Choose an imaging center
hen a patient must have medical imaging performed, it is important to remember that he or she has the right to choose the provider of those services.
Roxanne Myers, imaging supervisor for Baptist Health Imaging Center in Benton, said that even though it is common for physicians to refer a patient to a particular facility, patients have the right to request a facility based on their own preferences.
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when choosing an imaging facility to meet your needs.
First and foremost, Myers said, the main focus of any imaging center should be patient care.
“At Baptist Health Imaging Center, we strive to make the patient feel comfortable and at ease,” Myers said. “We treat everyone like family.”
The patient should also be able to trust that the staff involved in his or her care is properly certified. There are several certifications that can show the patient that his or her results are If looking to utilize an imaging center for an ultrasound, it is important to consider the certifications of the technologists at the facility. For instance, the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a certification that can be held by ultrasound technicians. in knowledgeable hands. Technologists can be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, as well as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Technologists can also be certified in specific areas of expertise. The radiologists should be board certified, and the facility should be accredited by the American College of Radiology or some other accrediting body.
Myers said the next thing a patient should consider is the location — the facility should be conveniently located and easily accessible. Baptist Health Imaging Center, for instance, is just off Interstate 30 at exit 117. The facility offers front-door parking, along with a quick-and-easy check-in process.
Of course, the patient will need to make sure the imaging center of his or her choice offers the testing or procedure that is needed. Baptist Health Imaging Center provides mammography, ultrasound, MRIs, CTs and bone-density exams.
Another thing to consider when choosing a facility is the amount of time it will take for your physician to receive the results.
When considering an imaging center to handle important scans and procedures, taking each of these criteria into consideration will help the patient make an educated decision.