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Radiology & Imaging

The Perfect Picture of Health...

Iowa Specialty Hospital offers comprehensive, diagnostic imaging services with our state-of-the-art resources. This broad field includes technologies such as X-ray, MRI, PET, CT, and others. We have radiology departments at both of our hospital facilities.

Radiology in Belmond 

  • Bone Densitometry

  • CT Scan

  • Diagnostic Radiography

  • Digital Mammography

  • Echocardiography

  • MRI

  • Nuclear Medicine (mobile)

  • Ultrasound

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  

Radiology in Clarion

  • Bone Densitometry

  • CT Scan

  • General Ultrasound

  • Digital Fluoroscopy

  • Digital Mammography

  • Direct Digital Radiography

  • Echocardiography

  • MRI

  • Nuclear Medicine

  • PET-CT 

  • Portable Radiography

  • Portable Surgical Fluoroscopy 

  • Vascular Ultrasound

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

To learn more about our radiology & imaging capabilities, please click on the links to the left.

Locations & Hours

Belmond

Belmond Clinic

403 1st Street SE
Belmond, IA 50421

Location Details on Belmond Clinic

Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:40 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday & Thursday: 7:40 am - 7:00 pm
Friday: 7:40 am - 5:00 pm
Appointments Required

Boone

Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Clear Lake

Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge Clinic

2700 1st Ave South
Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Location Details on Fort Dodge Clinic

Hours

Monday – Thursday: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Friday: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Appointments Required

Garner

Garner Clinic

840 West US-18
Garner, IA 50438

Location Details on Garner Clinic

Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday - Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Appointments Required

Webster City

Webster City Clinic

1924 Superior Street
Webster City , IA 50595

Location Details on Webster City Clinic

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Appointments Required

Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Bone Density Testing

Iowa Specialty Hospital is proud to offer bone density imaging with the Discovery™ QDR bone densitometry system from Hologic®. This technology provides the best diagnostic tools to support the early detection and treatment of osteoporosis, and the most comprehensive platform for bone health assessment, obesity, visualization of calcification in the abdominal aorta that can indicate heart disease, and many other clinical applications.

Osteoporosis is a potentially crippling disease that affects over 75 million people worldwide and is often called the "silent disease", because bone loss happens without any symptoms. Osteoporosis occurs when bone loss is so severe that it causes bones to become porous, brittle, and more likely to break. If not prevented or left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks.

Any bone can be affected, but fractures of the hip and spine are especially concerning. Each year, over one million people suffer hip fractures, which in most cases requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can devastate a person's ability to walk unassisted, and in 50% of the cases, a person may never regain their independence. Hip fractures may cause prolonged or permanent disability and sometimes death. Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.

Once patients are identified for osteoporosis, there are a number of treatments available that may not only stop the progression of bone loss, but may actually replenish bone, strengthen the skeleton, and decrease the risk of future fractures. Visit with your healthcare provider about your needs and to schedule a bone density test.

For more information, please visit our Locations and Hours page for contact information or download the Bone Density Scan brochure below.

 

Cardiovascular Ultrasound

Cardiovascular ultrasound refers to the examination of the heart and/or arteries and veins in the body using high-frequency sound waves.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram (echo), an ultrasound of the heart, is a test that uses high frequency sound waves, called ultrasound, to examine and take pictures of your heart while it is beating. It is a safe and painless procedure that helps doctors diagnose a variety of heart problems. During most echocardiographic procedures, Doppler is performed to determine the direction and velocity of blood flow within your heart.

Ultrasound produces real-time images of soft tissue and can capture movement of internal organs. Therefore, it is used to visualize and diagnose problems of the heart. An echocardiogram may be performed for further evaluation of signs or symptoms that may suggest atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, aneurysm, valvular heart disease, cardiac tumor, or pericarditis. An echocardiogram may be performed to assess the heart’s function and structures. There may be other reasons for your physician to recommend an echocardiogram.

