Imaging and Diagnostics Center
 In an effort to make the Fort Sanders Sevier Imaging and Diagnostics Center one of the foremost in the area, we have continued to provide our patients and physicians with state-of-the-art technology, in addition to, experienced, certified imaging technologists to meet their growing healthcare needs. The Fort Sanders Sevier Imaging and Diagnostics Center is committed to providing high quality care to our patients by offering the latest technology and a full range of diagnostic procedures.
New At Fort Sanders Sevier: Digital Mammography - Imaging Services is now providing Digital Mammograms. Digital mammography uses the same technique as film screen mammography, except that the image is recorded directly into a computer.
Convenience
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Fort Sanders Sevier Imaging Services
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At the Fort Sanders Sevier Imaging and Diagnostics Center, there is no need to travel from place to place for procedures and testing because everything you need is here. For the convenience and ease of our patients, registration, lab procedures, and diagnostic testing is available in one central location.
Technology
 When your doctor is diagnosing a problem, there's no time to waste. It's important to get the right answer and get it fast. You'll find state-of-the-art diagnostic technology at the Fort Sanders Sevier Imaging and Diagnostics Center.
For more information on the Imaging and Diagnostics Center at Fort Sanders Sevier, call (865) 429-6545.
Ultrasound
The ultrasound units used at Fort Sanders Sevier Imaging and Diagnostics Center provide radiologists with unprecedented ultrasound images and increased diagnostic information on the full range of ultrasound examinations. We offer ultrasound exams including those in modalities such as obstetrics/gynecology, abdominal, carotid artery and vascular examinations (venous and arterial) of the lower legs. The information provided by our ultrasounds enable physicians to quickly and accurately diagnose the patient's problem and begin treatment.
Mammography
Personalized service, individual attention, and relaxed surroundings are just two of the reasons why women choose to have their mammograms at the Fort Sanders Sevier Imaging and Diagnostics Center. Screenings mammograms, used to detect breast cancer, and diagnostic mammograms, used when problems such as a lump or tenderness in the breast are detected, are performed at the center. Radiologists from Vista Radiology, a physician group practicing at other area facilities, read and interpret our x-rays. All members of Vista Radiology, as well as our mammogram technologists, are certified in mammography.
Core Biopsies
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Stereotactic Biopsy |
The Breast Center at Fort Sanders Sevier is pleased to offer women alternative breast biopsy procedures in the diagnosis of breast cancer-- stereotactic breast biopsy and Mammotome biopsy. The outpatient procedures give women the option of having a non-surgical biopsy to determine whether an abnormal finding in her breast is benign or malignant. Both methods cost less, and unlike traditional surgical biopsies, they produce less scarring and use a local anesthetic.
"We are very excited to offer both breast biopsy methods to our patients," said Dr. Robert Santee, radiologist at Fort Sanders Sevier. "Not only are they less invasive, but they are less expensive. We are extremely happy to offer this technology here locally to our community."
MRI
 The new 1.5 Signa MRI system is the latest addition to the array of advanced imaging services offered by Fort Sanders Sevier. The system was created to enhance patient comfort with a maximum feeling of openness and ultra-fast imaging capabilities. The flared aperture enables patients to see outside the MRI system during the exam. The open-design and shorter scan times also helps to reduce patient anxiety.
Bone Densitometry
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Bone Densitometry |
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. Effecting over 44 million Americans, osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually.
The only sure way to determine bone density and fracture risk for osteoporosis is to have a bone mass measurement (also called bone mineral density or BMD test). Your doctor can help you determine whether you should have a BMD test. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that BMD testing should be performed on:
- All women aged 65 and older regardless of risk factors
- Younger postmenopausal women with one or more risk factors (other than being white, postmenopausal and female).
- Postmenopausal women who present with fractures (to confirm the diagnosis and determine disease severity).
- Estrogen deficient women at clinical risk for osteoporosis
- Individuals with vertebral abnormalities
- Individuals receiving, or planning to receive, long-term glucocorticoid (steroid) therapy
- Individuals with primary hyperparathyroidism
- Individuals being monitored to assess the response or efficacy of an approved osteoporosis drug therapy.
Medicare permits individuals to repeat BMD testing every two years. The bone density tests generally measure the density in your spine, hip and/or wrist, the most common sites of fractures due to osteoporosis. Your bone density is compared to two standards, or norms, known as "age matched" and "young normal." The age-matched reading compares your bone density to what is expected in someone of your age, sex and size. The young normal reading compares your density to the optimal peak bone density of a healthy young adult of the same sex.
The information from a bone density test enables your doctor to identify where you stand within ranges of normal and to determine whether you are at risk for fracture. In general, the lower your bone density, the higher your risk for fracture. Test results will help you and your doctor decide the best course of action for your bone health.
There are several different machines that measure bone density. All are non-invasive, and the most commonly used is the DXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), which measures the spine, hip or total body density. Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center is proud to share its most recent imaging advancement used in helping diagnose and detect osteoporosis, the GE Lunar DXA machine.
Talk to your doctor about whether you are at risk for osteoporosis and should receive the exam. For more information about DXA Scan and Imaging Services at Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center, please call 429.6545.
ACR Accredited
The Fort Sanders Sevier Imaging and Diagnostics Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) in mammography, MRI, and ultrasound. The ACR accreditation programs show patients, referring physicians, other healthcare providers, and insurance companies that a particular facility provides quality patient care. Each of the accreditation programs requires that the personnel providing these services meet specific qualifications. They must also meet equipment requirements and demonstrate ongoing quality assurance. Participation in the voluntary programs shows Fort Sanders Sevier’s commitment to maintaining ongoing quality.
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Nuclear Medicine
