Imaging Services

Diagnostic Imaging has made great strides since the discovery of x-rays more than 100 years ago. Today’s sophisticated, computer aided imaging technologies allow physicians to diagnose and treat diseases more quickly and less invasively than ever before.

The Columbia Memorial Hospital Imaging Department provides a complete range of medical imaging procedures in general radiography and subspecialty areas. Our staff consists of Registered Technologist and our facilities are certified by the FDA and ACR.

Prior to every exam, CMH Radiology Services patients are required to fill out a history form. Please note that the form is designed to protect your health and safety. It is very important to take time and think about the information you submit.

It is important that your provider know what medications you are on. Please click here and download a copy of our Medication Information Form. Fill it out and bring a copy with you when visiting any healthcare provider. It is a good idea to make copies of the form and carry one with you at all times.

To schedule a patient for radiology procedures, call 503-338-7525.

Location
Main Campus - West Entrance

Contact Information:
503-338-7525

Ultrasound
The use of high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of the human body and visualize internal tissues and organs. Tissues with different densities reflect sound waves differently. Thus, ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body’s internal organs, including but not limited to the heart, liver, kidneys and bladder. No X-ray is involved.

Computed Tomography (CT)
Columbia Memorial’s 32 slice CT scanners provide fast scan times, thin image slices for increased detection of lesions, high resolution of images for more accurate diagnosis, multiple slice imaging in a single rotation and increased image flexibility, making it possible to layer images for 3D imaging. A body scan that used to take three minutes now takes just 20 seconds. This technology also allows scanning opportunities in angiographic studies, such as blood vessels in the brain, carotids, pulmonary vessels and the aorta – a 15 minute non-invasive procedure as opposed to an invasive 1 to 2 hour procedure with hospital stay. This technology offers almost immediate results for procedures for the Emergency Department, the hospital and area clinicians.

Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)
CTA is a high quality, non-invasive diagnostic option that avoids the time, inconvenience and possible complications of an angiogram to the patient. The CTA almost always provides enough diagnostic information to avoid additional diagnostic tests. Its 3-D image allows views of the vascular site from any angle, useful in operative planning. For the patient, there is decreased exam time (10-20 minutes total), no recovery time with a CTA, less cost and the technology provides 3-D computer images for more accurate diagnosis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is the imaging procedure of choice for most brain and spine conditions because of its superior contrast resolution and multiplanar capabilities. Columbia Memorial’s 1.5 Tesla MRI offers increased image quality, faster scanning time (20 minutes instead of 45 to 60 minutes) and increased patient comfort.

Digital Radiography (DR)
Columbia Memorial is pleased to offer digital technology with digital radiography (DR) and
computerized radiography (CR) as an example of this. Exams utilizing DR take approximately half the time as conventional film radiography; a chest x-ray that used to take 5 minutes now takes about 2 minutes, conventional spinal x-rays that can take 30-45 minutes are now done in 20 minutes utilizing DR. Most importantly, DR reduces the need for repeats, which in turn lowers the possibility of unnecessary radiation exposure to patients.

Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive materials to demonstrate both function and structure in nearly every major organ system. It is particularly good for diagnosing and staging many types of cancer, and increasingly for the detection of cardiac disease. Nuclear medicine scans physiological functions of the body, vs. structural imaging, performed with X-ray. Evergreen’s two nuclear medicine rooms provide the highest level of patient service.

CT (Computed Tomography) Services
The modern CT services offered at our south and main location allow radiologists to provide high-quality images, reduce the patients’ X-ray exposure and offer accurate diagnosis. CT scans are generally performed to help diagnose the condition of organs and bony structures. Targeted CT scans are frequently used to diagnose various cancers, including lung, liver and pancreatic cancer. The exams also detect early heart disease. A CT scanner uses a minimal amount of radiation and processes the X-ray information by computer to allow radiologists to see very clearly inside the patient’s body.

Women’s Imaging
Columbia Memorial offers a complete range of mammography and ultrasound imaging.

Our Breast Imaging Unit uses Computer Assisted Detection (CAD) technology. The CAD technology uses a computer to assist the radiologist in the analysis of your mammogram for suspicious areas. We use the MammoPad, which reduces the discomfort many women feel during mammography. We received a 100% on our Mammography Certification from the FDA and the Oregon Health Division.

We are in the process of acquiring a state-of-the-art Digital Mammography system that will dramatically improve the quality and quantity of images we can produce. Our Foundation is in the process of raising funds for a unit to arrive later this year. If you have an interest joining the FIGHT! against breast cancer and would like to donate please contact the Columbia Memorial Hospital Foundation.