Radiology
Mission
The Department of Radiology offers a full spectrum of diagnostic imaging services to the Fort Moore beneficiary population with state of the art imaging equipment and diverse team of radiology technologists, radiologists, and support staff. We offer services in the following modalities: diagnostic radiography (x-ray), fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine. The main radiology department is located on the 1st Floor of the main hospital. The radiology department also has multiple satellite imaging locations at MACH APCC, Family Medical Home, and Orthopedic Clinic, as well as Winder TMC, CTMC, Harmony Church, Sledgehammer TMC, Eglin TMC, and Dear Clinic at Anniston Army Depot.
Scheduling
X-Ray services are available 24/7 on a walk-in basis. All other outpatient imaging services are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and appointment times vary depending on the service. Please be aware that some imaging requests may take 24-48 hours to be approved/protocolled before they can be scheduled. You may use the telephone numbers listed to schedule an appointment at your convenience.
Obtaining CDs/Disks
To Request Your Images/Exams on CD:
1. Come by the Radiology Front Desk from 0800 hrs. - 1600 hrs. to request CD for processing.
2. In order to receive your CD, you must have your
ID. If patient cannot do so, a person with Medical
Power of Attorney must do so with patient’s ID.
Requesting Images/Exams to be Uploaded into the MACH System for Provider Review:
1. Mail the CD of Images/Exams to: MACH, ATTN: MCXB-RAD; FILE ROOM, 6600 Van Aalst Blvd. Ft.
Moore, GA 31905 with request to upload CD. CD Process takes 48-72 hrs.
2. Bring CD to Radiology Front Desk to request CD upload. CD Process takes up 48-72 hrs.
- DD 2870 Release Form - for Mammograms done at other locations to be sent to MACH
- DD 2870 Release Form – for all other imaging done at other locations to be sent to MACH
DD2870 Medical Release Form is available online by searching “DD2870”.
Imaging Services
Diagnostic Radiology (X-Ray)
X-Ray Services are available 24/7 within the radiology department with additional x-ray units in the MACH APCC, Family Medical Home, and Orthopedics clinics for patients seen in those clinics during normal business hours. There are satellite x-rays services at Winder TMC, CTMC, Harmony Church, Sledgehammer TMC, Eglin TMC, and Dear Clinic. Portable x-ray machines are available to perform imaging in the ED, inpatient wards, and operating rooms as needed. Mobile C-Arm units are also used for orthopedic surgery within the OR. All x-ray imaging is captured with Direct Digital Imaging Radiography or Digital Radiography (DR) methods.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is a form of imaging that uses x-rays to perform minor procedures and dynamic imaging studies. These studies are scheduled in advance. Typical exams performed include: Barium swallow studies, Barium enemas, diagnostic and therapeutic joint injections, Voiding Cystourethrograms (VCUG), and Hysterosalpingograms (HSG).
Due to our Fluoroscopic unit currently not operating (we are seeking the ability to replace the unit), many exams such as Barium Swallows, Upper GI Series, Barium Enemas, and HSGs are being sent to the Network to be performed at civilian sites in the surrounding area. Joint injections and arthrograms are still being performed at MACH using one of our C-arm devices.
Computed Tomography (CT)
There is one 64-slice CT scanner on-site providing 24 hour support for the Emergency Department and inpatient services, and scheduled outpatient studies. CT uses x-rays to produce three-dimensional images of the body. Different types of contrast media/agents (“dyes”) can be used to enhance certain structures depending on the area being imaged to improve diagnostic capabilities. We utilize low-dose imaging techniques on all exams to minimize radiation dose to patients, including children.
MRI
The MRI service has two systems of different strengths: a 1.5T and a 3T magnet. MRI systems use superconducting magnets to produce detailed images of the body. Outpatient MRI exams are by appointment only. We perform a full spectrum of neurological, musculoskeletal/sports medicine, body, and breast imaging exams. Most exams last 30-45 minutes. Unique risks are encountered in this section due to the high strength magnetic fields (the magnet is ALWAYS ON) and a thorough screening process must be performed prior to all exams, therefore it is important to arrive early so that you can be screened for safety and then your exam can start on time.
Relevant Documents/Forms:
- MRI Screening Form
- Patient History Forms:
- General
- Head/Neck
- Spine
- Upper Extremity
- Shoulder
- Hand/Wrist
- Pelvis/Lower Extremity
- Knee
- Ankle/Foot
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create an image without the use of radiation. The Ultrasound section offers a full array of examinations from abdominal imaging, pelvic ultrasounds, obstetrical ultrasounds and limited image-guided procedures. The Ultrasound Section works closely with the Mammography Section to provide women’s health imaging services, breast ultrasound studies and image-guided breast biopsies. Routine and ASAP requests require a scheduled appointment. The patient is advised to call the Ultrasound section or come by in person to schedule an appointment.
Mammography
The Breast Care Center is located separately but within the Department of Radiology, and is accredited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and American College of Radiology (ACR) to perform both screening and diagnostic mammography. We provide only full-field digital mammography which is scientifically proven to be effective in the early detection of breast cancer. We are very excited to announce that MACH recently installed advanced digital mammography equipment that can perform tomosynthesis, also known as 3D Mammography.
Screening mammograms are recommended annually for all women starting at age 40, and possibly earlier for women with certain risk factors, such as those with a strong family history of breast cancer, or certain genetic mutations (BRCA1 and 2). It is important to have a mammogram and clinical breast exam by your doctor every year in order to be most effective in the early detection of breast cancer.
Diagnostic mammograms are performed on some patients with symptoms or abnormal findings on their screening mammograms to produce a more detailed view of a portion of the breast. Although it is unusual, breast cancer also occurs in men, and any male with a breast complaint should be evaluated with a mammogram.
Ultrasound is also used on some patients to provide more detail of abnormalities detected on physical exam and on mammograms. Ultrasound is also the imaging modality of choice to evaluate women under the age of 30 with breast complaints.
Screening Breast MRI services are provided for certain patients with increased risk for breast cancer but should not be used as a substitute for having annual mammograms.
All breast biopsies are performed in this section by our radiologists using stereotactic, ultrasound, or MRI guidance as necessary. Depending on our schedules, some patients for Breast MRIs may be deferred to the Network.
Relevant Documents/Forms:
- Mammogram Instruction Sheet
- Ultrasound Instruction Sheet
- Record Release Form
- Breast Implant Consent Form
Nuclear Medicine
The nuclear medicine service utilizes radioactive pharmaceuticals to perform imaging of certain physiologic processes inside the body. We offer all forms of diagnostic imaging, except for PET-CT. Typical exams performed in this area include cardiac stress tests, bone scans, thyroid imaging, and bone density exams (DEXA). All exams are scheduled on an outpatient basis.
If you need images or reports for your records or to take to a provider off-post, you may request them to be downloaded on a CD at the Radiology Front Desk. Likewise, please bring any important imaging exams to us on a CD and we will see they get uploaded into our system for viewing.