Diagnostic Imaging

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Contact: Julius Kocsondy
Phone: (860) 823-6303
Address: 326 Washington Street, Norwich, CT 06360

Location: Ground level of Backus main building

Overview

The Diagnostic Imaging Department, fully accredited by the American College of Radiology, is one of the hospital's busiest areas and is constantly evolving with the latest technology and procedures. It is fully equipped and expertly staffed to provide a wide range of imaging studies including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI); Computerized Tomography, better known as the CT Scan; Ultrasound; X-Ray; Interventional Radiology; Mammography; Nuclear Medicine; Positron Emission Tomography, or PET Scan, Pet-CT Scans; 16-Slice CT Scan; digital mammography and the 64-Slice CT Scan.

Diagnostic Imaging has one goal - to provide physicians with timely and accurate information to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Diagnostic Imaging is available around the clock, 7 days per week to support Backus Hospital's Emergency Department and Trauma Center. Radiologists are available 24 hours per day via computer technology. Backus Hospital's Mammography Suite provides women with a private and relaxing environment to undergo annual screenings for breast abnormalities. Backus has begun offering some digital mammography and will be fully digital in the near future. The hospital also offers MammoPad, a soft foam cushion that can help with the discomfort many women feel during mammography. The addition of digital mammography and 64-Slice CT Scan, which combines unrivaled image quality with remarkable speed, reflects Backus Hospital's commitment to the latest imaging technology. Patients do not need to travel further than their community hospital for cutting-edge diagnostic procedures. Backus Hospital's Interventional Radiology capabilities have also been expanded with the opening of a new Interventional Radiology Suite. Also, The American College of Radiology (ACR) recently designated Backus as a “Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.”  This is a new designation from the ACR for organizations that have achieved accreditation in Mammography, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Breast Ultrasound and Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy. 

Backus Diagnostic Imaging facilities continue to grow and expand. Locations include:

  • The main hospital campus, 326 Washington Street, Norwich
  • Backus Diagnostic Imaging and Women's Center, Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
  • Backus Outpatient Center – Norwichtown, 12 Case Street, Norwich
  • Colchester Backus Health Center, 163 Broadway, Colchester
  • Groton Backus Outpatient Care Center, 85 Poheganut Drive, Groton
  • Montville Backus Health Center, 88 Norwich-New London Turnpike (Route 32), Uncasville   

For more information or to schedule an appointment at any of these facilities, call (860) 889-8331, ext. 6304.

Diagnostic Procedures available at Backus

It is important to follow your physician’s instructions prior to undergoing one of these diagnostic examinations.

X-Ray - X-rays are waves of electromagnetic radiation that are used to form images of structures inside the body. X-Rays are used to assist in the investigation and diagnosis of a wide range of conditions including sprains or fractures, pulmonary conditions, cancer, digestive abnormalities, and many others. Fluoroscopy is another form of X-Ray that uses contrast dye and computer technology to outline structures of the body. Fluoroscopy allows “real-time” information regarding the function of organs such as stomach, intestines and blood vessels.

Bone Densitometry - Bone densitometry uses small amounts of x-ray to calculate the patient’s bone mineral density (BMD). The lower the patient’s BMD in comparison to statistical data, and other factors, the higher the patient’s risk for osteoporotic fracture. The test often takes less than ten minutes, focusing on the spine and hip, the most common problem areas.

Multislice CT Scanners - conduct “virtual tours” of the body and produce 3-D images that can be manipulated so physicians get clearer pictures and better vantage points, reducing the need for invasive and sometimes painful procedures. This allows patients to be diagnosed faster and more accurately by way of detailed digital pictures inside of the body. CT Scans that previously took 30 minutes or more can now be accomplished in less a minute.

Interventional Radiology - The “Surgery of the 21st Century”, Interventional Radiology is a diagnostic and treatment specialty that uses image-guided technology and only very small incisions through which a tiny catheter is threaded. It is often an alternative to major surgery. Interventional Radiology can diagnose and treat many conditions, such as locating and dissolving blood clots, repair of blood vessels, biopsy, and the delivery of cancer-fighting medications directly to tumors.

Nuclear Medicine - Nuclear Medicine procedures are safe and painless imaging techniques that document organ function and structure. Nuclear Medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive materials to diagnose and treat disease, such as heart abnormalities, in their early stages.

Mammography - A Mammogram is a procedure for detecting early breast cancer by means of X-rays of the breast. It is an annual exam that is recommended for women aged 40+.

MRI - Diagnostic Imaging method that uses high-field magnets and radiofrequency waves to diagnose and/or stage neurological diseases, cancer, brain disease, joints, and arterial function. A dye is sometimes used to enhance contrast of the images.

PET/CT Scanning - A sophisticated technology that Backus Hospital recently added to its array of diagnostic imaging tools. This new technology, which hospitals across the country are scurrying to add to their services, takes two existing imaging modalities – PET and CT scans – and fuses them into one machine. One scan allows PET to detect minute fluctuations in the body’s metabolism caused by the growth of abnormal cells, while at the same time CT pinpoints the exact location, shape and size of a tumor.

Vascular Ultrasound – Vascular ultrasound provides pictures of the body’s veins and arteries. They are performed to help monitor the blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body; locate and identify blockages and abnormalities like blood clots, plaque, or emboli and help plan for their effective treatment; determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty; and to plan or evaluate the success of procedures that graft or bypass blood vessels.

Ultrasound - Ultrasound uses a probe and high frequency sound waves and their echoes, which are then translated to images on a computer screen. The probe can be moved along the surface of the body and angled to obtain various views. Ultrasound is used widely in obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology and cancer detection.

     



 

To download an informative brochure on Backus Hospital's Digital Mammogrpahy, click here.

http://www.theschwartzcenter.org/.