Company News Room

Update as of 8/20/10, affecting those who will travel to Providence Imaging Center via Tudor/Dale Street (southern approach):

Beginning Monday 8/23/10 at 7:00am the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) will be closing Dale Street between Tudor & 40th Avenue to perform repairs, maintenance and repaving. Weather permitting the work will be completed by Thursday 8/26 at 7:00pm.

The MOA Project team recommends using Piper Street during this closure. If you have question or concerns with this project please call the MOA Project Office at 343-8277 they will able to assist you with any questions you may have.

Summer construction is here, and Providence Imaging Center in Anchorage is no exception. There are a couple projects on the books that will affect traffic along the east end of our campus.  Wellness Street, which travels north-south and connects Providence Drive to East 40th Ave, will be the site of upgrades beginning today, June 25th.  On this disruption timeline map, you'll find detailed information (a .pdf version of the map above) that explains the nature of the work.  In general, some portion of Wellness Street will be reduced to one lane. We'd like to encourage patrons of our Anchorage location to allow some extra time to navigate this stretch of road, as well as the East Parking Garage accessible from Wellness Street.  Thank you for your patience!

Here is a summary provided by the Construction Team:

Scope of Work:

We are starting road construction work on the Southern half of Wellness Street Friday 6/25/10.

Please plan on frequent traffic changes and disruptions during these improvements. Flaggers will be posted to help with traffic control along with temporary street and wayfinding signage.

Please Note: We plan on having a street closure on the southern section of Wellness Street to replace a Chester Creek culvert. This closure is planned for 4 days starting July 8th and reopening July 11th.

The Northern section of road work is scheduled to start 8/1/10. The complete project is planned to be finished by 10/1/10

We apologize for any inconvenience this work may cause. On behalf of the Construction Team we would like to thank you for your patience.

 

The new coil comes with its own MRI table, meaning that patients can be positioned outside the scan room. After preparation by the technologist, the table is simply wheeled into the scan room.

Providence Imaging Center has recently installed the Sentinelle Vanguard^® breast MRI coil system, showing our continued commitment to leadership in the field of breast MRI.

The Sentinelle Vanguard high performance breast coil system optimizes image quality and access for positioning and intervention. Its award winning design also improves workflow and provides superior patient comfort. Sentinelle's suite of advanced technologies for MRI and intervention creates an integrated, flexible, and dedicated system, improving patient health care. Our systems feature:

• Unique Variable Coil Geometry^TM to improve image quality
• Fully adjustable coils that fit any size or shape breast
• Full medial and lateral breast access for improved positioning and biopsy capabilities
• State-of-the-art ergonomic design with the option of positioning the patient's arms at the side or above the head
• Comfortable padding and adjustable cushions for increased patient comfort

The images above are from a recent breast MRI patient that detail a cancerous lesion in the left breast. The graph to the right is called a washin/washout curve. When it spikes rapidly, this generally indicates cancer. 

Lyle Downing, MRI supervisor, is already seeing the benefits of the new technology in terms of the women we have been able to help. "We recently scanned a patient from out of town who previously could not be accomodated in our MRI unit.  The new table is much more comfortable, and is designed to slide into the magnet with more clearance. Her height (5 feet, six inches) and weight (close to 300 lbs.) would normally prohibit her from getting this important imaging test," shares Lyle.

Our patients are liking the new table/coil configuration. The coil is visible to the right of the patient (above). She simply lies face down, with her arms either to her side or above her head. The upgrade includes a new software package and workstation that allows the radiologist to analyze any suspicous areas in detail. 

Dr. Denise Farleigh, PIC's medical director and director of breast imaging, echoes this sentiment: "Not only are our patients more comfortable, but image quality is also improved. Should a biopsy be required, access to the area in question is much easier. We are extremely pleased with this upgrade, and the improved ability to scan a new segment of the patient population--those who were previously too large for the equipment."