The length of the examination is approximately an hour. It is not unusual for a test to run longer if the structures of your heart are difficult to visualize because of chest shape or lung interference. In some cases, a non-iodinated contrast (administered through an IV that will be started by a nurse) may need to be used to better visualize the cardiac chambers.

Vascular Ultrasound

The term vascular ultrasound refers to a noninvasive diagnostic procedure used to examine the internal blood vessels of the body. High-frequency sound waves and Doppler ultrasound are used to construct an image that can be evaluated by a radiologist.

Parts of the body involved in vascular imaging may include veins of the arms and legs, arteries of the arms and legs, carotid arteries (in the neck), aorta and its arterial branches, renal arteries (kidneys), and hepatic arteries and veins (liver).

Vascular ultrasound may be performed for further evaluation of signs or symptoms that may suggest DVT (a blood clot in the deep veins of the arms or legs), varicose veins, atherosclerosis, narrowing of the carotid artery in the neck, as well as to assess major abdominal vessels and their branches for atherosclerosis or clot or arterial blockages from plaque. There may be other reasons for your physician to recommend a vascular ultrasound.

A typical scan takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the area being studied and how complex the scan is.

For more information, please visit our Locations and Hours page for contact information.

CT Scan

Imaging Prevention... CT scan machine

A CT scan, or CAT scan, is a radiology test known as computed tomography (or computed axial tomography). The CT scanner is a donut-shaped machine that uses advanced X-ray technology to take pictures of cross-sections of your body, called "slices."

CT can see inside the brain and other parts of the body, areas that cannot be seen on regular X-ray exams. CT makes it possible to diagnose certain diseases earlier and more accurately than with other imaging tools. Because most diseases are better treated when found early, CT scans can help save lives.

The test itself is completely painless. You will be asked to lie quietly on the CT scanner's "patient couch" during the study. Depending on the type of study being done, you may be injected with, or be asked to drink contrast material. This part of the procedure may be uncomfortable.

For more information, please visit our Locations and Hours page for contact information or download the CT Scan brochure below.

 

Diagnostic X-Rays

Getting the Whole Picture...X-ray machine

X-rays are electromagnetic waves. When they are passed through a patient's body to a photographic film on the other side, they create a picture of internal body structures called a radiograph.

Chest radiographs, which are among the most common imaging tests, can reveal abnormalities of the lungs, such as pneumonia, tumor, or fluid; of the heart, such as congestive heart failure or enlarged heart; and of the rib cage, such as broken or abnormal bones.

Other common types of X-ray examinations include abdominal studies, which can reveal abnormalities of not just the abdomen but also the liver, spleen, gallbladder, and kidneys; gastrointestinal studies of the upper or lower GI tract; studies of the joints to assess things like arthritis and sports injuries; and mammograms, which can help detect breast cancer with the use of special X-ray equipment.

For more information, please visit our Locations and Hours page for contact information.

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy exams include the Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Series, Small Bowel Series, Barium Enema, Cystogram, Esophogram, Intravenous Pyelogram, and a Hysterosalpingogram. See more information below on each of these exams.

Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Series

An upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) is a series of X-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum during and after drinking a barium solution. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine; the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum are collectively called the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract or upper digestive system.

An upper GI series can help detect:

  • A blockage

  • An abnormal growth or tumor

  • An ulcer

  • Diverticula, an abnormal pouch or sac opening from a hollow organ, such as the intestine

  • Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  • Hiatal hernia

  • Crohn's disease

  • Pulmonary aspiration, inhalation of fluids, food, or other foreign matter into the lungs

  • Inflammation of the stomach or small intestine

An upper GI series can take 30 minutes to two hours. A small bowel follow-through exam may take one to six hours.

