A New Standard in Diagnostic Imaging
In keeping with Teton Valley Health’s commitment to providing high quality patient centered medical care, our Diagnostic Imaging Department offers accurate, timely and targeted imaging services to our patients. From initial contact 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 Diagnostic Imaging Team is dedicated to imaging stewardship, ensuring that you will always get the correct test done the right way and 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. In an effort to provide both you and your provider with fast and reliable answers, we store all images digitally. Our radiologists will then dictate their interpretation of your study, allowing your provider to provide you with quick and accurate results. Following is a list of the types of diagnostic imaging services available at Teton Valley Health.
CT Scan
CT (Computed Tomography), also known as CAT scan, is a safe and painless exam that uses x-ray to obtain detailed, cross-sectional images of your body. CT scans are made when a rapidly spinning x-ray tube takes a series of snapshots (slices) of your organs and structures that are not able to be seen clearly on conventional x-rays. The radiation dose reduction software uses raw data from these slices to produce a cross-sectional picture of the area being imaged and keeps radiation exposure to an absolute minimum. CT scanning has the unique ability to image a combination of soft tissue, bone and blood vessels. CT is also one of the best tools for studying the lungs and abdominal area.
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most powerful tools available to radiologists today. MRI has become the preferred procedure for evaluating and diagnosing a large number of potential problems in many different parts of the body. In general, MRI creates pictures that show differences between healthy and unhealthy tissue. Doctors can use MRI to examine the brain, spine, abdomen, pelvic region, breast, blood vessels, heart, joints (e.g., knee, shoulder, wrist, and ankle)and other body parts. It uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves instead of x-rays to create detailed images of the body. It is a non-invasive imaging procedure that detects conditions and diseases in their earliest stages, including many common types of cancer. In addition to enabling an early diagnosis, MRI scanning makes it possible to assess the degree to which a disease has progressed and to make judgments about effective therapy.
3-D Mammography
A mammogram screening is a process of examining the breast for diagnosis and screening using low-energy X-rays. At Teton Valley Health, patients needing breast health services have access to 2D/3D mammography, which allows the breast tissue to be examined layer by layer. This means, rather than viewing the breast tissue in a flat image, as with conventional 2D mammography, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the surrounding tissue. This allows us to provide the best results for dense breast tissue. We offer both screening and diagnostic mammograms here at Teton Valley Health.
Ultrasound
Commonly called sonography or ultrasonography, ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to display moving 3D images of the inside of the body on a monitor. No radiation is involved, which allows for diagnostic and therapeutic options. Here at Teton Valley Healthy, we perform general sonography, OB ultrasounds and venous ultrasounds, as well as ultrasound guided biopsies of the thyroid and breast.
X-ray
X-ray, also known as radiography, is one of the oldest and fastest ways to view and evaluate the skull, spine, joints, extremities, and some internal organs. It is a useful tool in diagnosing bone injury and disease, such as fractures, infections, and cancer.
Bone Densitometry (DEXA)
A DEXA scan is an imaging test that measures bone density (strength). DEXA scan results can provide helpful details about your risk for osteoporosis (bone loss).
Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology uses fluoroscopy, which is a study of moving body structures that display images in real time. Fluoroscopy can be used when a radiologist inserts a needle for a biopsy or to deliver medication or contrast to a specific area in the body. For certain types of intestinal tract studies, patients may be required to swallow a radiopaque contrast agent so the radiologist can follow the agent through the patient’s body.
Meet Our Radiology Team
Teresa Schwarzwalter – Director of Medical Imaging
Jack Barnes – Sonographer
Lorilyn Rasmussen – General Radiology Technologist
Kirk Ripplinger – General Radiology Technologist
Where to Find Teton Valley Health’s Radiology Department
We perform imaging, radiology, and advanced radiology services at Teton Valley Hospital.
Teton Valley Hospital
120 East Howard Ave
Driggs, ID 83422
(208) 354-2383