Western Baptist Hospital's diagnostic imaging department combines the latest technology with the caring hands of our team of healthcare professionals.

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

Baptist Imaging Center

The Baptist Imaging Center is designed to make the process quicker and easier, providing a new level of outpatient service and convenience. It houses a Hi-Field Open MRI, CT Scanner, Ultrasound, X-Ray, Digital Imaging, Onsite Radiologists and Labwork.

Diagnostic Radiology

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

Ultrasound

Ultrasound studies use high frequency sound waves to make pictures of different parts of the body. Western Baptist's diagnostic imaging department is accredited by the American College of Radiology and offers ultrasound studies that can help detect abdominal, eye, prostate, obstetrical and pelvic disorders. Ultrasound studies of the heart (both echocardiograms and transesophageal echocardiograms) are offered in our cardiovascular lab

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is a safe and painless technique used to image the structure and function of internal organs and to treat diseases such as hypothyroidism and cancer. The exams involve injection with small amounts of radioactive materials, followed by scans under a gamma camera. Western Baptist's diagnostic imaging department performs nuclear medicine studies of the bones, liver, spleen, brain, heart and gastrointestinal tract.

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. Ultrasound studies are offered in our cardiovascular laboratory.

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 are used to create cross-sectional images of the patient's body. These images are assembled in a computer 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 a "spiral" scanner. This provides better quality images with shorter scan times for our patients

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.

Radiation Therapy

Our Center for Cancer Care provides cancer patients from Paducah and western Kentucky with easy access to radiation therapy. The center, which is accredited by the American College of Radiology, is equipped with a radiotherapy simulator with CT extension; linear accelerator; cobalt 60 teletherapy unit; and state-of-the-art treatment planning

Cardiac Catheterization

Western Baptist Hospital's three cardiac cath labs have made us the region's leading provider of caths for the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Cardiac catheterization can help doctors diagnose a number of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease and defective heart valves.

Bone Densitometry

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

Breast Diagnostic Services

Breast diagnostic services offered at Western Baptist Hospital include mammography, ultrasound, stereotactic breast biopsy and scintamammography. Our experienced technologists perform over 300 mammograms every month at the Women's Center.

Electronic Imaging Saves Patients Time and Money

If you've ever had an X-ray, you know it takes only a fraction of a second for the technologist to take the picture. Then the film must be developed, taken to the radiologist  to be read, and sent back to the patient's doctor for diagnosis.

The Diagnostic Imaging department at Western Baptist has been providing electronic imaging services since 1995. Instead of walking films from one place to another, radiology technologists digitize the image and transmit it electronically to the radiologist. Within seconds, the radiologist can pull up the 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.

Express Check Speeds Up the Registration Process

Western Baptist Hospital's Express Check program makes registering for outpatient tests in our Diagnostic Imaging department fast and easy. To take advantage of the program, follow these simple steps:

1. As soon as your physician schedules any procedure or test, call our pre-registration area at (270) 575-2979. 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:
   • the patient's medical record number, if you are familiar with it and the patient has registered at Western Baptist before;
   • the patient's date of birth;
   • the patient's social security number;
   • the patient's home address;
   • the specific tests or procedures the physician has ordered; and
   • the patient's insurance card.
3. If the clerk is able to complete your paperwork in this phone call, he or she will tell you that you are eligible for Express Check.
4. When you prepare to come to the hospital, make sure you bring your physician orders and your insurance card with you.
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 may also pre-register online by clicking here.

For More Information

For more information on Western Baptist Hospital's diagnostic imaging services, please call (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
• Gallbladder X-rays
• Ultrasound
• Nuclear Medicine
• CT Scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Bone Densitometry
• Breast Diagnostic Services

Western Baptist's Infection Control Department is responsible for preventing and controlling the spread of nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients.

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