New imaging center offers convenience and best technology for patients
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The first patient at the new Backus Diagnostic Imaging and Women's Center was in and out within minutes. Scheduled for a digital mammogram, she headed into the procedure room just before 8 a.m. and was on her way to begin the rest of her day 10 minutes later.
"The new location is easy to access and very close to my home," said Garmel McCarthy of Lisbon.
Donna Geiger agreed. "This will be much easier," said the Uncasville resident who was in for an ultrasound. She also said the valet parking option was a nice touch - and especially convenient for patients like her parents, who have arthritis.
The new imaging center opened June 16 at the Backus Outpatient Care Center, offering the latest imaging technology and an area dedicated exclusively to women.
The explosion of technology combined with the Backus staff's desire to provide the highest level of care to the community contributed to diagnostic procedures growing to more than 160,000 annually, said Jeffrey Rudikoff, MD, Chief of Radiology at Backus.
This is an increase from the 40,000 procedures performed when he started at Backus in 1987.
The 111 Salem Turnpike facility offers many state-of-the-art services offered at Backus Hospital, including digital mammography, ultrasound, bone densitometry, CT, X-ray/fluoroscopy and a section dedicated exclusively to women.
Almost all outpatient diagnostic imaging studies will be done at the Backus Diagnostic Imaging and Women's Center, except for invasive procedures, nuclear medicine and MRI. A full complement of imaging services will remain available at the hospital for inpatients and more complex procedures.
The new location also eliminates the chance of an outpatient's appointment being delayed due to an unexpected emergency or inpatient procedure at the main hospital location.
"This was designed with a focus to be convenient for outpatients; designed so that when a patient gets an appointment, that appointment will be honored and the patient will get out on time," said Dr. Rudikoff.
The imaging center hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and appointments can be made by calling 823-6304. Referrals are required.
Julius Kocsondy, Director of the Diagnostic Imaging Department, said the new location at the Backus Outpatient Care Center offers the latest technology and is more convenient for patients, because it is right off the highway in Norwich and on one level.
In addition, the imaging center adds to the "one-stop shopping" aspect of the outpatient center, which is appropriate considering it is a former Ames Department Store.
Les Temkin, Vice President for Administrative Services, said patients who are at the outpatient center for diabetes, woundcare, arthritis, anticoagulation, physical therapy, lab work or other reasons can get their imaging done all in one location.
"There is no underestimating how convenient this will be for many of our patients," Mr. Temkin said. "This continues to build on our vision of having a wide array of outpatient services in one easily accessible location."
Backus Health Centers inMontville, Colchester and Gales Ferry, as well as the Groton Backus Outpatient Care Center, will continue to offer their current outpatient diagnostic imaging services.
The Backus Outpatient Care Center-Norwichtown at 12 Case St. in Norwichtown will continue offering walk-in X-ray service and a laboratory services. Digital mammography, ultrasound and bone densitometry moved to the new center.
The section dedicated to women includes a waiting room, two digital mammography machines and four ultrasound machines. The remainder of the facility includes one bone densitometry machine, two vascular ultrasound machines, two X-rays, one fluoroscopy machine and one CT scanner.
Watch a video about the new center at backushospital.org/videos
