Pinpointing major problems quickly and accurately; modern technology continues to level the playing field.
Pinpointing major problems quickly and accurately is the edge that sets the radiology department at First Care Medical Services apart from the others. Timing is of utmost importance when diagnosing patients suffering from stroke or brain injury, to be sure irreversible damage does not occur.
Modern technology continues to level the playing field in medical capabilities at First Care Medical Services. First Care is partnered with a radiology group that employs over 75 physicians of varying specialties that are available at any time of the day to read images. With the teleradiology digital system we can transmit emergent electronic images to specialists immediately. The specialists read the image and respond in minutes with a diagnosis. Treatment can begin and valuable time is saved to treat critical symptoms.
The teleradiology capability ensures the accuracy of each diagnosis. The teleradiology system pushes First Care's Radiology Department to the forefront of medical facilities all over the world.
The Radiology Department at Fosston offers a full range of diagnostic imaging services.
X-Rays
We offer conventional X-Ray of bones and soft tissue.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is used to image the abdomen and pelvis area as well as veins and larger vessels. It is also used to evaluate pregnant women without worry of radiation harm to the baby.
CT Scanner
CT scans look at a cross-sectional slice of any body part or section. It is available at First Care Medical Services round the clock, and it is the preferred technology for diagnosis of stroke and brain impairment. The CT Scanner offers an excellent combination of clinical excellence and patient safety-with the biggest benefit being early heart and lung disease detection and also virtual colonoscopy procedures.
CT scanner produces crisp, detailed images of the body in just seconds, enabling physicians to detect and treat diseases at an early stage. This new scanner is faster, and image accuracy is improved.
Do I need a medical provider’s referral?
Yes. A referral is required. We strongly encourage all of our patients to work closely with their provider to formulate a complete preventive care plan. A copy of your results will be sent to your physician, along with a radiologist’s report.
Virtual Colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy requires a relatively mild preparation. There is no need to fast the day before.
Patients will receive small bottles of a flavored contrast to consume with a limited diet that will make any stool remaining in the bowel easy to identify. During the evening prior to the procedure patients will consume small amounts of gentle laxatives to help cleanse your bowel.
The virtual colonoscopy exam itself will be brief, requiring just minutes in a CT scanner. Carbon dioxide or room air will be introduced into your colon, through a small tube inserted into your rectum, to distend your bowel. If carbon dioxide is used, it will be rapidly absorbed by your body and causes little post-procedure discomfort.
The virtual colonoscopy on the CT Scanner offers an accurate alternative for the general screening public that can be highly effective. It is quickly becoming the more preferred method of colon screening exams. The virtual colonoscopy is covered by most insurance companies; contact your insurance company to find out if you are covered. Ask about scheduling a virtual colonoscopy on our 16-slice CT Scanner. Call First Care Medical Services at (218) 435-7648.
Heart Scan
The Hearet Scan is a fast, painless, CT scan of the heart that determines if there is Coronary Artery Disease. The scan calculates the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries to provide a “calcium score.” The calcium score provides the opportunity to possibly prevent a heart attack. The heart scan is most appropriate for men and women between the ages of 40-65 who have no personal history of heart disease, who have no symptoms, but who have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Overweight
- Diabetes
You must have a doctor's referral to have a heart scan. For more information about the heart scan, call First Care Medical Services at (218) 435-7648. Currently the heart and lung scans are not covered by insurance companies as they are considered preventive for asymptomatic people.
Lung Scan
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US and affects women and men equally. More people die of lung cancer each year than colon, breast, and prostate cancer combined.
Lung cancer must be diagnosed in the early stages for effective treatment. Until now, scanning methods failed to consistently detect early lung cancer. Four out of five people diagnosed with lung cancers were incurable.
New CT scanning technology detects cancer much earlier. Eighty percent of cancers found with CT scanning are early stage cancers allowing for better treatment options.
The lung scan is most appropriate if you have a long smoking history or significant history of second-hand smoke exposure.
If a suspicious nodule is detected it may be necessary to undergo further testing and follow-up.
You must have a doctor's referral to have a heart scan. For more information about the lung scan, call First Care Medical Services at (218) 435-7648.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine is used to obtain images for cancer detection and heart studies.
MRI
The MRI uses a large magnet to look at organs and structures within the body. It is particularly useful in assessing soft tissues and of the disk spaces between vertebrae.
Digital Mammograms
Digital Mammograms take pictures of breast tissue to detect cancer.
Female registered technologists that have been certified by the American College of Radiology perform digital mammograms at First Care. First Care introduced digital mammography to area patients to ensure the highest quality of each image, for each patient, regardless of breast size or density. Digital mammography allows the radiologist to view the x-ray image more closely, zeroing in on suspicious or concerning areas, enabling them to make immediate decisions about additional images. Digital mammography takes less than half the time of traditional film-based exams and the radiologist may review the images while the patient is in the examination room. No referral is needed. For more information about digital mammography, call First Care Medical Services at (218) 435-7648.
DEXA Scan
DEXA scan is used to diagnose Osteoporosis, a silent disease. Without a DEXA most people are unaware of Osteoporosis until significant damage has already been done. With an early diagnosis physicians can order an effective treatment program. Statistics indicate one in two women will suffer bone fractures due to osteoporosis.
Women in their forties should begin screenings for bone loss. A physical exam by a healthcare provider can help determine if a patient is at risk.
Osteoporosis is a disease caused by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to fragile, brittle bones that are more susceptible to fractures and breaks. The disease overwhelmingly affects women over the age of 55 who make up about 80% of osteoporosis patients, but is also occurs in men and can occur at any age.
A bone density test is available through the Radiology Department at First Care Medical Services in Fosston. Call First Care Medical Services at (218) 435-7648.
It takes just ten minutes of lying on a comfortable table while a machine measures the density of the bones in the spine and hip. It is easy. It is painless.
Many health insurance plans cover bone density testing for those at clinical risk for osteoporosis, enabling increased access to early diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Women are encouraged to follow a healthy lifestyle of balancing work and leisure, scheduling medical checkups on time, eating right and factoring in time to relax and relieve stress.
C-Arm Imaging
C-Arm Imaging is utilized in the surgical suites. The C-Arm takes a moving x-ray picture of the inside of the body, and gives the surgeon a clear picture on the monitor of the procedure he is performing.