Providence Imaging Center's team is committed to providing the best in patient care. For more information on the Sentinelle Breast MRI solution, visit sentinellemedical.com.

Pictured above:  a screenshot from a camera that shows live feed of the major Lake Otis and Tudor construction project, which will continue for the next several weeks.  To view this camera, simply visit Borealis Broadband  

*From the Municipality of Anchorage road closure announcements:  Beginning Friday, May 28, 2010 at 8 p.m. through Wednesday, June 2, at 6 a.m., drivers should expect a full eastbound road closure on Providence Drive between Laurel Street and Piper Street for road and utility work. Westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane. Please follow appropriate detour routes.

Have you ever wanted to make a good memory out of a first time healthcare experience? Three of our guests had their first mammogram last night, and decided it wasn't so bad after all. Going with friends and coworkers made an otherwise anxious test downright fun. Sothia, Tammy, Yolonda, Nickie, Mona, and Debi enjoyed each others' company while Shelley (not pictured) was having her mammogram, and posed with sparkling cider in hand for the photographer's cheer of "Save the Tatas!".

This party marked our fourth attempt to bring some levity to annual screening mammography.  So far, the response has been quite positive. Comments from Thursday night included "Loved the appetizers!"  Another attendee commented about the mammography technologist and her experience: "It was great! Kat was wonderful, gentle, caring and compassionate. She really made it as comfortable as she could." A third shared, "This is more fun than I expected, would do again."

Are you interested in setting up a party for five to ten women that you work with? Simply give us a call or learn more about Mammogram.Party.Alaska on our Facebook page. You, too, might effuse "I will recommend to friends, great way to take care of yourself."

We'll see you here!

Our bodies depend on us - and sometimes we need a reminder to take care of them before something goes wrong. Women who are age 40 and older and have financial need are eligible for a free mammogram at the Providence breast cancer screening.

Take time to schedule your mammogram today and pass this message along to your friends and family. Your body will thank you for it!

Dates: June 8 & 9, 2010
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Providence Imaging Center
By appointment only

Eligibility:

• Women who do not have insurance
• Women who have insurance that doesn't cover a mammogram

• Women who have a high insurance deductible

 

Space is limited. Call us today at 212-7966

The Providence Cancer Center would like to thank Carrs Safeway, their customers and employees and the National Breast Cancer Foundation for their generous support.

Contribution marks more than $1 million since 2004

Pictured in front of the mobile mammography coach with the check (l-r): Rob Backus, Susan Ruddy, Wanda Katinszky, Glenn Peterson and Al Parrish.

Carrs Safeway presented the Cancer Center with a check for $301,866 this past Monday at Providence. The funds were donated by Carrs Safeway, its employees and its customers during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2009. Since 2004, Carrs Safeway has contributed more than $1 million toward a mobile mammography motor coach, breast cancer screenings and research at Providence.

Monday also kicked-off free breast cancer screenings at Providence for women who are 40 and older and have financial need for a free mammogram. The screening took place April 26-29 at Providence Imaging Center by appointment. In 2009, these free screenings served 202 women. The mobile coach provided screenings to 1,364 women throughout southcentral Alaska. These breast cancer screenings were made possible by the generous support of Carrs Safeway.

Present at Monday's event were Al Parrish, chief executive of Providence Health & Services Alaska; Bruce Lamoureux, chief operating officer of Providence Health & Services Alaska; Wanda Katinszky, director of the Cancer Center; Paulette Compton, manager of Providence Imaging Center; Susan Ruddy, president of Providence Alaska Foundation; Glenn Peterson, manager of the Safeway Alaska district; and Rob Backus, district manager Denali Division. Speakers discussed how this funding and the partnership between Carrs Safeway and Providence help fight breast cancer in Alaska.

