Baptist East Diagnostic Imaging Center provides outpatient laboratory and diagnostic imaging services such as CT scanning, ultrasound, X-ray and bone density testing (DEXA) at the Baptist Urgent Care facility in Middletown. High-field Open MRI (.6 Tesla Panorama Philips) and noninvasive vascular testing are also now available.

The center is located at 12010 Shelbyville Road, near the corner of Shelbyville and Evergreen roads in Middletown, Ky. Hours are:

Having tests at Baptist East Diagnostic Imaging Center

Your physician has ordered a test or tests for you at Baptist East Diagnostic Imaging Center. A physician order is required for all tests and/or lab work performed here, unless otherwise noted.

Below are explanations of each test and any preparation required on your part. Please allow 15 minutes for registration prior to your appointment time.

Bone density testing (DEXA)

Bone density testing helps spot osteoporosis, or loss of bone mass, measuring bone density in the wrist, spine and hip -- likely fracture sites. Baptist East Diagnostic Imaging Center performs DEXA bone density studies -- considered the "gold standard" for diagnosing osteoporosis. The test can be used to detect osteoporosis before painful fractures occur and see how well a patient is responding to hormone replacement therapy or other medicines to slow bone loss or rebuild bone.

The exam takes 30 to 45 minutes. To help ensure accuracy of your tests, you should not schedule bone density testing less than seven days after having a nuclear medicine study or an X-ray exam requiring contrast material.

CT or CAT scan (computed axial tomography)

The CT scan uses low-dose radiation to form cross-sectional images of the body or parts of the body. Please bring any CT films from other facilities with you to your appointment for comparison. We will return the films to the other facility for you. Most exams average 10 to 20 minutes, although some require a longer preparation time. Your physician will explain any required preparation prior to your appointment.

Laboratory

The laboratory at Baptist East Diagnostic Imaging Center is a satellite of the lab at Baptist Hospital East, which is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). We serve patients with lab orders from physicians in the community, including pediatric patients. We perform basic lab testing on site, including complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, basic metabolic profile (BMP), monospot, rapid strep and pregnancy testing. All other lab specimens are collected, processed and sent via courier to Baptist East for testing. Depending on the test, results are usually available the next day. Your physician will explain any preparation necessary prior to your lab test.

Digital mammography

We use advanced digital mammography equipment, which results in decreased exam and wait times. Other benefits include flexible paddles that sense breast thickness for more comfortable compression, reduced radiation exposure and fewer false positives. Digital mammography provides sharper images, which can be computer-enhanced for viewing, leading to a better diagnosis and fewer return visits for additional exams. To further increase comfort, we offer an FDA-approved foam cushion, called the Woman’s Touch® MammoPad®, designed to ease the discomfort many women feel during a mammogram. Patients likely to benefit from using MammoPad include women with a history of breast cancer, previous pain with a mammogram, recent surgery, breast implants, first-time mammograms, those taking hormone therapy, women with small or heavy breasts or those with high-anxiety about the procedure. The cushion, which is hypoallergenic and latex-free, does not interfere with X-rays.

Baptist East Diagnostic Imaging Center’s mammography technologists are registered in mammography, and the radiologists who read the films at Baptist East are board certified to read mammograms. You should receive your report within 7 to 10 working days. Baseline mammograms are taken between the ages of 35 and 40. Women should have a screening mammogram annually after age 40.

Anyone who can stand without assistance can have a screening mammogram at Baptist East Diagnostic Imaging Center (diagnostic mammograms, or those that are used to examine a suspicious area, should be performed at Baptist Hospital East’s main campus in St. Matthews). A physician's order is not required. You should not wear deodorant, powders or lotions, and should know when your last mammogram was done so that we can obtain your previous films for comparison. (Note: Insurance usually will not pay for a screening mammogram done less than one year after the last one.)

Non-invasive vascular testing/screening

Non-invasive vascular diagnostic testing and screening are available at Baptist East Diagnostic Imaging Center. A certified vascular sonographer using advanced equipment performs the exams, then physicians specializing in vascular disease review the test results.

Screening exams available include ultrasound exams of the carotid arteries, abdominal aorta and arteries of the legs. Stroke screening examines the carotid arteries. Aortic aneurysm screening examines the abdominal aorta. Leg screening identifies poor circulation.

Each test is $30; or $75 for all three. Screening exams are not covered by insurance or Medicare. Screening exams are available without a physician order. Results are faxed to the ordering or primary care physician.

Holter monitors and EKG testing

Some patients may experience symptoms, but no pain, requiring tests to help diagnose heart problems. A physician or cardiologist may order Holter monitoring or EKG or ECG (electrocardiogram) testing.

During Holter monitoring, heart activity is monitored for 24 hours while normal activities take place. This can help reveal abnormal heart rhythms which can result in symptoms such as dizziness, fainting and palpitations.

An EKG is used to record the heart's electrical activity.

Open MRI

High-field open MRI is available at Baptist East Diagnostic Imaging Center, easing the tension of patients with a dislike of tight spaces. This is Baptist East's first open MRI that will benefit patients who are uncomfortable with the closed tunnels of traditional MRI units or who find them too snug. The machine's design ensures the patient's head will remain outside the magnet for most exams.

The .6 Tesla Philips Panorama open MRI model used at the Baptist East Diagnostic Imaging Center is open on three sides so patients can see their surroundings during the test, and a large window adds to the open feeling. Open MRI is perfect for patients who are anxious, claustrophobic or too large (up to 550 lbs.) for a traditional closed MRI.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images. Warm gel is applied to the skin above the area to be imaged and an instrument called a transducer is used to scan the area. Ultrasound exams are usually painless and brief.

Ultrasound exams available at Baptist East Diagnostic Imaging Center are: liver, spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, pelvis, kidneys, thyroid, aorta, knees (for Baker’s cysts) and first trimester pregnancies without complications.

X-ray

Baptist East Diagnostic Imaging Center performs X-ray exams, which are read by X-Ray Associates, the board-certified radiologists at Baptist Hospital East (see below). Your physician will explain any required preparation prior to your appointment.

X-Ray Associates

X-Ray Associates*, a dedicated team of highly skilled and experienced radiologists, interpret all imaging. Featuring specialists in all facets of radiology, they are residency and fellowship trained at some of the most prestigious institutions in the nation. These radiologists work closely with your physician to provide you with the most expert and effective care.

When interpreting mammograms and other studies, radiologists compare films from exams up to three years prior for the best possible readings. For improved cancer detection, a computer-aided system, the R2 Imagechecker®, is used to analyze mammograms by identifying areas containing features associated with cancer that warrant further examination.

* Physicians are independent contractors and not employees or agents of Baptist Hospital East.

To schedule diagnostic procedures, call Baptist East Diagnostic Imaging Center at (502) 238-2828.