Our Radiology Services are Available 24/7, 365 to serve your needs.
A New Standard in Diagnostic Imaging
In keeping with Teton Valley Health’s commitment to providing high quality, patient centered medical care, our Radiology Department offers accurate, timely and targeted imaging services to our patients. From the moment you call to schedule an appointment we set out to provide a comfortable, positive experience that puts you, our patient, first.
Because everyone’s medical condition is unique, we offer a wide range of specialized diagnostic imaging services utilizing the most up-to-date and state-of-the-art imaging technology available. Our Radiology Team is dedicated to imaging stewardship, ensuring that you will always get the right test done the right way, at the right time, every time.
A Good Picture Can Change Your Outcome
Through the help of diagnostic imaging our team can see a clear picture of what’s going on in a patient’s body. A much better view enables us to have a better understanding of your condition to accurately identify injuries, conditions, and diseases in their early stages. As a result, your provider will be able to make better decisions regarding recommended treatments and/or surgery.
Diagnostic Imaging Services
Most diagnostic imaging procedures are painless and non-invasive. Our skilled team provides highly accurate interpretations of your diagnostic tests, with quick results. Following is a list of the types of diagnostic imaging services available at Teton Valley Hospital.
X-Ray
X-rays diagnose a wide range of illnesses and injuries, including broken bones, cancer, blocked arteries, and other abnormalities. Safe, low doses of X-rays pass through the body and produce a black and white image on a computer screen. We offer digital X-rays, which allows us to enhance images taken and otherwise manipulate them for a better view.
CT Scan
A Computed Tomography (CT) scan is helpful in detecting injuries to the head, chest, abdomen, and spine, and may also pinpoint the size and location of tumors. The images are produced by projecting small amounts of X-rays through the part of the body being examined and then converts that information into images with a special computer. For some CT scans, our team will inject a contrast medium or dye to highlight certain tissues for closer examination. This type of scan helps differentiate between healthy and diseased tissue, making it possible to accurately diagnose many diseases while in their early stages.
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic tool that uses radio waves and powerful magnets to image the human body. A specially designed computer creates extremely clear and precise images to help find subtle abnormalities within the body. For some MRI scans, a contrast dye injection may be necessary to highlight certain tissues for closer examination. MRI exams do not involve X-rays or radioactive material. We have MRI services available Monday-Friday through appointment.
Ultrasound
Commonly called sonography or ultrasonography, ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. No radiation is involved, which allows for diagnostic and therapeutic options. It may be used to detect abnormalities in the body’s fluids and soft tissues (e.g. kidney stones, venous flow, and organ damage) and to assist with conditions associated with OB/Gyn and pregnancy. Ultrasound is also used to conduct biopsies, some of the most common being of the thyroid and breast.
3-D Mammography
A mammogram is a special X-ray of the breasts that is used as a diagnostic tool to detect breast cancer and other diseases. We offer state-of-the-art 3D mammography, which combines multiple X-rays of the breast to produce a 2D and a 3D image. It makes the mammography process faster and reduces the number of repeat procedures. 3D technology can also improve sharpness and allow our radiology team to manipulate the image for a better view.
There are two types of mammogram procedures: Screening and Diagnostic.
The Teton Valley Health Care Mammography Services have recently received three-year accreditation through the American College of Radiology. This is a great testament to our superior technology, the expertise of our team, and the quality of care we deliver. Upon entering our mammography suite, patients can experience a comfortable setting featuring heated floors, warm robes, and welcoming furnishings.
Screening Mammogram
- Screening mammograms are performed before there are any signs or symptoms of cancer. A screening mammogram normally is taken with 2 x-ray views of each breast, with the goal of finding breast cancer when it’s too small to be felt. Yearly screening mammograms are recommended for all women starting at age 40 as well as a yearly clinical breast exam by your healthcare provider.
Diagnostic Mammogram
- Diagnostic mammograms are used to further learn about an abnormality or other signs or symptoms of the disease that has been found in the breast. A diagnostic mammogram focuses on an area raised by the patient, provider, or as indicated from a previous screening showing an area standing out as abnormal from the surrounding tissue.
Bone Densitometry (DEXA)
A Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) or bone density scan helps diagnose osteoporosis by precisely measuring the density and mineral content of a patient’s bones. Using our state-of-the-art DEXA scanner, which uses low levels of X-rays to measure bone density in fracture-prone areas of the body, we can detect bone loss even in its earliest stages.
Our state-of-the-art DEXA scanner can also be used to measure a patient’s body mass index (BMI), which will show precisely how water, fat, muscle, and bone mass is distributed to different parts of the body. Knowing about your body’s makeup can help you understand risks including heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea. A DEXA scan can also provide measurements that can be used to target fitness training for maximum performance and results.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy shows a continuous X-ray image to monitor the movement of a body part. The different types of fluoroscopy exams include:
- Barium Swallow: evaluates a person’s swallowing function
- Upper GI: used in the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine
Interventional Radiology
As a sub-specialty of radiology, Interventional Radiology utilizes minimally-invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose, treat, and cure many kinds of conditions. Examples are:
- Arthrography for joints works in conjunction with CT or MRI
- Lumbar puncture
- Angiography (PICC lines)
- Sniff tests
- Fluoroscopy guided pain and joint injections.
Meet Our Radiology Team
Teresa Schwarzwalter – Director of Medical Imaging
Jack Barnes III – Sonographer
Lori Lyn Rasmussen – Imaging Technologist
Alan Heffron- Mri Technologist
We perform imaging, radiology, and advanced radiology services at Teton Valley Hospital.
Where to Find Teton Valley Health’s Radiology Department
Teton Valley Hospital
120 East Howard Ave
Driggs, ID 83422
(208) 354-2383 or (208)-354-6313
Fax (208)-354-6308