For more information on Safeway Foundation: http://www.safewayfoundation.org/

For more information on Providence Alaska Foundation: www.providence.org/alaska/foundation

Once again, we greet the long-awaited Alaska Spring with light hearts and visions of fun activities in the great outdoors.  Unfortunately, we are often greeted in return with streets and neighborhoods that have unsightly amounts of trash, collected in ruts and corners, after a long winter.  Please join us and many others like us in helping clean up a corner in your community.  May 1-8, 2010 is the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Citywide Clean Up event.  Pick up some bright orange bags at a Burger King or Red Robin in Anchorage, and plan on a fun pick up event with your friends and neighbors.  It's a fun way to get kids outside as well, and you can have fun explaining the emerging flora and fauna around you.

If you're interested in learning more, just go to anchoragechamber.org  You can register there online to let them know where you'll be cleaning up, and you can even upload fun photos to adn.com to let others know of your exploits.  One fun idea is to get your orange bags, and put one on the back of your office chair to highlight your participation in this year's event; thanks to Ginger in Providence Alaska Medical Center's Communication and Marketing Department for this!

If you'd like to join a fun crew that is planning to venture out in the vicinity of Providence Hospital and Goose Lake/UAA, we'd love to have you.  This will be our fourth annual effort since we began in 2007.  Our plan is to meet outside Providence Imaging Center's Anchorage location, at 3340 Providence Drive, at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 6.  Simply give Nathan a call at 212-6032 if you'd like to find out more.  We'll supply the bags and snacks if you supply the muscles; all ages are welcome.  Additionally, there will be a group heading out at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 5, at Annex Building 7 (just follow the signs near Providence Hospital), organized by Kathleen Barrows.  Call her at 212-4944 to sign up there.

Good to know per Kathleen (and I agree!):  May 1,2 and 8 are Free Dump Days at the Anchorage Regional Landfill, Anchorage Central Transfer Station and Girdwood Transfer Station; fees are waived for trash disposal for all residents.  If you participate in a clean up event, remember to wear jeans and sturdy shoes or boots.  Local hardware stores also sell some "grabbers", as I call them, which make you feel like a pro, and save your back.

 

Have fun, and maybe we'll see you out there somewhere!

Our bodies depend on us - and sometimes we need a reminder to take care of them before something goes wrong. Women who are age 40 and older and have financial need are eligible for a free mammogram at the Providence breast cancer screening.

Take time to schedule your mammogram today and pass this message along to your friends and family. Your body will thank you for it!

Dates: April 26-29, 2010
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Providence Imaging Center, 3340 Providence Drive, Anchorage (in the A Building, on the first floor, on the east end of the Providence Hospital campus, entrance 4)   By appointment only

Eligibility:

• Women who do not have insurance
• Women who have insurance that doesn't cover a mammogram
• Women who have a high insurance deductible

 

Space is limited. Call us today at 212-7966

The Providence Cancer Center is a network member of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, which includes three of the top cancer centers in the world, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine, and Seattle Children's.

Streamlined Radiology Scheduling for Providers

We're listening to our providers! Providence Imaging Center (PIC) recently completed a four month project with OE (Operational Excellence) in response to concerns from our referring providers, our patients and PIC staff. Concerns centered around several issues, one of them being wait times for our incoming calls. As part of the project we looked at our staffing levels, staffing experience and aspects of the phone system itself such as the length of our welcoming message and how long it took to get to a message option. We also changed the start time for the PET-CT scheduler to 8:00 a.m. to better accommodate those referring offices.

We have also restructured the coverage for each type of modality we offer, to ensure there will be a greater number of staff available to take your calls. Staff have been busy training and refreshing their knowledge to better serve our customers and it looks like it's working! Since the start of this project we have significantly reduced the wait time in all queues, bringing the average wait time of 1 minute down to less than 30 seconds. This exceeded our improvement goals and translates into faster and more reliable service for everyone.

Our scheduling phone numbers remain the same. For scheduling exams at either our Anchorage or Eagle River location, please call (907) 212-3151. For CT, MRI and PET-CT scheduling, call (907) 212-3146. Thank you for your valuable input; we always appreciate feedback from our patients and referring providers as we work to improve the services we offer at PIC.

