DIAGNOSTIC TESTING SERVICES

We offer an extensive range of diagnostic testing, some of which can be grouped in a single visit. These include diagnostic xrays, computerized tomography (or CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI scan), fluoroscopy procedures (including barium swallow, upper GI, small bowel series, and barium enema examinations), ultrasound, mammography (including both screening and diagnostic examinations), and DEXA scan (a test for osteoporosis). We are among the few outpatient diagnostic facilities performing specialized procedures shoulder arthrography and myelography.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

American College of Radiology Accreditation. The American College of Radiology individually accredits the various imaging technologies used in diagnostic radiology clinics and hospitals nationwide. An accredited facility means that it has fulfilled strict criteria established for scan quality and safety. The ACR currently accredits facilities in MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, mammography, and nuclear medicine. Vincon is fully accredited in all diagnostic modalities performed at the center, which are recognized by the ACR. Additionally, the interpreting radiologists are Board Certified by The American Board of Radiology.

OPEN MRI

Our open MRI uses state-of-the art imaging from GE Medical Systems USA, a leading provider of technologies in the diagnostic imaging. Open MRI offers greater patient comfort, with similar speed and accuracy as high-field MRI units, when accredited by The American College of Radiology. MRI is a technology developed in the 1980’s to visualize the brain, spine, and musculoskeletal system. Recently, it has had application in abdominal imaging, pelvis, and as a non-invasive alternative to angiography. Vincon also specializes in orthopedic and musculoskeletal MRI, particularly the use of MR angiography in the shoulder in the detection of labral tears and rotator cuff tears. The clarity of open MRI scans performed at Vincon appears in the journal Emergency Radiology. Remember, when ordering an MRI examination, it is your choice whether to perform an open MRI or closed MRI examination. A competent, experienced board certified radiologist is able to interpret images from both the open MRI and closed MRI examinations without difficulty.

CT SCAN

The CT scan unit is manufactured by GE Medical Systems USA. CT scans provide rapid diagnosis and is a proven workhorse in diagnostic imaging, dating to the 1970’s. Current spiral CT units perform single-slice and multi-slice helical acquisitions, which greatly increase scan speed, increase the number of scans per acquisition, and shorten imaging times. CT has broad application in neuroimaging (such as brain in the evaluation of acute hemorrhage and stroke); body imaging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis; and some musculoskeletal application (for characterization of bone lesions and fractures). Vincon also specializes in CT myelograms, in which contrast is directly administered into the spinal canal under fluoroscopic guidance, with detailed CT scans that improve the visualization of degenerative spines. Spinal disk degeneration and osteophytes are known to produce significant artifacts, falsely increasing the degree of spinal stenosis, in MRI examinations regardless of whether they are high-field or low-field MRI exams.

WOMEN'S IMAGING

The women’s imaging program at Vincon encompasses a broad range of diagnostic imaging examinations geared to women’s health, including screen/diagnostic mammography; ultrasound of the breast and pelvic viscera; and DEXA screening for osteoporosis evaluation. The most significant aspect of the women’s imaging program, which greatly optimizes the detection of breast cancer, is that all mammograms are double read at the time of visit. In addition, all additional testing, such as additional mammographic views and breast ultrasound, are also performed at the time of visit, to facilitate expeditious diagnosis of breast cancer. Approximately 10% of all breast cancers evade routine mammographic detection. Vincon is listed in The Breast Cancer Guide, a publication of the nation’s accredited breast imaging facilities.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

In 2001, Vincon Diagnostic Center partnered with Nova Southeastern University College of Medicine as a clinical teaching site for on-site training in Diagnostic Radiology. Vincon’s staff radiologists receive medical student trainees from various medical schools across the country, in addition to postgraduate residents. In addition, Vincon’s staff participates in the training of students in various allied health programs in xray, with on-site training and supervision. Among the products of the educational activities at the Center, are several scientific publications in the journal Emergency Radiology and an e-book textbook in radiology called The Radiology Guide.

Vincon is dedicated to the education of medical trainees and also works closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and referral coordinators to help schedule and prepare patients for diagnostic examinations. We also offer assistance into choosing the best test in terms of diagnostic accuracy, cost effectiveness, and medical necessity.

Not sure which test to order? The Radiology Guide, now available as an e-book publication can be downloaded to a desktop, notebook computer, or personal digital assistant (PDA), for quick and easy access information in the field of radiology and diagnostic imaging.