Radiology

The Fillmore County Hospital Imaging Department provides a wide range of diagnostic and interventional services. The department encompasses both radiological and ultrasound procedures. All exams require orders from a medical provider.

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Available 24/7 for emergency needs

(402) 759 – 3167 ext 400
ktaylor@myfch.org

iNTERVENTIONAL rADIOLOGY

Interventional Radiologists are trained in both diagnostic radiology and the appropriate use of minimally invasive treatments. Interventional radiologists are often on the front lines of clinical advances and use the latest image-guided technologies to help treat a wide variety of medical problems. Most procedures are minimally invasive outpatient procedures that can be completed with less pain and recovery time. Interventional pain management is a discipline in pain management to help patients to relieve their pain. Looking beyond medication to help someone deal with pain, relying instead on a vast array of therapies to help diagnose, reduce, and if possible, completely relieve pain.

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3D Mammography

This new technology provides more information for the radiologist to interpret the breast. Some of the benefits include better imaging of dense breast tissue, earlier detection of breast cancers, and a reduced chance of being called back for additional views.

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CT Scan

Computed Tomography (CT), also known as CAT scan, uses cross sectional images of the body tissues and organs. Here at Fillmore County Hospital we upgraded our CT unit to 64-slice to provide better imaging in a timely manner. Outpatient appointment times are available Monday through Friday.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of body tissues and organs. Fillmore County Hospital offers MRI appointments on Thursday mornings and Saturday afternoons.

Bone Densitometry (DXA Scan)

Bone densitometry, or DXA, is a form of x-ray technology that uses a very small dose of radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body, usually the lumbar spine and hips, to measure bone loss. It is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis and/or osteopenia, to assess an individual's risk for developing osteoporotic fractures. DXA is simple, quick and non-invasive.

This exam requires little to no special preparation. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown. You should not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam. If you have a history of surgery to either the hip or spine, measurements may be taken of the non-dominant forearm.

Click Here for more information about osteoporosis

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is a technique for obtaining “live action” X-rays. Barium or iodine is used as a contrast material that shows up on x-rays and is either injected or swallowed during fluoroscopy to outline blood vessels or organs. A radiologist is present during the procedure to interpret the findings found in the study. It can also be used to help a radiologist locate a foreign object in the body, position a catheter or needle for a procedure, or to re-align a broken bone.

PET/CT

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans use radioactive tracers injected intravenously (IV) to obtain images of the human body’s function and reveal information of health and disease. The scanner records signals that the tracers emit as they journey through the body. A computer then interprets the signals into images, which reveal biological maps of normal organ function and failure of an organ system. This type of imaging is some of the most cutting edge available to diagnose cancers and other diseases. PET scans are also utilized to examine the effects of cancer therapy by characterizing biochemical changes in the cancer. Brain scans can be used to evaluate patients who have memory disorders of an undetermined cause, who have suspected or proven brain tumors, or who have seizure disorders that are not responsive to medical therapy and; therefore, are candidates for surgery.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine uses radioactive tracers to show the function of different organs within the body. These tracers are most often given to the patient by intravenous injection, although some studies require the swallowing of a radioactive capsule. The camera used in nuclear medicine then detects the gamma rays being emitted from the patient, forming an image on the computer screen. For most studies performed in nuclear medicine, the radiation to the patient is comparable to that of a chest x-ray. Services are offered on Wednesday mornings at Fillmore County Hospital.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging, medically known as sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body by using high frequency sound waves. As sound passes through the body, echoes are produces that identify how far away an object is, the size of the object, its shape and consistency (solid, fluid or mixed). Ultrasound can also measure the flow of blood using a specialized method called Doppler Ultrasound. No radiation is used with ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body’s internal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries, thyroid and testicles. Because ultrasound provides real-time images, it is also useful as a guide for needle biopsies.

Lung Cancer Screening

A simple, painless, low-dose CT scan of the lungs to detect lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in America, get screened to detect lung cancer early, when it is more likely to be curable. Annual screenings are recommended and normally covered for patients who are: Age 50-80, current smoker or quit within the past 15 years, contact with radon, asbestos, or other cancer-causing agents or have a family or personal history of lung cancer.

X-Ray

An X-ray, medically known as radiography, is the oldest and most common form of medical imaging. A controlled beam of radiation, set by technical factors, is positioned over a patient. As the beam passes through the body, certain parts of the body will either absorb the beam or let it pass. What passes through the patient will appear black or darker on the image, such as imaging of the lungs. When the beam is absorbed, when imaging the bone, it will appear light or white on the image.

X-ray is not used just for detecting abnormalities in the bones. It can be used to image the chest to look for possible diseases/conditions of the heart and lungs. It may also be used to look at the abdomen to image abnormalities that can include kidney stones or blockages in the bowel.

Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring (Calcium Heart Scan)

Testing that measures the amount of calcium lining the coronary arteries. This test is done with a CT scan of the heart and is most helpful for those who are questioning their chances (risks) of developing heart disease. Examples may include those who have other risk factors, family history, or other tests that haven't given clear answers.

