Radiology

Overview

As one of Westchester County’s most advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging services, the fully digital Phelps Radiology Department has been certified by the New York State Department of Health. Our Mammography, CAT Scan, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, and Ultrasound have all been certified by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR’s Commission on Quality and Safety and the Commission on Breast Imaging designated Phelps as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.

Phelps also offers ultrasound and X-ray services in its satellite office at 410 South Riverside Avenue in Croton-On–Hudson, NY (in the ShopRite plaza). The Croton office phone number is (914) 269-1701. Hours of operation are 9 am-5 pm. Patients may call to make an appointment, but walk-ins are welcome as well.

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Diagnostic Imaging Modalities

In the mid 1970s, computed tomography (CT) scanners revolutionized x-ray diagnosis, combining the power of x-ray technology and computers, and allowing a view of wafer-thin cross sections of internal anatomy to diagnose disease, internal abnormalities, and trauma damage.

Formerly, patients undergoing a CT scan needed to hold their breath for extended periods to prevent blurring of the image. With the new state-of-the-art scanner, sharp, high-resolution, sub-millimeter slices are produced in a single, short breath-hold. For the patient, the new CT scanner is more comfortable, faster, provides better diagnoses, and in many cases reduces the need for an invasive diagnostic procedure.

CT Angiogram:
CT Angiograms can be used for the diagnosis of several serious conditions. They can examine the aorta to determine if an aneurysm is present and the lower extremities to detect any blockages of vessels or blood clots. The CT Angiograms can also be used with a fast injection of IV contrast dye to determine if the patient has a pulmonary embolism — a blockage of the pulmonary arteries of the heart.

Calcium Scoring Test:
CT scans are used to determine if there are areas of hardening (calcium plaque) in the coronary arteries. The test is comfortable for the patient and does not require contrast injection. A “calcium score” is obtained, which helps assess the risk of heart disease. This is incorporated with other clinical information and provides the patient with a chance to make lifestyle changes or take other steps toward early intervention to counteract arteriosclerosis.

CT Scan Assessment for Lung Nodules:
A low dose CT scan can be done to screen people at high risk for developing lung cancer (especially smokers) or to closely monitor and follow up on lung nodules found previously on Chest x-rays or CT scans. This assessment can detect the slightest change in a nodule.

Angiography Suite with 3-D Reconstruction:
Angiography is a diagnostic radiology exam that obtains images within a blood vessel. It is used to detect and evaluate narrow areas, blockages, aneurysms, or other possible problems with blood vessels that affect blood flow. Previously, angiogram pictures were produced on conventional X-ray film, but the new system allows them to be stored and viewed as digital images, which can be readily transmitted electronically. Interventional radiologists use angiography to perform procedures such as angioplasty, in which a balloon is introduced to open up blockages. Other procedures performed by interventional radiologists using angiography include: dissolving or removing blood clots, managing fibroid tumors, inserting feeding tubes, and relieving pressure around the kidney or liver so that stones can be removed endoscopically.

Computer Aided Detection (CAD):
CAD software, which works in conjunction with our digital mammography units, flags abnormalities during the mammography interpretation to help the radiologist detect early signs of breast cancer. In essence, CAD is a second set of eyes to support and enhance the radiologist’s diagnosis.

Ultrasound:
Utilizes sound waves to examine body parts and monitor organ function in real time. Real time studies include Doppler and Carotid Studies which utilizes color to show flow in blood vessels. Our state-of-the-art equipment is computerized and provides us with unrivaled image quality.

Nuclear Medicine:
Uses very small amounts of radioactive isotopes which are injected into the body and traced with specialized equipment. This equipment includes a computer, which is used to study heart function in both resting and stress conditions. Other tests, such as bone scans and thyroid scans are done in the nuclear medicine department.

Other Radiology Services

• Diagnostic X-Ray
• Digital Mammography
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Bone Densitometry
• Digital Stereotactic System

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Staff & Equipment

PMRC is staffed by experienced radiologists with skilled sub-specialty training in breast imaging, neuroradiology, musculoskeletal radiology and abdominal imaging.

The hospital uses a General Electric 1.5 High Field Tesla Signa Imaging System and our CT scanner is the GE LightSpeed Ultra 16 CT Scanner. This state-of-the-art scanner can simultaneously scan as many as 16 adjacent slices in one second. Radiologists can combine the slices into 3-D color images that enable them to get a more accurate picture of the internal anatomy. They can also see areas from different vantage points, which is especially beneficial if surgery may be required.

The hospital utilizes Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) which enables all images to be stored electronically or copied to a DVD and viewed from multiple computer locations by several clinicians at the same time. This facilitates discussion and collaboration for the benefit of the patient. The radiologists use Powerscribe voice recognition dictation software. This allows reports to be typed, signed by the radiologist and faxed to the referring doctor automatically within minutes of being dictated.

Our facility is open seven days a week and appointments can usually be made for same day imaging. A final report and image, if necessary, are usually delivered to your doctor within 12-24 hours. Call (914) 366-3430 for more information.

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Contact

Radiology Department
701 North Broadway
1st Floor, near the Main Lobby
Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
(914) 366-3430

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