Millinocket Radiology Department has the best in imaging and radiology services. Below we describe or facilities and services concentrated around this department.
Quality
Philips has built a strong reputation of quality and services providing high quality diagnostic images at the lowest possible exposure rate. Our suite also includes two regular X-ray rooms.
- A biannual competency program is in place to ensure the highest level of quality in all diagnostic imagery.
- MRI Services are offered two days a week.
- Appointments for routine examinations are scheduled within the next seven days.
- 2 new Philips Portable X-Ray machines were installed in 2007 and 2008.
- Your confidentiality and privacy are our primary focus.
- Every effort is made to schedule your appointment at a time that is convenient for you.
- A new fluoroscopy suite, a Philips Easy Diagnost System, utilizing the most advanced digital technology, was installed in February of 2000.
- A new Philips Radiology Room was installed in 2007 for general Radiography.
- You can have your Mammography, Bone Densitometry DEXA and/or Breast Ultrasound scheduled all at the same time.
Personnel
All Radiology Technologists employed at MRH are licensed by the State of Maine Radiologic Technologist Board of Examiners and by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), their national professional organization. All technologists are required to receive twelve units of continuing education per year to keep their license current. This ensures they are up-to-date with the latest in educational information as it becomes available. Millinocket Regional Hospital has a strong commitment to educational opportunities for all its employees whether they work in Diagnostic Imaging or elsewhere. The highest priority is placed on the quality of patient care and the skill and knowledge of all diagnostic imaging staff. We also have a biannual quality assurance program in place for technologists. All Technologists are cross trained and licensed to do computed tomography (CT).
John Y. Connolly, M.D., Board Certified Radiologist interprets all diagnostic imaging films.
Ultrasound
In early 2006, Katahdin Shared Services (KSS) purchased a Philips IV22, a leader in ultrasound equipment. KSS has a shared service arrangement with Millinocket Regional Hospital and Penobscot Valley Hospital in Lincoln to provide high quality Ultrasound examinations to the people in these areas. A wide range of services is available including cardiac (heart), vascular (blood vessels), ob-gyn (female/reproductive), abdominal, and numerous other types of sonograms. All KSS sonographers are registered in multiple specialties with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), their premier certifying agency. Periodic upgrades are performed on the equipment, keeping up with the very latest technology. KSS has the latest in high-definition imaging equipment, which virtually eliminates the need for patients to travel long distances for the highest level of care.
Nuclear Medicine
In 2007, a Philips Spect camera was acquired and provides the Katahdin Region with a full line of cardiac (heart) imaging, as well as standard planar imaging with state-of-the-art digital processing. We employ two full-time, licensed, nuclear medicine technologists who perform approximately 650-700 examinations a year. Nuclear medicine studies include bone scans, cardiac studies, gastric emptying exams, as well as others.
Bone Densitometry
We now offer DEXA Bone Densitometry. These exams are performed with our new Hologic Bone Density Machine. We also have addition software that allows imaging of hips and pelvis, as well as appendicular DEXA of extremities. This is a highly accurate process of measuring Bone Density.
Mammography
Millinocket Regional Hospital is proud that they were the fifth hospital in the United States and the first hospital in Maine to have its Mammography Department accredited by the American College of Radiology. The Mammography Department has been continuously certified since 1986. This department is approved by the Federal Drug Administration and Licensed by the State of Maine. Appointments are offered on evenings and weekends also.
We now also offer Digital Mammography from Hologic and we also have a Digital Breast Biopsy Suite.
PACS
MRH has acquired a PACS (Pictoral Archiving Communication System) and this was brought online in July 2008 in the Diagnostics Imaging department.
- PACS is an enterprise-wide information, image management and delivery system. It integrates imaging modalities, interfaces with hospital and Radiology Information System (RIS), manages the storage and distribution of images to radiologists, physicians, offices, clinics, specialists and other hospital or imaging centers.
- PACS will be used as a tool to remove imaging and information inefficiencies in processes and workflow, thereby increasing the quality of patient care delivery. It will also enhance service to referring physicians.
- PACS will enhance delivery of high quality patient care, improved imaging services, increased productivity, reduced film and chemistry costs, and require less space for film storage. Combine this with a a greatly improved radiologist workflow and time savings, and the benefits are clear.
- The manipulation of post-exposure images (including magnification and contrast modification) reduces the number of necessary retakes and allows for faster and higher quality diagnosis.
- PACS will provide networked storage consolidation, automation, and advanced data production. From a quality stand, it will deliver instantaneous images to clinicians with a significant reduction in film and report turnaround time. Archived images can also be viewed simultaneously along with transcribed reports. Many radiologists prefer to work at a facility that has a PACS because it allows them to optimize their efficiency.
- We send many folders out weekly, most going to Eastern Maine Medical Center or Cancer Care of Maine at EMMC, along with their films. PACS will expedite these duties allowing any technologist to identify images needed, process them, view and implement quality control measures within a very short period of time. PACS will allow doctors the capacity to manage their time more efficiently with the ability to view multiple images simultaneously. Storage of patient film packs will no longer be a concern.
- Above all, PACS will provide continuity of care for the patient. It will improve image quality, maximize out radiologist’s time, and improve services between hospitals. PACS will eliminate lost films.
- The addition of PACS will be a recruitment tool. It will be a draw, not only for X-Ray Technologists and Locum Radiologists, but also for surgeons or general MD’s who may wish to move to a rural area but also have the latest medical technology available to them.
Summary
Millinocket Regional Hospital strives to provide the people of our Katahdin Region with the highest quality of care, based on our mission, vision, and values. This virtually eliminates the need for local patients to travel long distances for the highest quality care they deserve. A team of licensed registered technologists providing a comprehensive spectrum of services is waiting to serve you and your family.