Baptist Nassau's Imaging Evolution Complete

Jacksonville, Florida, November 16, 2007 -- With the installation of a new LightSpeed 64 Detector Spiral VCT (Volume Computed Tomography) scanner in the next few months, Baptist Nassau will complete the final step toward a goal the hospital set several years ago: providing local physicians and patients with the very latest, highest quality, safest and most complete imaging services possible today.

"The process started when Baptist Health committed close to $8 million to upgrade radiology services for Baptist Nassau," says Jim Mayo, administrator. "It was a huge project. We didn't just update our equipment; we had to remodel existing spaces while continuing to serve our patients with as little disruption as possible. Plus, two years ago, we welcomed two highly qualified radiologists to our medical staff, Harris Freed, MD, and Randy Sag, MD, who were interested in working with the newest equipment. All in all, we've made a remarkable transition. Just about everything has changed for the better."

To prepare for the first step, existing space was redesigned to accommodate a state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit installed in September 2005. MRI scans are an extremely accurate method of detecting disease throughout the body. Trauma to the brain, aneurysms, stroke, tumors and spinal problems can be detected, and valuable information on glands and organs, the structure of joints, soft tissues and bones can be obtained. Often, surgery can be deferred or more accurately directed after knowing the results of an MRI scan.

"Previously, MRI service was available here only two days a week. People needing scans on other days had to go to Jacksonville. Now, extremely high-quality scans can be scheduled here daily," Mayo adds. "It's much more convenient for patients and their families."

Next came the hospital-wide transition from paper to electronic medical records, followed by the shift from images on film viewed in the Radiology department to digital images on computer screens that clinicians can see instantly and simultaneously if needed, wherever they have a computer.

Today's images become part of the patient's electronic medical record that can be transmitted electronically to other physician experts and stored conveniently on a CD. These changes were much more involved than just renovating space and installing new equipment, says Dr. Freed.

"All of the radiologists and other physicians, technologists, nurses, medical records personnel, everyone had to learn to do things differently," he states. "We have converted to an entire digital department for imaging, storage and transmission of data. With the addition of the new LightSpeed 64 Detector Spiral VCT, we will now be able to do state-of-the-art cardiac imaging. Since heart disease is the number-one cause of death, this provides Baptist Nassau with the newest tool in the detection of heart disease. It was an enormous commitment to provide the most up-to-date care possible for our patients."

Digital mammography was introduced last spring in a newly designed suite for mammography and bone density exams. The benefits are impressive: exams are completed faster, physicians get more accurate information for use in diagnosis and treatment, and the new suite is more comfortable for patients.

For physicians, "it's exciting to work at a hospital with the latest diagnostic radiology equipment," says Henry Rodeffer, MD, a local internist who is chief of Baptist Nassau's medical staff. "Almost all the diagnostic workups we need, we can do here without inconveniencing our patients by sending them to Jacksonville for tests. Plus, patients have access to our excellent radiology personnel.

"With this advanced equipment and our fantastic staff, we can do so much more for our patients," he adds.

The new LightSpeed 64 Detector Spiral VCT scanner will be installed in space that was once needed for filing films and paper storage. With this new scanner, clinicians will be able to obtain higher quality images, including cardiac imaging, while exposing patients to less than half the radiation of earlier CT scanners. It is used to define normal and abnormal structures in the body and help guide the placement of instruments or treatments used in certain procedures. Patients who need to be medicated prior to their exam or treatment can be monitored in the new VCT suite as the medication wears off. Everything is self-contained and privacy is assured.

At the same time these major improvements were taking place, "we also upgraded our fluoroscopy equipment for gastrointestinal examinations, added a third imaging room on the main floor and installed a new digital unit for routine x-rays upstairs," says Jerrie Moore, CRA, Imaging director. "It's been quite a challenge, but it's great to have our end goal in sight. We're very pleased to offer this quality of service to our community."