Small Bowel Series

small bowel series is a procedure that studies how your body processes food from the stomach to the small intestine. Typically, a small bowel series is ordered for one of the following reasons:

  • GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

  • Abdominal pain

  • Nausea

  • Change in bowel habits

  • Or for other reasons at the discretion of your doctor

 

Barium Enema

barium enema is a test that is used for finding cancers of the colon, for looking at various inflammatory conditions like diverticulitis, and for discovering polyps—especially using the air contrast technique. A colonoscopy is the principle alternative to barium enemas. Patients who are too debilitated or are unable to cooperate enough to have barium enemas, can have alternative abdominal and pelvic CT scans that detect major large bowel pathology. You should take comfort in knowing that there are few complications to barium enemas.

 

Cystogram

cystogram is an examination of the bladder using X-ray dye or contrast. A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is an examination of the bladder and the lower urinary tract or urethra (tube which carries urine out to the bladder) using X-ray contrast. A cystogram is recommended when trauma occurs to the bladder or a growth in the bladder is suspected. A VCUG is recommended after frequent urinary tract infections to check for a condition known as vesicoureteral reflux. This condition is caused by a reverse flow of urine from the bladder into the drainage system of the kidneys. Both the cystogram and VCUG take 30 minutes to perform.

 

Esophogram

An esophagram, sometimes called a barium swallow, is an examination of the throat and esophagus using X-ray imaging. During the exam, you will be asked to swallow a suspension of barium sulfate—a liquid that is opaque to X-rays. This coats your throat and esophagus, which allows them to be examined by your doctor (without the contrasting barium liquid, your throat and esophagus would be less visible to the X-rays, and therefore, less visible).

For more information, download the Esophogram/Barium Swallow handout.

 

Intravenous Pyelogram

An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a test that uses contrast dye and X-rays to evaluate problems in the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, uterus, and bladder. An IVP is done to identify any tumors, kidney stones, damage to the urinary tract from injury or infection, or other problems causing kidney malfunction or obstruction. The exam lasts 60-90 minutes. The procedure is not painful, but you will feel a sensation of warmth or heat as the contrast dye travels through your body.

For more information, download the Intravenous Pyelogram brochure.

 

Hysterosalpingogram

A hysterosalpingogram is an imaging test that is part of the basic infertility evaluation.The test, usually done in the radiology department, involves a radiographic contrast dye being injected into the uterine cavity through the vagina and cervix. The uterine cavity fills with dye, and if the fallopian tubes are open, the dye will then fill the tubes and spill out into the abdominal cavity. In this way, it can be determined whether the fallopian tubes are open or blocked and whether the blockage is located at the junction of the tube and the uterus (proximal) or whether it is at the end of the fallopian tube (distal). These two areas where the tube is most commonly blocked have different causes. Effective treatment for tubal factor infertility is available.

There are other things that can potentially be seen on a hysterosalpingogram. The uterine cavity is evaluated for the presence of polyps, fibroid tumors, or scar tissue. The fallopian tubes are also examined for any defects within the tube or any suggestions of a partial blockage.

For more information, download the Hysterosalpinogram handout.

 

For more information on any of our Fluoroscopy exams, please visit our Locations and Hours page for contact information or download the Fluoroscopy Exams brochure below.

Mammography

Early Detection is Key! 

mammography examMammograms are important tools in the early discovery of breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer greatly improves chances for survival, as well as often meaning less invasive and debilitating treatment. Iowa Specialty Hospitals offers both 2D and 3D mammography. 

With digital mammography, the radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast, using special high-resolution monitors. The physician can adjust the brightness, change contrast, and zoom in for close ups of specific areas of interest. Being able to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital technology. 

Three-dimensional (3D) mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, is the latest mammogram technology being used for breast cancer screening. A 3D scan takes a series of x-rays of the breast from different angles and then creates a 3-dimensional image of the breast. The breast is positioned and compressed in the same way as a conventional mammogram. 

The 3D scan allows doctors to examine your breast tissue layer by layer. So instead of viewing all the complexities of breast tissue in a flat image, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below. 

