Imaging and Diagnostic Services at Parkwest Medical Center
When You Need Top-Quality Diagnostic Imaging Services, Trust the Team at Parkwest Medical Center
Parkwest Medical Center is conveniently located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and provides comprehensive imaging and diagnostic services for the communities of East Tennessee that we’re honored to serve.
Our board-certified radiologists work with registered technologists who specialize in CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, special procedures (interventional radiology), X-ray, and ultrasound procedures.
Our primary goal is to assist physicians and other healthcare providers in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and other health conditions, through the use of radiography, radioisotopes, radio frequency and magnetic fields.
Why Choose Imaging Services at Knoxville’s Parkwest Medical Center?
At Parkwest Medical Center, we’re deeply committed to offering top-quality imaging and diagnostic services from expert medical professionals.
Our imaging services excellence is driven by our core values and principles.
The following four principles represent our care philosophy at Parkwest’s Imaging Services:
- To provide imaging services as accurately, safely, and expeditiously as possible. Always be aware of radiation protection and minimization of patient exposure.
- To always be aware of radiation protection and minimization of patient exposure.
- To maintain open lines of communication between patients, family, physicians, employees, and the general public in order to promote the well being of the public we serve.
- To treat all individuals with respect, dignity, and kindness at all times.
We believe these guiding principles help to set us apart from other healthcare providers. Come visit us and see for yourself the difference in care you’ll receive here.
Imaging Services Offered at Parkwest Medical Center
CT Scans
Computed Axial Tomography is also known as a CT or CAT scan. It is an imaging test that uses x-rays and computerized imagery to make detailed images of the body, including bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
Approximately 2,700 scans are performed monthly at Parkwest Medical center. All our skilled technologists are registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Three scanners are in operation at Parkwest—Siemens Force-Dual Source CT scanner, a Siemens Drive-Dual Source CT scanner, and a GE 64-slice VCT (Volume Computed Tomography) scanner.
Download our flier about CT services (PDF).
Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer screenings create detailed pictures of the lungs to detect early signs of lung cancer. Parkwest offers low-dose CT scanning, a unique screening that uses lower amounts of radiation than standard chest CT imaging while still providing high-quality images of the lungs. Low-dose CT scans can identify cancer earlier, when it is more treatable. Because of early detection, studies show that low-dose CT can lower death rates by 20% in people who are at high risk.
X-ray
X-rays are a type of radiation called electromagnetic waves. X-ray imaging creates pictures of the inside of your body.
In the hospital-setting, x-rays are emitted by a machine as individual particles that pass through the body and then get detected. Radiation protection and minimization of patient exposure is always considered for patient safety. All our skilled technologists are registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Download our flier about X-ray services (PDF).
Bone Density
A bone density test is a procedure used to measure the density and strength of bones. This test helps determine if you have osteoporosis – a disease that causes bones to become more fragile and more likely to break. The most common type of bone density test is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (or DEXA).
Mammography
Mammography is the best screening tool for evaluating breast health and early detection of breast cancer. The Parkwest Comprehensive Breast Center is recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). It is a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary program, offering you a full array of services to meet your breast health needs.
Learn more about our Breast Center.
MRI Scans
MRI at Parkwest is an American College of Radiology Accredited (ACR) facility and features both a 3 Tesla Siemens Magnetom Vida and a 1.5 Tesla Siemens Magnetom Sola. Both systems are 70 cm bore size, which complies with bariatric accommodations. Our table weight limit is 550 lbs.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. Unlike conventional radiography and CT, no radiation is used. All Technologists are ARRT registered with advanced registry in MRI.
Download our flier about MRI services (PDF).
Nuclear Medicine Services
Nuclear Medicine specializes in medical imaging of an organ’s metabolic function. The procedure requires a radioactive isotope which is either injected through an IV line (INT) or administered orally into the body. Small amounts of radiation are then detected through one of the following cameras for interpretation—GE Ventri, GE MPR, GE Infinia, or a Siemens Evo. All our skilled technologists are NMTCB certified.
Download our flier about Nuclear Medicine services (PDF).
Special Procedures (Interventional Radiology)
Special procedures (interventional radiology) is a subspecialty of radiology, where minimally invasive procedures are performed using image guidance.
The concept behind IR is to diagnose or treat pathology with the most minimally invasive techniques possible. IR procedures can reduce infection rates, recovery times, and shorten hospital stays.
As a result, many IR procedures are performed with conscious sedation. General anesthesia is not usually necessary. Most IR procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and some may require a very short hospital stay.
All our technologists are ARRT registered and RNs are ACLS certified.
Download our flier about Special Procedures services (PDF).
Ultrasound
Ultrasound at Parkwest is an American College of Radiology Accredited (ACR) facility. Ultrasound uses ultra high-frequency sound waves which are reflected off of the body organs and vessels to produce images. No radiation is used in ultrasound imaging. All our sonographers are ARDMS registered.
Download our flier about Ultrasound services (PDF).
