A computed tomography, often referred to as a CT scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside the body.

The MHMG CT Center offers imaging services that also include non-invasive “virtual” colonography and coronary angiography, with results delivered to ordering physicians in typically 24 hours or less. Patients can expect a pleasant, easy and rather quick visit with most test times requiring less than 15 minutes.

The CT Imaging Center is enthusiastically staffed by Jackie Newman, Imaging Coordinator, Tammy Ward and Tony Nguyen, CT Technologists, and Drs. Adamany, Hepner, Loussararian, and Thomas forming the physician leadership team.

Scheduling an appointment is easy; just have the order faxed to the MHMG CT Imaging Center & send a copy to the Authorization Department. The staff will contact the patient to schedule an appointment. If the patient has had prior imaging studies of the area to be imaged, a copy of the previous report should be attached to the order. The radiologist will then be able to compare the CT results to previous studies.

Osteoporosis and low bone mass affect an estimated 44 million Americans. Of those, 10 million have osteoporosis, and the remaining 34 million have a lower than normal bone mass and are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Unfortunately, people often do not realize they have osteoporosis until either they have a fracture or have a screening test ordered by their doctor to check for osteoporosis.

Early detection and treatment of bone loss is key to healthy aging. Screening is generally recommended for women at menopause and men at age 70, or earlier if have risks factor for bone loss according to the current recommendations.

Increased weight, when it is due to body fat--especially abdominal fat--increases the risk for heart disease, diabetes and chronic illness. Body composition measurement using a DXA scan is a simple, low radiation test that can measure your muscle mass, body fat and bone. The test will determine your body muscle mass and percentage of fat mass, and be used to track changes in your body composition over time.

In addition, our latest technology can measure the amount of fat tissue inside the abdomen-visceral fat. This identifies health risks more precisely.

Nuclear medicine uses a camera (detector) to create an image of certain tissues and organs in the body after a radioactive tracer (radionuclide or radioisotope) accumulates in the tissues. In Endocrinology for the study of thyroid and parathyroid conditions, the radioactive tracer, usually given by mouth or injected into a vein (in the case of a parathyroid scan), allows images to show how organs and tissues are functioning. This test also helps us follow patients with thyroid cancer.

Ultrasound or Sonography uses sound waves to detect abnormalities in the body. It is the preferred radiologic procedure for studying the thyroid gland as it is the most sensitive method of detecting and describing thyroid nodule features. It is safe for use in all patients, including pregnant or renally impaired patients, as it does not emit radiation or require the use of contrast. Ultrasonography is also used to detect parathyroid tumors as well as abnormal lymph nodes important in thyroid cancer surveillance.

Millions of people worldwide have thyroid nodules. Recently, thyroid cancer was considered the fastest rising type of cancer in the US. Our Endocrinologists specialize in managing thyroid nodules and use thyroid ultrasonography to detect abnormalities in the thyroid gland. This technique is superior to CT or MRI to evaluate abnormal thyroid features, and to assess thyroid nodules for thyroid cancer detection and evaluation.

We offer state-of-the-art thyroid ultrasound and dedicated ultrasound technicians that specialize only in thyroid nodule imaging. Our Endocrinologists review the ultrasound images and when needed, perform onsite fine needle aspiration biopsy of abnormal thyroid tissue under ultrasound guidance to evaluate for the possibility of thyroid cancer.

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

St. Joseph Heritage Medical Group offers screening mammograms at the Orange Medical Facility. If you have previously used our facility for your screening mammogram you can call our office at (714) 628-3305 to find out when you should schedule your next mammogram.

St. Joseph offers you and your family the convenience of providing X-ray services. To meet your needs, our Radiology services are open extended weekday hours and also on weekends.

The Diagnostic Radiology Department performs standard radiographic and fluoroscopic imaging studies including procedures such as x-rays to detect broken bones, evaluate lung function and gastrointestinal disease processes. Diagnostic Radiology also performs exams during surgical procedures.

Ultrasound or Sonography uses sound waves to detect abnormalities in many parts the body. Internal organs and structures reflect the sound waves. Special instruments create an image of the desired area then interpret the reflections. Echocardiographic testing uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. This non-invasive test is particularly useful in detecting and managing heart disease and is one of the standard tools applied by cardiologists.

Nuclear medicine uses a camera (detector) to create an image of certain tissues and organs in the body after a radioactive tracer (radionuclide or radioisotope) accumulates in the tissues. The radioactive tracer, usually injected into a vein, allows images to show how organs and tissues are functioning. Our Imaging Department has two nuclear medicine camera systems, both with two detectors for faster imaging. Nuclear Medicine exams include bone scans, thyroid uptake and scans, myocardial perfusion imaging (Cardiolite Stress Tests), hepatobiliary imaging, white blood cell imaging, parathyroid imaging, and kidney imaging.