Imaging
When diagnosis demands that our physicians take a closer look, comprehensive imaging and radiology services are our first line of defense.
Some form of diagnostic imaging factors into almost all of our patient cases, which is why we work with a large team of board-certified radiologists and imaging specialists from Medical Imaging Associates. This uniquely qualified team utilizes industry-leading tools and technologies to provide detailed images and quality insight.
Aspen Mountain Medical Center’s onsite imaging capabilities include:
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Diagnostic X-Ray
- Fluoroscopy
- Mammography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Ultrasound (US)
Oftentimes, we can get you scheduled the same day the order is received, depending on insurance authorization and availability.
Please note:
- General X-rays do not require an appointment but do require a physician’s order. Walk-ins are welcome!
- CT and MRI exams will require a pre authorization from your health insurance that AMMC will obtain. Once the authorization is obtained, the imaging department will call and get you on the schedule.
- Radiologist fees are included within the cost of the exam, so the patient will not receive an extra bill for the radiologist services.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Aspen Mountain Medical Center offers advanced imaging capabilities with the SOMATOM go.All 64-slice CT system, which delivers high quality images with a gentle patient experience. The SOMATOM go.All features automated technology that can take the guesswork out of selecting the optimal radiation dose for diverse patient populations. It is equipped with Siemens latest exclusive technologies for optimizing radiation dose, which reduces unnecessary radiation for a wide range of routine procedures.
We offer the following on-site CT exams:
- Abdomen and Pelvis Imaging With and/or Without Contrast
- Abdominal and Pulmonary Angiograms
- Chest, including Low-Dose Screening and High Resolution
- C, T, and L Spines (including Myelograms, if necessary)
- CT Calcium Scoring
- CT-Guided Biopsies
- CT-Guided Epidural, Facet Injections, and Medial Branch Blocks
- Head, Maxillofacial and Sinus
- Soft Tissue Neck
- Upper and Lower Extremities
Preparing for Your Visit
CT exams can last anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours. Some exams will require the technologist to obtain IV access, or require you to be without food and/or water for a period of time.
When a technologist calls to schedule you, they will let you know what to expect on the day of the exam and how to prepare for it.
For any scan with IV Contrast, you may not have food or drink for 4 hours.
For any scan with Oral Contrast, you will need to arrive 45 minutes to 90 minutes early, depending on the exam. (You will be told how early when a technologist calls you the day prior to your appointment.)
Labs will need to be drawn if you:
- Are 60 years or older
- Have a history of high blood pressure, kidney or renal disease
- Have diabetes
- Are on dialysis
Fluoroscopy
We offer the following on-site fluoroscopy services:
- Esophagrams
- Joint and Spine Pain Injections
- Lumbar Puncture
- PICC Line Placement
- Upper GI and Small Bowel Follow Through
- Voiding Cystourethrogram
Preparing for Your Visit Some exams will require the technologist to obtain IV access or require you to be without food and/or water for a period of time. Your technologist will let you know what to expect on the day of the exam and how to prepare for it.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
We offer the following on-site MRI exams:
- Abdomen
- Brain, including MRA and MRV
- Pelvis
- Soft Tissue Neck
- Spine
- Upper and Lower Extremities (including Arthrography, if necessary)
Preparing for your Visit
For many people, getting an MRI can be very intimidating and may even make you feel a bit claustrophobic. We’re here to help! To make your experience as comfortable as possible, we offer aromatherapy and will even play your choice of music during your exam.
Some exams will require the technologist to obtain IV access or require you to be without food and/or water for a period of time. Your technologist will let you know what to expect on the day of the exam and how to prepare for it.
For any abdominal or pelvic imaging, you may not have food or drink for 6 hours prior to your scan.
For any exam with Oral Contrast, you will need to arrive 1 hour before scan time.
Ultrasound
Ultrasounds do not require a pre-authorization from your insurance. In most cases, we are happy to get you in on the same day your ultrasound is ordered.
We offer the following on-site ultrasound services:
- Abdominal
- Aorta/Retroperitoneal
- Arterial and Venous Studies to Evaluate Circulation and DVT
- Biopsies
- Breast
- Carotid Doppler
- Gallbladder with Kinevac
- Gynecological
- Renal
- Testicular
- Thoracentesis and Paracentesis
- Thyroid
Preparing for Your Visit
Ultrasounds can take about 30 minutes up to 2 hours, depending on the study ordered.
Some exams will require the technologist to obtain IV access or require you to be without food and/or water for a period of time. Your technologist will be able to let you know what to expect on the day of the exam and how to prepare for it.
For a renal study or pelvic exams, you must drink 32 ounces of water 1 hour prior to your exam.
For any abdominal, pelvic or aorta exams, you may not have food or drink for 6 hours prior to your exam.
Mammography
When you bring together the industry’s most accurate and advanced mammography technology and our caring, experienced team, you get the most comfortable, accurate, and comprehensive mammogram experience you’ve ever had.
We’ve enhanced our 3-dimensional (3D) mammography machine with two innovative, comfort-focused features: The SmartCurve Breast Stabilization System and the MammoPad breast cushion. The former improves comfort in 93% of patients who reported moderate to severe discomfort with standard compression; the latter takes the chill off the machine’s receptor surface, holds breast tissue in place for optimal accuracy, and reduces discomfort associated with the image receptor’s edges.
Here’s how it works: During the exam, our 3D mammography machine will take multiple 2D digital images of the breast. Then, advanced computer software will combine the 2D images into a high-resolution 3D image, allowing your doctor to better evaluate the breast, layer by layer.
Results from a 3D mammography exam are more accurate than 2-dimensional (2D) mammography alone! In fact, 3D exams have been proven to detect 20% to 65% more invasive breast cancers compared to 2D, and they’re the only mammogram the FDA has approved as superior for dense breasts. (Plus, greater accuracy also means less chance you’ll be called back for additional screenings.)
To ensure comfortable, personalized care, we reserve a full hour for your appointment. You’ll feel at ease right away in our calming, tranquil exam room, and you’ll have all the time you need to ask questions or share concerns with your caring, experienced technician. Afterward, we review your imaging in-house, allowing us to communicate quickly and efficiently if your results indicate further steps are needed.
Preparing for Your Visit
Screening mammograms do not require an order from a physician, but you will need to designate a physician for your follow-up care.