Verna Haynes, PIC Scheduling Supervisor
Verna.Haynes@providence.org
(907) 212-7907

What is Operational Excellence?

"Operational Excellence is a philosophy of leadership, teamwork and problem solving resulting in continuous improvement throughout (an) organization by focusing on the needs of the customer, empowering employees, and optimizing existing activities in the process."1
The Operational Excellence (OE) department at Providence provides project management and supports the change process as improvements are made. OE project managers and change facilitators use a wide array of tools in their work, including many from GE Healthcare Solutions.
The project work relies on hours of independent observation and data collection to produce metrics which help identify points where maximum process improvement impact can be made. Approaches vary according to the task, and a project may include many phases.
OE work is assigned in response to customer requests to improve service or quality of care. For example, requests from physicians led to projects around glycemia management, and to the PIC call scheduling project described in this newsletter.
The OE department also provides training in the tools and approaches it uses, including Change Acceleration Process, Work-Out^TM, Lean and Six Sigma. CME and AaNA credit is available.
For project support or more information about OE work or training, please contact Theresa Carté, PhD (212-2716) or Jim Nesbitt, MD (212-5098).

1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operational_excellence

Do You Have the Latest PIC Order Form?PIC's order forms, which were updated in February, are two color--black text with key points in red. You'll recognize them with the two x-ray people in the upper left corner. The updated two-part form includes the latest exam offerings at PIC in Anchorage and Eagle River. The form now sports convenient maps to both locations on the back of the patient prep sheet. There is extra space in the clinical indication section, and one fax number for all orders. Our goal is to make the form informative, yet simple to use. If you don't have the current order form, please contact Nathan Switzer at 907-212-6032, toll free 1-888-458-3151 ext. 6032, or Nathan.Switzer@providence.org  You can download and print a clean copy at provimaging.com/forms as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Life Saved is Worth Regular Breast Exams

The United States Preventive Services Task Force issued a chilling announcement on November 16. Newly proposed recommendations from this group-a government funded committee with no medical imaging representation-advises against regular screening mammography for women between the ages of 40 and 49, replaces annual mammography with a mammogram every other year for women 50 to 74, and stops all breast cancer screening for women over the age of 74. Further, the recommendations do not support teaching breast self examination. These recommendations for change in the guidelines for screening mammography, clinical breast examination and breast self examination are in conflict with the facts. Careful review of the considerable literature from numerous clinical trials in the United States and elsewhere confirms that screening mammography reduces breast cancer as well as the morbidity associated with a breast cancer diagnosis. With screening mammography, the death rate from breast cancer has decreased by more than 30 percent since 1990. (Th e most recent of the clinical trials show a reduction in the death rate of greater than 40 percent, and specifi cally confi rms this benefit for women aged 40-49.) The reduction in the death rate is apparent in all women screened, including women in their 40s as well as older women. In addition to the dramatic decline in the death rate from breast cancer, less aggressive treatment may be needed for those women with an early diagnosis of breast cancer. The recommendations from the task force, if followed, could reverse this hard-won reduction in breast cancer morbidity and mortality, placing large numbers of women at risk for early death from breast cancer.

The task force acknowledges that mammography beginning at age 40 saves lives, just not enough of them. Screening 1,339 women between the ages of 50-59 with mammography saves one life, and the task force fi nds that reasonable. For women ages 40-49, 1904 screening mammograms are needed for each life saved, and the Task Force states that is not worthwhile. The incidence of breast cancer for women between the ages of 40 and 49 is one in sixty-nine. The task force focused on the potential "harms" of mammography (including discomfort of the exam, anxiety over positive results and possible overtreatment), stating that these outweigh the greatly decreased number of deaths each year resulting from breast cancer screening. While mammography is not a perfect tool, there are continuing improvements in the technology that add to the accuracy of the test. The benefit of screening mammography far outweighs the limitations.