All women benefit from a mammogram screening. However, women with dense breast tissue are likely to benefit the most. Dense breast tissue means a woman has more glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue. On a mammogram, glandular tissue appears white, while fatty tissue appears gray. However, cancer is also white on a mammogram. Since the radiologist is able to view the breast as thin slices, a 3D mammogram can better differentiate a cancer from overlying glandular tissue, increasing cancer detection and decreasing chances of a false positive. 

3D mammography has been shown to have higher cancer detection rates. While it is not a silver bullet (some breast cancers are not detected with 3D mammograms), it is a definite improvement over 2D mammography. 3D mammography also has a lower recall rate, meaning that fewer women need to return for additional images or testing. 

For most women, 3D mammography is the best choice. However cost is a consideration. As the equipment is more expensive, and the exams require more time to interpret than 2D, there is an increased cost to providing 3D. While Medicare is paying the additional fee, some private insurers are not. The additional fee may apply to your deductible. You should check with your insurance provider for the potential of increased costs before undergoing a 3D mammogram. 

From the patient’s point of view, mammography with a digital system is essentially the same as the screen-film system. The mammograms will be taken the same way. Each breast is placed between two plates and an x-ray is taken. This takes only a few seconds and will be performed by a trained technologist. Most women say the compression is uncomfortable but not painful. 

There is really no preparation needed for a digital mammogram, but there are some things to remember before you go. Dress comfortably: a two-piece outfit is usually the most convenient because you will need to undress above the waist. You should not use any type of powders, deodorants, ointments or creams prior to your exam because they can affect the quality of the mammogram. If possible, you should not schedule your mammogram just before or during your menstrual period, especially if you have breast pain at that time. The complete exam takes about 30 minutes. 

Women age 40 and older should have an annual mammogram, regardless of whether it’s 2D or 3D. Mammography is the only test that has been shown in multiple studies to lower a woman’s risk of dying from breast cancer. Annual mammograms beginning at age 40 saves the most lives. Always check with your healthcare provider for the best plan to meet your individual health needs.

To learn more, please visit our Locations and Hours page for contact information.

MRI

The Power in Prevention...

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a method of obtaining images of the interiors of objects, especially living things, such as humans and animals. It does not use ionizing radiation like X-rays. Instead, it employs radiofrequency (RF) waves and intense magnetic fields to excite atoms in the object under evaluation. Patterns in this excitation are observed on a display. MRI can provide real-time, three-dimensional views of body organs, muscles, and joints without invasive surgery.

The MRI procedure is considered indispensable by many physicians, especially for the evaluation of sports-related injuries and for the diagnosis of chronic disease conditions. In order to properly interpret the display of an MRI, the expertise of a physician or radiologist is required. Most people lack the medical knowledge to properly interpret an MRI. An MRI can reveal minor damage to tendons, ligaments, and muscles. An MRI display of the heart and surrounding arteries can provide an early warning of advancing coronary disease and can help locate cancerous tumors.

The MRI exam is painless. If you have a contrast dye injected, there may be a momentary stinging when the IV needle is injected, and you may also feel a slight cooling sensation as the dye is injected.

After the exam, a radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss your results and any further action, tests, or treatment that may be necessary with you.

For more information, please visit our Locations and Hours page for contact information or download the MRI brochure below.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that involves the use of radioactive isotopes in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Nuclear medicine specialists use safe, painless, and cost-effective techniques to image the body and treat disease. Nuclear medicine imaging is unique because it provides doctors with information about both structure and function. It is a way to gather medical information that would otherwise be unavailable, would require surgery, or would necessitate more expensive diagnostic tests. Nuclear medicine imaging procedures often identify abnormalities very early in the progress of a disease, long before many medical problems are apparent with other diagnostic tests.

Nuclear medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and treat disease. In imaging, the radiopharmaceuticals are detected by special types of cameras that work with computers to provide very precise pictures about the area of the body being imaged. In treatment, the radiopharmaceuticals go directly to the organ. The amount of radiation in a typical nuclear imaging procedure is comparable with the amount received during a diagnostic X-ray, and the amount received in a typical treatment procedure is kept within safe limits.

