Hospital imaging adds to patient care

Diagnostic imaging in the medical field has undoubtedly transformed the way physicians diagnose, monitor and treat patients with a wide range of medical conditions. Whether a condition calls for an MRI, a CT scan, an x-ray, a digital mammogram, or virtually any other type of imaging service, many locals are often surprised to learn that Faith Community Hospital has advanced radiology capabilities that rival the capabilities of larger hospitals in the region. 

“We have many amazing medical imaging capabilities available at Faith Community Hospital, and they continue to be some of the most important services we provide here,” says Frank L. Beaman, CEO of FCH. “While it’s barely been a year since we moved into our new hospital, we still remain focused on how we can continue to grow the department to better serve the needs of our patients.”

The imaging department at FCH, often called radiology, provides a large array of modern diagnostic imaging services, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), surgical fluoroscopy, digital mammography, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and both general and vascular ultrasound exams, among others.

For women, the department is playing an even more important role because the hospital has installed a permanent mammography suite. The much-anticipated digital scanner was acquired in part by a state grant received by the hospital.

Used for detecting breast cancer, the most common cancer among women, second to skin cancer, the digital mammography equipment has set FCH apart as the only facility in Jack County and several nearby communities to have a mammography suite that can be utilized year round.

Previously the hospital partnered with Moncrief Cancer Institute to bring in a mobile mammography unit a few times a year.  

“Being able to provide mammograms on demand has provided incredible value and convenience to our community,” Beaman explains. “Now all you have to do is call our hospital and make an appointment for this important screening, as opposed to waiting months or having to travel out of town.”

Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the new mammography equipment makes the occasion even more special. Beaman encourages local residents to talk with their physicians about whether a mammogram screening is appropriate for them.

Also available at the imaging department are MRI services, which are often used to diagnose a wide range of conditions. The test gives medical professionals a deep look into soft tissue, including organs, ligaments, the circulatory system, and the spinal cord and column.

Earlier this year, FCH announced a partnership with Advanced Imaging Management to bring a uniquely built mobile unit to Jacksboro each week. This agreement allows multiple hospitals to share MRI services without creating a large capital expenditure involved in purchasing a fulltime system.

The hospital’s CT scanner, which x-rays a cross-section of the head and body, is another commonly used tool to help diagnose and treat patients. Jerry Corwin, director of radiology at FCH, explains that CT scans are often an important test that can be used to find, among other things, tumors or masses that might escape detection in a regular x-ray.

“One of the great things about our CT scanner is that the machine uses low-dosage technology,” Corwin says. “That means patients are exposed to the least amount of radiation possible while still allowing us to capture optimum images.”

According to Corwin, FCH strives to keep up with the latest in medical imaging by using advanced equipment operated by highly skilled medical professionals. He says that along with this commitment comes a promise of new technology when feasible.

“We’re incredibly privileged to have such a beautiful facility that has many amazing imaging capabilities. These types of services aren’t always available at rural hospitals,” Beaman says. “Professional healthcare services are what our community expects. It’s our duty to ensure that we can provide it, along with the local convenience needed.”

For more information about diagnostic imaging and radiology services at FCH, please call 940-216-2338 or visit www.fchtexas.com.