The American Cancer Society, The American Society of Breast Disease, The Susan Komen Foundation, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, The Society of Breast Imaging, The American College of Radiology and the National Cancer Institute, among others, disagree with The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations. Each of these groups has issued formal statements urging women to continue with the current guidelines.

Alaskans are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, many following a routine screening mammogram. Do yourself a favor and continue to follow the current guidelines:

• Annual clinical breast examination from your health care provider
• Annual screening mammogram, beginning at age 40
• Breast self-examination has the potential to detect palpable breast cancer and should be considered.

Denise Farleigh, MD
Medical Director and Director of Breast Imaging at PIC

Getting Results - How the File Room Can Help You

The File Room staff at Providence Imaging Center (PIC) is able to meet the needs of our customers in today's digital world. All images created at PIC are securely stored electronically, and are able to be manipulated on a computer screen. Authorized healthcare providers can view these images via special secure internet access. (For more information on how to do this, contact Nathan Switzer, Marketing Representative, at 907-212-6032.) If filmed images are needed, these can still be printed, and delivered in the Anchorage area via courier.

The File Room is the place to go when patients want to access their imaging records. If patients wish to see their images, these can be burned onto a convenient imaging CD within minutes of the completed exam, at no charge for the first copy. The CD images can later be viewed in the privacy of the patient's home on any PC, and even exported in a photo file format (JPEG). If the patient wishes to share these images with another healthcare facility or provider, a CD can be easily mailed. Currently, about 600 CD's per month are used at PIC to provide information to patients and health care providers around Alaska and throughout the United States.

One important note about CDs: The radiology report will be included on the CD if the CD is burned aft er the report has been transcribed. In general, it will be on any CD that is burned 24 hours after the exam has been read by a radiologist.

You can contact the knowledgeable File Room staff to assist you with your imaging needs by phone or email. Call us at (907) 212-3144, or toll free at (888) 458-3151. Visit us at www.provimaging.com and click on "Contact". Then click "Medical Records" on the left side of the screen.

To email us your request, simply use picfieroom@provak.org

 

PET-CT Bone Scans Offer Detail Not Seen with Other Tests

 

Currently, Providence Imaging Center (PIC) has the only PET-CT scanner in the state. We are able to obtain both CT and PET images of the patient at the same time, in the same position. As a result, both anatomical and functional images are created and compared. In addition to the oncology studies, we are now also offering both both limited and whole-body bone scans. The PET-CT fused bone scan is used to image the structure of the bone and any abnormalities that might be present. These specialized bone scans are useful in evaluating several different conditions. These include post-operative fusions, infection or loosening of prosthetic joints, localization of bone pain, and the diagnosis or staging of metastatic bone disease. Due to the comparison of the CT images obtained simultaneously, PET-CT bone imaging is believed to be more specific than traditional nuclear medicine bone scans.

Our radioactive isotope, 18F-Fluorine, is made in Seattle by a cyclotron and flown to Anchorage each day. No preparation is needed for these scans, although appointments might still last up to two hours depending on the amount of imaging requested.

For more information, or to schedule a PET-CT bone scan at PIC, call us at (907) 212-2879.

Fiesta, Anyone? Fight Breast Cancer with a Mammogram Party!

Providence Imaging Center (PIC) now offers women a new way to take care of their recommended annual mammogram: They can invite their friends to get together and party while having a quick screening mammogram.

Do you know any women who are due for their annual or fi rst (baseline) mammogram, but are too anxious to actually schedule it? Why not set up a mammogram party? Surrounded by friends in their support network, who are also due for their annual screening, makes it a fun event in a relaxed atmosphere. PIC is now accepting reservations for private mammogram screening parties.