For more information, please visit our Locations and Hours page for contact information or download the Nuclear Medicine brochure below.

 

Ultrasound

'Seeing' Sound Waves... Patient receiving ultrasound at Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics

Ultrasound is the examination of the internal organs using high-frequency sound waves. If a Doppler ultrasound is performed, the doctor is able to see blood flow in major blood vessels.

Ultrasounds produce real-time images of soft tissue and can capture movement of internal organs. Therefore, it is used to visualize and diagnose problems inside the abdominal cavity.

A diagnostic ultrasound is most often performed for the following reasons:

  • To diagnose an injury or disease of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, or organs inside the abdomen

  • To help determine the cause of abdominal pain

  • To identify gallbladder or kidney stones

  • To assess for tumors, cysts, abscesses, or other masses in the abdominal organs

  • To help determine why an internal organ is enlarged

  • To examine a pregnant uterus and the fetus within

  • To evaluate the aorta for the presence of an aneurysm

  • To assess a spleen injury

  • To evaluate liver disease or pancreatitis

  • To locate a foreign object in the abdomen, such as a bullet

  • To identify abdominal/uterine bleeding

  • To examine enlarged thyroid/goiter

  • To determine cause of abnormal lab values

An ultrasound is not invasive and not painful. An ultrasound can take 30-60 minutes.

For more information, please visit our Locations and Hours page for contact information.

24-Hour Teleradiology

Our 24-hour teleradiology service offers our patients peace of mind by providing access to X-ray results 24-hours a day for emergencies and inpatient use—even when a radiologist is not on the premises.

For more information, please visit our Locations and Hours page for contact information.

Coronary Calcium Scoring & Stroke Prevention Screening

Have a Baseline Report of Your Health

Coronary Calcium Scoring

Calcium scoring uses noninvasive, high-speed computed tomography (CT) to scan your heart and detect calcium deposits along the walls of arteries. The procedure then produces a “score” that identifies the number and locations of any calcium deposits, taking into account other factors such as age, family history and cholesterol level. Calcification in the coronary arteries is the earliest indicator of heart disease.

Reasons for the Procedure

Calcium scoring is one of the most advanced methods available to detect heart disease in its earliest stages. There’s no better time than now to prevent heart disease, because statistics like these continue to remind us of its tragic effects:

  • Every 34 seconds, an American suffers a heart attack.
  • Every minute an American dies from a heart attack.
  • 50% of men and 63% of women who die suddenly of heart disease have no previous symptoms.
  • About 80% of the people under 65 who died of heart disease did so during their first heart attack.
  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women including the leading cause of death for African Americans, Hispanics, and Whites in the United States. Cardio Vascular disease claims more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

Stroke Prevention Screening

A stroke prevention screening provides early detection for people with disease risk factors. Iowa Specialty Hospital has certified ultrasound technicians perform screenings and a board certified radiologist review tests in-house.

By choosing to have a stroke prevention screening, you will be providing your provider with valuable information so that the two of you can be proactive about your health and your future.   

Though your provider may order preventive screenings, insurance providers often do not cover them unless you are having symptoms. Unfortunately more than 80% of all people who suffer a stroke show no obvious symptoms or warning signs.

Accuracy and quality are very important, so we make every effort to balance that with respect for your time. A typical screening takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on the severity of disease, your vascular anatomy, and your body type.

Two or more of the following conditions put you at risk of having a stroke:

  • Cigarette Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Family History of Strokes
  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • Inactive Lifestyle
  • More than 20 lbs. Overweight
  • Over 40 Years Old
  • TIAs - Minor Strokes
     

Elective Procedures 

Please note that a coronary calcium scoring and a stroke prevention screening are elective procedures that are not covered by insurance.  While they are an out-of-pocket expense, they are important tests that provide baseline results for you to share with your provider for your continued healthcare.  To schedule either or both screenings, call 515-532-9353.

What you know today can help you live a healthier tomorrow!
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