Diagnostic Imaging

Baptist Medical Plaza diagnostic centers provide a comprehensive range of sophisticated digital imaging tests. When it’s medically necessary to get a detailed view inside the body, our technology offers images of exceptional clarity. Imaging tests are reviewed by Board-certified radiologists who specialize in finding what others may miss. This early detection of very small tumors and blockages in the arteries has life-saving potential. And when kids need the benefit of diagnostic imaging, our Baptist Children’s Diagnostic Center acknowledges their special needs. At this child-friendly facility, the team of Board-certified pediatric specialists and other staff put little ones at ease.

As leaders in outpatient care, Baptist Medical Plazas provide the fast, accurate diagnostic imaging services that you and your family deserve. Our Board-certified radiologists perform a variety of technologically-advanced digital imaging tests. Their skill is complimented by a professional, attentive support staff. Working together, they make your experience as pleasant as possible.

Diagnostic imaging services include:*

(Click here to expand all descriptions)

• CT scan

  A Computed Tomography (CT) scan is an X-ray that creates many cross sectional, detailed images of the body. The CT scan allows doctors to see bones, tissue, blood vessels and surrounding muscles with great clarity. It is considered the best method for examining the pelvis, abdominal area and chest.

• MRI

  Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, produces an overall view of the inside of your body. This view is divided up into thin layers of images. Using a strong magnet, radio waves and a computer, the MRI magnifies these images so doctors can closely evaluate problems of the pelvis, spinal cord, brain, tendons and ligaments. An MRI can find miniscule changes in the structure of your body. It is an invaluable tool in diagnosing problems associated with the cardiovascular system, kidneys, liver, pancreas and other important organs.

• PET/CT scan

  The PET/CT scan combines a positron emission tomography (PET) scan and computed tomography (CT) scan. This procedure identifies abnormal biochemistry or diseases while the CT scan finds the location. It is generally used for cancer diagnosis and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
  
  Biochemical changes happen before a tumor begins to form. For this reason, PET scans are useful in detecting disease earlier than other tests that only look for tumors. The PET scan involves an injection of radioactive glucose injection to measure metabolic activity. During the scan, the scanner will spot the radiation while a computer produces 3-D images of the tissue function or cell activity. Because cancerous cells grow quicker and use glucose at a much higher rate than normal cells, they are easy to find with a PET scan.

• Digital mammography

  Digital mammograms use X-ray technology to produce an image of the breasts. The digital method creates much clearer images using less radiation than a traditional film mammogram. Digital mammography also allows the radiologist to magnify and enhance the image for the greatest clarity. It is used to detect breast cancer in women and is more effective in women with dense breasts than mammography that uses film technology. Our radiologists use computer-aided detection (CAD) technology to evaluate digital mammograms. This allows them to detect cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.

• Digital X-ray

  An X-ray (radiograph) is a common, noninvasive imaging test that assists physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of many medical conditions. During the X-ray, a specific part of the body is exposed to a small dose of ionizing radiation. This produces images of the body’s interior. A bone X-ray can produce an image of any bone in the body.

• Ultrasound

  Ultrasounds, also known as sonograms, use high frequency sound waves outside the range of human hearing to view the interior the body. The sound waves record and transmit echoes to a computer, which produces an image. The ultrasound can evaluate soft tissues, including organs in the pelvis, the gallbladder, pancreas, liver, stomach and kidneys. It can also produce a video image of a fetus.

• Bone density (DEXA scan)

  Bone density scans are used to detect osteoporosis, a disease that weakens the bones and makes fractures and breaks more likely to occur. With the aid of a DEXA scan, osteoporosis can be reversed or slowed down if the scan detects the disease in time.

• Fluoroscopy studies

  Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures. It resembles an X-ray "movie." With fluoroscopy, a continuous X-ray beam is transmitted through the part of the body being evaluated. This beam is sent to a television-like monitor so a physician can closely evaluate the movement. Fluoroscopy allows physicians to review the skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory and reproductive systems. It can also be used to evaluate the bones, muscles, joints, heart, lung and kidneys.

• Laboratory services

  Our diagnostic centers also offer patients a comprehensive range of lab tests. A physician's prescription is required.

* Services vary depending upon location.

Diagnostic Imaging

Your Best Choice for Diagnostic Care

Baptist Medical Plazas are the smart choice for outpatient diagnostic imaging. We offer the added advantages of high quality medical care, the latest equipment, convenient locations, simplified scheduling and rapid test results.

Rapid Response

When you have a health concern, you need prompt attention. To provide the information you need quickly, our Board-certified radiologists make every attempt to send results to your doctor within 24 hours of your test.

Concern for Your Safety

Your safety is of primary importance to our radiologists and technologists. They follow strict guidelines, taking great care to use the lowest level of radiation necessary to perform mammograms, CT scans or X-rays. This ensures that the health benefits outweigh your risks.

Our radiologists and technologists have been trained to use the minimal amount of radiation necessary to obtain the needed results, whether for a mammogram, CT scan or simple X-ray. The amount of radiation used in most examinations is very small and the benefits greatly outweigh the risk of harm.

Diagnostic Imaging

Broward

Additional locations and services available in Broward County. For more information, please call 954-837-1100.

The urgent care centers at Baptist Medical Plazas at Country Walk, Palmetto Bay, Tamiami Trail and Westchester, as well as Baptist Health Urgent Care at West Kendall, are owned and operated by Baptist Hospital. The urgent care centers at Baptist Medical Plazas at Beacon, Coral Gables, Coral Springs, Davie, Doral, Miami Lakes, Pembroke Pines, as well as Baptist Health Urgent Care at Beacon and University Centre are owned and operated by South Miami Hospital.