obtains a single, two-dimensional image of the breast.

A clearer image of breast masses makes it easier for imaging staff to detect breast cancer. A 3D mammogram does not create any greater risk to the patient and only takes four seconds to complete, compared to a traditional mammogram that takes about 10 seconds.

Other Imaging Services Offered Close to Home

In addition to DEXA scans, nuclear medicine and 3D mammography, the Prowers Medical Center Imaging Department offers several other imaging and radiology services right here in Prowers County. Available services include X-rays, MRI, 64-slice CT scans, fluoroscopies, PET scans, ultrasounds, echocardiograms and more.

“We want to stay current with all technology and imaging practices in the U.S.,” Booker concluded. “We want our patients to know they don’t have to travel to receive high-quality imaging services. Our machines have the same capabilities as all larger city hospitals. Our techs maintain their continuing education and are always reviewing the appropriate documentation to improve our processes. We can provide any service you need and more.”

For more information about imaging services at Prowers Medical Center or to schedule an appointment, call 719-336-6762 or visit prowersmedical.com/services/imaging-services.