Getting Started

You can access our specialized providers after visiting your primary care provider, or after an appointment with Michaela Houchin for a consultation to help guide your approach to diagnosis and treatment. Looking beyond medication to treat pain, relying instead on a vast array of minimally invasive pain management procedures to help diagnose, reduce, and if possible, completely relieve a person’s pain. She will collaborate with our multidisciplinary team and will help create an appropriate treatment plan for you.

Contact: (402) 759 – 3252

Interventional Radiology

Here at Fillmore County Hospital we offer a variety of services performed by an interventional radiologist. Interventional radiologists are considered the surgeons of radiology as they able to treat patients will minimally invasive procedures with the use imaging guidance. Often these procedures are performed with less pain and faster recovery times. Many common procedures we offer at Fillmore County Hospital include joint injections, injections for back pain, Tenex procedures, treatments for migraines, and numerous other procedures.

Joint Injections: A joint injection of the shoulder and hip are common sites of arthritis. A combination of anesthetic and steroid are utilized to decrease pain in these joints. The patient is brought to the x-ray room where the site of pain is prepped in a sterile fashion. Live x-rays are used to guide a needle into the joint. An iodinated contrast is then used to confirm the position, and the medicine is injected. The typical time taken for this injection can be 10-30 minutes.
Injections for Back Pain: There are different variations of back injections used to treat specific types of pain caused by either nerves or arthritis in the back. The interventional radiologist uses a combination of anesthetic and steroid to treat theses sites. A C-arm, live x-rays, is used to find the desired angle in the spine to help the interventional radiologist direct the medications into the affected area. Patients are required to have a driver accompany them as there is a chance of numbing in the legs. A patient can expect to be at the hospital for 45-60 minutes from the check-in process to the check-out process.
Tenex Procedures: Tenex Health TX™ was designed in collaboration with MAYO Clinic. With the assistance of ultrasound, the interventional radiologist will identify the location of damaged tissue. A small incision is then made to insert the tip of the Tenex machine. Ultrasound guidance is used through out the procedure to ensure only damaged tissue is extract while maintaining healthy tissue. Typical sites the Tenex is used include the foot for plantar fasciitis and the elbow for “tennis” elbow.
Migraine & Headache Treatment: The SphenoCath procedure is an effective tool in treating migraines, facial pain, cluster headaches and trigeminal neuralgia. Medication is administered via the nasal passages to provide immediate relief. This is a needle-free procedure that takes just a few minutes to perform. We have treated a variety of ages ranging from pediatrics on up.

Mammography

In September of 2019, Fillmore County Hospital upgraded their mammography unit to include 3D. This new technology provides more information for the radiologist to interpret the breast. Some of the benefits include better imaging of dense breast tissue, earlier detection of breast cancers, and a reduced chance of being called back for additional views. Mammography is offered Monday through Friday at Fillmore County Hospital.

Screening mammograms allow radiologists to find breast abnormalities even before they can be felt during a physical exam. The successful treatment of breast cancer is often linked to early detection and diagnosis. FCH uses 3D mammography (also known as Digital Breast Tomosynthesis or DBT), the new standard for annual screening, that is covered by all major insurance companies.

Diagnostic mammograms are used to evaluate a patient with abnormal symptoms such as a breast lump, nipple discharge or “cystic” breasts that may have been noticed during an exam or screening mammogram.

For women who have no health insurance or other circumstances that keep them from having a screening mammogram, there are resources available for Breast Health Services for participants who qualify.

Through the state of Nebraska – Every Woman Matters Program: for more information, go here.
Through Blue Valley Community Action Health Services – Bridge to Care:

Breast Tomosynthesis

Genius 3D Mammography

Osteoporosis

There are three types of bone density: normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. As we age, our bone density begins to decrease.

Osteopenia vs Osteoporosis

Osteopenia is a condition of the bone that is weaker/less dense than normal bone. Its classification sits between normal and osteoporosis. On average, osteopenia begins in your 50s. Treating osteopenia early may help slow the progression of bone loss that leads to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is when your bones become more porous and lose density. When this occurs, the likelihood of a fracture increases greatly. Two common signs of osteoporosis are a hunched back and height loss. Osteoporosis is a common risk for hip fractures, wrist fractures, and compression fractures of the spine. When the bones become more porous and brittle, even something as simple as a sneeze or minor fall can lead to a fracture.

Prevention

There are numerous ways to help prevent or slow down the progression of osteopenia and/or osteoporosis. Many include:

Exercise that includes strength or resistance training
Taking a calcium supplement with Vitamin D
Eating foods rich in Vitamin D and calcium: spinach, broccoli, leafy greens, non-fat or low-fat yogurts and cheeses, and pink salmon
Cessation of smoking

Osteoporosis can not be reversed. Bone Density Exams are important in detecting the disease early so you and your provider can make a plan to slow the progression of bone loss. Fillmore County Hospital offers bone density exams, DXA, Monday through Friday. Call your provider to see if you are eligible to have your bone density exam.

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1900 F Street
Geneva, NE 68361

(402) 759-3167