Each party includes:

• 5-10 consecutive, private mammogram screening appointments
• Exclusive use of our warm, festive women's lounge
• Appetizers catered by Peppercinis
• An assortment of nonalcoholic beverages including sparkling cider, coffee, tea and water

Take care of your health, and enjoy your friends' company by arranging for a fun evening in a casual setting. To find out more, or to schedule your own mammogram party, email mammoparty@provimaging.com or call Yolonda at (907) 212-4984. For answers to some frequently asked questions, visit our web site at provimaging.com/mammogram-party

 

Making It Personal: Meet the People of Providence Imaging Center

Katherine "Kat" Bruce is the newest addition to the File Room (see a story about

 our File Room in this issue) and began at PIC in January. Kat moved to Alaska two years ago from Chicago, Illinois, driving directly to Anchorage - "the perfect location to balance the conveniences of city life and our love of the great outdoors." Prior to working with Providence, she was employed with the State Medical Examiner's Office as an autopsy technician and death scene respondent.

"Before settling in Alaska, we moved according to my husband's Air Force assignments. Those 5 years were mostly spent in Colorado; however, we also lived in Mississippi for a brief time," Kat shares. "I very much enjoy snowboarding and martial arts; and ... I look forward to learning gardening!"

How does she like her new position? According to Kat, "There is always encouragement to learn more in my position... this gives me a lot of confidence in my ability to help. People can count on me because of the training I receive. I can honestly say I am proud to be part of such a successful and devoted team. I look forward to many years of employment with Providence."

We're glad to welcome Kat!

Imaging Options Now Available In Eagle River

Providence Imaging Center (PIC) is pleased to announce the opening of its first satellite clinic, in order to provide imaging services to residents in the growing Eagle River community. PIC opened its doors in September 2008, on the first floor of the new Providence Building located across from SBS and Fred Meyer, at 17101 Snowmobile Lane. Advantages of this new location are ample parking, as well as access to laboratory services in a shared lobby. Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12 p.m-1 p.m.), services include:

• Digital x-ray (no appointment needed)
• CT or "Cat" Scan
• Ultrasound
• Twice monthly mobile digital mammography in the coach, for screening patients

To schedule an appointment at this location, simply fax an order to (907) 212-5828. Call us during scheduling hours (M-F, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.) at (907) 212-3151. To reach the front desk directly, dial (907) 726-6610. Handy Eagle River maps are available on our updated direction cards.

Convenient Saturday Hours for Patients

Who is able to easily escape from the business of their daily lives to get a necessary imaging test? Not many! We are proud to offer Saturday hours at our Anchorage location, Providence Alaska Medical Center (PAMC). Imaging exams offered on Saturday include:

• Digital screening mammograms
• Digital x-ray (no appointment needed)
• Bone density (DXA) exams
• MRI (routine studies)

Many of these exams are also available with evening appointments. Saturday hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. For scheduled tests, please remember to call Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

1.5 vs. 3.0 Tesla MRI: Which Field Strength is Best for my Patient?

When more and more facilities lay claim to having the "most advanced MRI technology available anywhere", how do you know whom to believe? Is it all about magnet muscle, or is there something else to consider when choosing where to send a patient? We believe there is. In June 2008, PIC decided to replace one of our two 1.5 T scanners (T stands for "Tesla", a measure of magnetic strength) with a 3.0 T magnet. The 3.0 T brings with it the newest GE technology, including the ability to perform studies simply not possible on the 1.5 T, including some of the following not currently offered anywhere else in Anchorage:
MR Spectroscopy
Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Fiber tracking
Cartilage mapping
Some functional applications in brain imaging

This pairing of 1.5 and 3.0 T magnets means that for the first time in Alaska, one Imaging Center has two different high-field MR scanners in one location, each with their own strengths. Your patients are now directed to the machine that will best visualize the area in question.

So does every patient need a 3 Tesla MRI? Isn't a magnet twice as strong always twice as good at everything? The short answer is no. There are several factors to consider, including diagnosis, area to be scanned and the patient's body type.

For example, a 3.0 T is preferred for most neurological studies, e.g. brain, cranial nerves, etc. A 3 Tesla scan is preferred for orthopedic imaging such as wrists and knees, among other areas. Finally, 3.0 T is recommended for all vascular  applications (MR Angiography).

