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Radiology
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CentraState’s Radiology Department—staffed by an experienced team of certified and credentialed radiologists, technologists, nurses and other professionals—offers comprehensive diagnostic, interventional, and therapeutic imaging services using sophisticated, state-of-the-art technology.
Our flexible hours—including early mornings, evenings and Saturday mornings—are designed to accommodate patients’ work schedules and other demands on their time. Patients who must refrain from eating for an extended period before their test find the early-morning appointments particularly helpful.
For the convenience of patients and physicians, and to promote improved care and communications, we are among the first wave of hospitals to convert to an electronic picture archiving and communications system (PACS). This state-of-the-art technology replaces film radiology images with computer-based digital images, offering excellent images and faster results.
We participate in a wide range of medical insurance plans, but encourage patients to double check with their insurer to verify that the specific imaging service(s) prescribed will be covered, and whether any co-pays or deductibles may apply.
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Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses electromagnetic radiation (X-rays), radioactive substances and sound waves in a safe, controlled manner to explore inside the body to help detect, diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems. Radiology images also can reveal how effectively the internal organs and structures are functioning.
Three types of imaging specialties dominate the radiology landscape:
- Diagnostic Radiology involves the capturing of images derived from X-rays, MRIs , CT/CAT scans, PET scans, nuclear medicine tests, and ultrasounds to help physicians make medical diagnoses.
- Interventional Radiology involves the use of imaging technology to guide minimally invasive, virtually pain-free diagnostic and treatment procedures that are performed through a small incision. Examples include angioplasty (widening of narrowed blood vessels using a miniature balloon), stenting (placing of miniature tubes in blood vessels and other areas to maintain an opening) and biopsies (removal of sample tissue for diagnostic purposes). It offers an alternative to the surgical treatment of many conditions and can eliminate the need for hospitalization in some cases.
- Therapeutic Radiology involves the treatment of abnormal tissue—nonmalignant or cancerous—through the use of radiation. Nuclear Medicine can be used therapeutically, as well as for diagnostic purposes. Radiation Oncology also involves the therapeutic use of radiation.
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Radiology Services at CentraState
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At CentraState, we use the most advanced imaging tools to ensure top-quality care for our patients and reliable, rapid results for their referring physicians. Among the imaging services offered are:
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PACS Digital Imaging Capabilities
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CentraState is proud to be among the first wave of hospitals to provide digital picture archiving and communications system (PACS) capabilities. This advanced technology eliminates the need for film—and the time required to process it—by electronically capturing, storing and transmitting radiologic images such as CTs, ultrasounds and nuclear medicine scans.
PACS gives physicians instant, secure, 24/7 access to digital radiology images, which can be viewed from the office, hospital, home or any location with computer access. Instant capturing of images and around-the-clock physician access can contribute to faster diagnosis and treatment.
PACS also facilitates consultations and second opinions, as digital images can be viewed simultaneously by multiple physicians in multiple locations near and far. Timely communication between all involved—patients, physicians, specialists, radiologists and other members of the healthcare team—is a key element in safe, high-quality care.
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Quality Indicators, Accreditations & Certifications
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Patients and referring physicians place their confidence in CentraState’s Radiology Department, which has earned accreditations from the American College of Radiology (ACR) in Computed Tomography (CT), Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, and Breast Ultrasound. ACR accreditation is voluntary and ensures that the physicians supervising and interpreting your medical imaging meet stringent education and training standards and that the technologists administering the imaging tests are certified. It also signifies that the imaging equipment is surveyed regularly by a qualified medical physicist to ensure that it is functioning properly.
- Neuroradiology
- Vascular radiology
- Nuclear medicine
- Breast imaging
- Interventional radiology
Our CT capabilities helped CentraState earn licensed certification as a Primary Stroke Center from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. CT scans can provide vital information quickly, and time is of the essence in accurately diagnosing and treating stroke to prevent or limit damage to brain tissue.
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Image Gently for Children
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 Children are more sensitive to radiation, and while long-term risks are minimal, they are possible. CentraState has joined The Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging, to promote using the lowest possible dose of radiation in the imaging of children. By committing to the "image gently" pledge, we use the lowest dose of radiation when performing CT scans on children while still maintaining quality diagnostic images, and we scan only the indicated area, with minimal exposure. We’re proud to have been among the first in our area to take the "image gently" pledge.
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Clinical Affiliations
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The Radiology Department has clinical affiliations with several leading training programs for radiology technologists. These relationships help us maintain the highest levels of quality by fostering an academic base for advanced care, professionalism and continuing education. Our affiliations include:
Sanford and Brown Institute (Ultrasound)
Healthcare Training Institute (Ultrasound)
Muhlenberg Medical Center (Ultrasound)
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (Ultrasound)
Mercer County Community College (X-ray)
Brookdale Community College (X-ray, CT)
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Walk-in Services & Scheduling Appointments
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Our goal is to make your experience as convenient as possible. In addition to flexible hours, we offer walk-in services for standard procedures, and free valet parking when you receive services at CentraState, so there will always be a space available for you. ( Click Here for more information on valet parking.)
No appointment is needed for routine X-ray procedures, such as chest X-rays. You simply need a prescription for the X-ray procedure from your physician. Bring the prescription, along with your insurance information, to CentraState’s Outpatient Registration department. You will register there, then proceed to the Radiology reception area nearby to await your procedure.
Our flexible hours of operations are designed to accommodate your busy work schedule. Outpatient Radiology is open for routine X-ray procedures Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Outpatient Registration is open Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
If you have any questions concerning your prescription or our services, please call the Radiology Department at (732) 294-2934. We advise that you check with your healthcare insurer to verify coverage before receiving services.
Specialized X-rays, CT scans, Nuclear Medicine tests or Ultrasounds – Please call Centralized Scheduling at (732) 294-2778 to schedule an appointment.
Interventional Radiology procedures – Please call (732) 294-2947 to schedule an appointment.
MRI or PET scans – Please call (732) 462-3716 to schedule an appointment.
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For general information about radiology services at CentraState, call (732) 294-2934.
If you are a patient seeking a copy of your X-ray results, please call the X-ray file room at (732) 294-2929. The X-ray file room hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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