Blue Hill Memorial Hospital Imaging Services
Emergency Imaging Services Our staff is always available to assist our Emergency Department with diagnosing patients at any time of the day or night, 365 days a year. Once we acquire images for our emergency department patients, the images are available online to our primary and/or specialty care providers, Eastern Maine Medical Center, and/or our hospitalists, depending upon the follow-up needs of our patients.
CT Scan With our multi-slice CT scanner we are able to have scans be more comfortable and easier for patients while acquiring high quality images. We serve many patients, including trauma patients who are served by our emergency department, oncology patients, and patients served by our primary and specialty provider practices.
Bone Density: These screenings are used to evaluate bone health and involve extremely low levels of radiation. Images are used to gather an average of your body’s bone mineral content. With our “DEXA scanner” we are able to take specialized images of the spine as part of your bone health assessment. Talk to your provider about a vertebral fracture assessment (VFA). We conduct bone density and breast health (mammography) screenings in close proximity for the convenience of our patients, including those who wish to schedule both screenings together.
Echocardiography: An echocardiogram uses sound waves to produce images of your heart, which are read by a cardiologist. The technologist who completes these exams is specially certified.
Digital Mammography We use a state-of-the art digital mammography machine for the early detection of breast abnormalities, including cancer. We offer annual screenings, diagnostic exams and more specialized procedures including breast biopsies. Mammography images are stored digitally making it simpler for patients who need further care at different facilities.
All of our mammographers have special certification which ensures that you receive the highest quality images. Mammograms are a private and unique patient care experience. If you feel you have developed a relationship with a specific mammographer, you may request that she completes your exam.
Mammography and bone density patients enjoy a private waiting room.
Patients 50 and older may schedule their own mammograms without a referral. Patients under the age of 50 require a referral. If you are under the age of 50 and need a referral for a mammogram, please speak with one of our staff. If you are uninsured or are concerned that you cannot afford a mammogram, please ask our staff about financial assistance programs that may help cover the costs of this important screening.
Our staff works to accommodate your scheduling needs. For your convenience we offer late mammography appointments.
MRI We contract with Alliance Imaging for our MRI service. An MRI is a special imaging technique your provider may order in some circumstances to better understand your condition. MRI images are created with strong magnets. MRI patients are greeted at the Sussman Medical Office Building, which is part of the hospital’s main campus in Blue Hill.
Nuclear Medicine: Nuclear medicine studies are used to diagnose heart disease, cancer, bone and digestive tract disorders. These exams gather information by using a small amount of a radioactive material that is generally injected through an IV in your arm. This injected material works together with your body’s biology and provides diagnostic information.
Ultrasound: Blue Hill Memorial Hospital recently purchased a new state-of-the-art ultrasound system to provide images with a very high level of detail. Our sonographers perform abdominal ultrasound imaging, prenatal and gynecological exams, vascular studies (examining veins and arteries), as well as small part ultrasound including thyroid, breast, and testicular studies. Our sonographers have received advanced certification in multiple areas of ultrasound imaging.
X-Ray: For the convenience of our patients, we have two digital x-ray rooms. One is located in the hospital and one is in the Sussman Medical Office Building. Having two rooms helps us meet the needs of all of our patients, whether they come to us from the Emergency Department, Blue Hill Orthopedics, a primary care practice site, or though our inpatient services. No appointment is necessary when you have an order from your provider for a routine x-ray. Our walk-in hours with a provider order are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In addition to typical x-rays of bones, chest and abdomen, we also offer fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy images are taken in real-time and usually involve imaging your stomach or intestines. These exams are done in the hospital x-ray room and need to be scheduled in advance.
Other medical procedures: Our staff performs other specialized procedures.
For more information about our Diagnostic Imaging Department, call 374-3999.