A well-equipped 1.5 T magnet is preferred for applications such as body imaging because signal loss artifact (image distortion) can occur on large body parts on a 3.0 T. Examples include MRI of the breast and liver. Pelvis and renal MRI are all done on our 1.5 for this reason. Additionally, various body types can be better imaged on our lower field strength magnet.

As a result, PIC is able to better serve/image various patients, body parts and pathology by customizing the study using both magnet strength and protocols (each protocol is like a "recipe" of which scan techniques to use, depending on the patient and the diagnosis). When a patient walks through the door, we've got the options to send them to the appropriate high-field scanner, with the latest technology and comprehensive certifications you expect.

 

New Services and Equipment Announced

PIC is pleased to announce two new imaging technologies, along with some new services, that include:

• 64 slice CT ("Cat Scan")
• 3.0 T high-field MRI
• Cardiac CT scan for coronary calcium
• Vascular Ultrasound Screening
• Bone Density reporting that now includes FRAX results, the patient's risk of fracture

Why the New Equipment?

PIC replaced one of its 1.5 Tesla high field MRI scanners last summer with a 3.0 Tesla MRI, twice as strong as typical high-field magnets. The 3.0 Tesla scanner complements our 1.5 Tesla offering by allowing us to better image patients who need neurological and angiography workup, and is the most advanced magnet currently available for outpatients in Alaska (see story above). The new 64 slice CT scanner replaced a 16 slice scanner used for many years, and brings with it the ability to quickly scan patients with a minimal radiation dose. The increased resolution gives our radiologists superior 3D reconstruction images.

New Services

In Anchorage, two new retail services are available to help screen patients for cardiovascular disease. Cardiac CT scan for coronary calcium is a non-invasive way of obtaining information about the presence, location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries-the vessels that supply oxygen-containing blood to the heart wall. Calcified plaque is a buildup of fat and other substances,  ncluding calcium, and is a sign of atherosclerosis, a disease of the vessel wall, which iscalled coronary artery disease. Vascular Ultrasound Screening is a panel of three tests that looks for vascular disease outside the heart, and includes screening for:

• Carotid Artery Disease
• Aortic Aneurysm
• Peripheral Artery Disease in the legs

For more information about any of these services, please contact Nathan Switzer at (907) 212-6032, or via email at Nathan.Switzer@providence.org

 

Accreditation and Radiology: Passionate About Getting it Right

 

What do you expect when you send patients to an imaging facility? Timely reports? Accurate reads? Friendly schedulers? Respectful treatment of your patients? Shouldn't you also expect that staff are specialists in their field, and that equipment is working accurately?

We want our referring offices and patients alike to know our staff are certified in their specialty, and that our imaging equipment meets an independent, high standard for quality. We are excited to partner with the American College of Radiology (ACR), an independent organization that evaluates qualifications of personnel, equipment performance, effectiveness of quality control measures, and quality of clinical images. It is believed that these are the primary factors that impact the quality of clinical images and the quality of patient care. Currently, PIC is fully accredited in mammography; breast ultrasound; ultrasound-guided breast biopsy; and stereotactic-guided breast biopsy. These four offerings make us the only Breast Imaging Center of Excellence in Alaska. Additionally, we are accredited in MRI, including five subspecialities. Our goal is to add CT and PET-CT by the end of the year.

What about staff? Our radiologists are board certified, and each technologist is required to be certified in their specialty - something we take very seriously. Staff are given time and support to maintain their continuing education credits. "PIC was the first imaging center in the nation to be certified in stereotactic breast biopsy. We pursue these designations because participation in these programs ensures a high skill level for our technologists and radiologists. This in turn encourages us to stay abreast of the latest education available so that we can provide the best quality care to the patients we serve," shares Dr. Denise Farleigh, PIC's Medical Director. Visit www.acr.org/ and click on "Accreditation" for more information about the Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence and other ACR accreditation programs.