Radiology Department | Humboldt County Memorial Hospital

The Humboldt County Memorial Hospital Radiology department provides a wide range of imaging services for both outpatient and inpatients. We use state-of-the-art equipment to focus on performing high quality imaging services. Radiology has grown into an essential diagnostic tool used to determine the care and treatment plans for many patients. Our hospital employs certified technologists who strive to provide the best care to every patient every day. We encourage you to schedule your imaging services locally at Humboldt County Memorial Hospital where your exam will be performed with the utmost compassion and care.

Services:

• Diagnostic Radiography
• 3D Digital Mammography
  
  • Mammography Assistance Program
• Diagnostic Ultrasound
  
  • General
  • Obstetrical
  • Gynecological
  • Ultrasound Guided Biopsies
• CT- Computerized Axial Tomography
• MRI- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (View Our MRI Machine)
• Nuclear Medicine
• Bone Density Imaging (DXA Scan)
• Osteoporosis Screen
• CT Lung Cancer Screening
• CT Calcium Scoring for heart disease risk

CT Imaging/CAT Scan - Computed Axial Tomography

Today’s healthcare environment is about offering new solutions to pressing needs. Humboldt County Memorial Hospital realizes that our providers want to do what is best for their patients, and so do we. For that reason, we want you to know that our facility offers CT imaging with new equipment & advanced technology.

Simple and fast, our CT machine is arguably one of the most valuable diagnostic imaging tools. Yet its capacity to improve the health of the world is far from tapped. It’s designed to support the widest variety of patients and applications. A CT scan can be used to visualize nearly all parts of the body and is often used to diagnose disease or injury as well as to plan medical, surgical or radiation treatment.

MRI- Magnetic Resonance Imaging

What is an MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging—or MRI—uses a magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to generate cross-sectional images of organs, soft tissues, bone, and virtually all other internal body structures. 

MRI does not use radiation. At Humboldt County Memorial Hospital, we recognize that having an MRI can be an anxiety provoking situation; therefore, we partner with Shared Medical Services and offer MRI’s services right here in Humboldt every Thursday and Sunday afternoon/evening. The scanner utilized is a new wide-bore MRI scanner where patients can also select sound and lighting for a more relaxing yet personalized experience. Our knowledgeable, professional team will put you at ease and answer all of your questions before the exam.

What to expect?

Our technologist will take a brief medical history. If you are receiving IV contrast, you will be asked to lie down on the scanning table, and the contrast material will be injected into a vein in your arm. The table will then slide into the scanning area. During the test, the MRI will make a rapid tapping noise. Just relax and remain still.

You should plan 60–90 minutes of total appointment time. The scan typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the exam performed and whether contrast is required.

View Our MRI Machine

You may return to normal activities following your exam.

How do I prepare for an MRI scan?

Typically, no preparation is required before the exam. Some tests require an injection of IV contrast. For exams requiring contrast, a current creatinine test (within 45 days) may be required. The creatinine test is a blood draw to evaluate your kidney function and will normally be performed prior to the day of your exam. If fasting is necessary, your doctor will provide instructions. You will need to remove all jewelry, hair clips, and bobby pins. In addition, you will be asked to remove all clothing containing metal, including bras with metal enclosures and jeans with metal zippers, eyelets or buttons. A gown will be provided for you to wear.

What Contraindications do I need to be aware of?

If you are pregnant, have had an aneurysm clip, have had ear or eye prosthesis, or have a pacemaker, you may not be a candidate for an MRI. Because some tests require an injection of intravenous (IV) contrast, please inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or have current or past renal insufficiency or acute vascular disease. You may or may not be able to receive contrast.

Low-Dose CT Lung Screenings(LDCTS)

Low Dose CT Lung Screenings (LDCTLS) are the only recommended screening tests for adults who have NO symptoms but are at risk for lung cancer. It is a quick, noninvasive, painless scan of the chest that acquires 3-dimensional, spiral, cross-sectional images of the lungs. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in the US. Most lung cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages making treatment more difficult. Catching lung cancer early before symptoms are present and treating it quickly leads to better outcomes. A recent national study of over 55,000 smokers proved that CT Lung Screenings save lives.

This high resolution, low-contrast detect-ability scanner has many benefits, some include:

• Up to 82% reduced dose.
• Up to 100% better spatial resolution.
• Up to 135% improved low-contrast detectability.

Who should consider it and will insurance cover it?

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSFT) recommends annual screening for people meeting the criteria below:

• Ages 50-80 Private Insurance
• Ages 50-77 Medicare
• A 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.  Example- (1 pack per day for 20 years or 2 packs per day for 10 years)
• Current smoker or former smoker who has quit in the last 15 years and has NO symptoms.
• Patients willing to undergo surgery if necessary.

Generally, if patients meet all criteria listed above, most private insurance and Medicare will cover low dose CT Lung Screenings. Annual screening is recommended.

Please check with your insurance to determine benefit coverage.

What is a CT Calcium Scoring?

A cardiac calcium CT scan is a simple, safe and noninvasive test used to obtain information about the location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries the vessels that supply oxygen-containing blood to the heart.

CT cardiac calcium scoring is one of the most advanced methods to detect heart disease in its earliest stages and a service available at Humboldt County Memorial Hospital with a doctor's referral. 

Common CAD risk factors include:

·        Family history of CAD Diabetes

·        High LDL cholesterol Physical inactivity Obesity

·        Tobacco smoking

What is the cost of low-dose lung cancer screening and calcium scoring?

These screenings are self pay. All fees are due at time of service.

Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening = $144
Calcium Scoring = $128
Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening + Calcium Scoring = $195

Who should consider a calcium scoring?

 A CT cardiac calcium score would help assess your risk more completely if two or more of the risk factors below apply to you.

• You are male and over 45 years of age.
• You are female and over 55 years of age, OR you have passed menopause OR had your ovaries removed and are not taking estrogen.
• Your father or brother had a heart attack before age 55 OR your mother or sister had one before the age of 65.
• You smoke OR you live/work with someone who smokes daily.
• You have a cholesterol level of 240 or higher.
• You’ve been told your blood pressure is high.
• You do NOT exercise at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes each time.
• You are 20 pounds or more overweight.
• You have diabetes OR you need medicine to control your blood flow.

For best results, avoid caffeine and smoking for four hours prior to the exam.

Common CAD risk factors include:

• Family history of CAD Diabetes
• High LDL cholesterol Physical inactivity Obesity
• Tobacco smoking

If you would like more information, or have questions please contact your primary care provider or the HCMH Radiology Department.

Stacy Clarken, Radiology Director
1000 15th Street North, Humboldt, IA 50548
Phone (515) 332-7662 | Fax (515) 332-7687