The big picture: You can count on us to see it.

With medical imaging and diagnostic testing, there is a big picture. A picture that involves not just the quality of the care we provide, but also the way we provide it.

Western Baptist Hospital's diagnostic imaging for inpatient and outpatient services combines the latest technology with the caring hands of our team of healthcare professionals. Our imaging services are accredited by the American College of Radiology.

Western Baptist has been providing electronic imaging services since 1995. Instead of walking films from place to place, radiology technologists remain in the room with the patient at all times, while capturing images digitally. Within seconds, the radiologist can see the digital image on a screen, read it and make notations on the record for the patient's doctor. With a click of the mouse, the image is on its way to the patient's physician. Electronic imaging means less waiting time for results and lower health care costs -- just one example of Western Baptist's commitment to quality care.

Our comprehensive line of high quality services includes direct digital diagnostic radiology, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, vascular studies, PET and CT scans, MRI, a radiation therapy center for the treatment of cancer, bone densitometry and breast diagnostic studies, including mammography, breast ultrasound and stereotactic biopsy.

These services are available inside the hospital for patients, and many services are available for outpatient appointments at the convenient Baptist Imaging Center, next door at 2705 Kentucky Ave.

Baptist Imaging Center

The Baptist Imaging Center is designed for your convenience, allowing you to get your outpatient tests completed quickly. You can park near the door at 2705 Kentucky Ave., and walk right in. The outpatient center features two MRI systems, including a Hi-Field Open MRI; PET and CT scans; digital mammography; nuclear medicine; ultrasound and digital X-ray imaging. Two on-site radiologists provide fast feedback and same-day results. 

Diagnostic radiology

We offer all general radiology services (X-rays and fluoroscopy), including intravenous pyelography (IVP) to examine the urinary system; upper G.I. series to examine the esophagus, stomach and small intestine; and barium enema to examine the colon.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound studies use high frequency sound waves to make pictures of different parts of the body, detecting abdominal, prostate, obstetrical and pelvic disorders. Ultrasound studies of the heart (both echocardiograms and transesophageal echocardiograms) are offered in our cardiovascular lab

Vascular studies

Vascular studies are used to diagnose problems in the veins and arteries of the legs, arms, neck and abdomen. Our radiology department provides arteriograms and venograms. 

Non-invasive vascular studies

Non-invasive vascular studies are tests to help your doctor diagnose problems in the arteries and veins in your legs, arms and neck. The tests are called non-invasive, because no dyes, X-rays or needles are used. They are performed in the Vascular Lab.

CT scans

A CT scan (also known as a "CAT scan" for "Computed Axial Tomography") is a diagnostic test that combines the use of X-rays with computer technology. A series of X-ray beams from many different angles create cross-sectional images of the patient's body. These images are assembled into a three-dimensional picture that can display organs, bones and tissues in great detail. Western Baptist offers the latest technology for these services through the use of 16 and 64 slice "spiral" scanners. This provides better quality images with shorter scan times for our patients.

PET

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a unique test that helps doctors see how the organs and tissues inside your body are functioning. PET scans demonstrate the biological function of the body before anatomical changes take place, allowing the physician to examine your entire body at once. 

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Magnetic resonance imaging is a medical technology that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to allow physicians to explore the inner workings of the human body. No radiation is involved in this procedure. Western Baptist's diagnostic imaging department was the first in the area to install an MRI lab available to patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MRI services are ACR-accredited and include an open, high-field MRI, as well as a 1.5T MRI.

Radiation therapy

Our Center for Cancer Care provides cancer patients easy access to radiation therapy. The center, accredited by the American College of Radiology, is equipped with a radiotherapy simulator with CT extension; linear accelerator; IMRT and IGRT; and state-of-the-art treatment planning

Cardiac catheterization

Western Baptist Hospital is the region's leading provider of heart catheterizations with four cardiac cath labs. Cardiac catheterization can help doctors diagnose and treat a number of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease and defective heart valves. The cardiac catheterization labs are housed in the Baptist Heart Center.

Bone densitometry

Bone densitometry is available in our Baptist Imaging Center to measure bone density in the spine and hip -- the most common fracture sites for women with osteoporosis. It can detect osteoporosis before women experience painful fractures and see how well patients are responding to hormone replacement therapy or other medicines to slow bone loss or rebuild bone.

Breast diagnostic services

Breast diagnostic services include digital mammography and ultrasound at the Baptist Imaging Center and stereotactic breast biopsy at the main hospital. Our experienced technologists perform more than 650 mammograms every month. Mammography is part of our Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, recently ranked in the top 3 percent in the nation for breast imaging.

Express Check speeds registration 

Western Baptist Hospital's Express Check program makes registering for outpatient tests fast and easy. Just follow these simple steps:

1. As soon as your physician schedules any procedure or test, phone pre-registration at (270) 575-2170. Pre-registration clerks are available 24 hours a day seven days a week to take your phone call. Even if you are scheduled for a test or procedure the same day, it is still to your advantage to call ahead to begin the registration process.
2. When you make the call, be ready to provide the registration clerk with the following information:
   • Your medical record number, if you know it and if you have registered at Western Baptist before
   • Your date of birth
   • Your Social Security number
   • Your home address
   • Specific tests or procedures the physician has ordered
   • Your insurance card
3. If the clerk is able to complete your paperwork by phone, he or she will tell you that you are eligible for Express Check.
4. When you come to the hospital, bring your physician orders and insurance card.
5. When you arrive at Western Baptist, proceed directly to the Express Check receptionist, who will copy your insurance card, have you sign a consent form and send you to Diagnostic Imaging.

You also may pre-register online by clicking here.

For more information

For more information on Western Baptist Hospital's diagnostic imaging services, phone (270) 575-2600. For information on how to prepare for a specific exam, click on the appropriate link below:

• Upper G.I. and/or Small Bowel
• Barium Enema
• Ultrasound
• Nuclear Medicine
• CT Scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Bone Densitometry
• Breast Diagnostic Services

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