Access to quality, outpatient medical imaging is getting easier no matter where you live or work in the greater Triangle. Wake Radiology and UNC REX Healthcare have joined forces to improve access to outpatient subspecialized imaging services.
Learn what the new partnership, now called Wake Radiology UNC REX Healthcare, means for patients and referring providers.
- What is medical imaging?
- Why is subspecialty imaging important to patient care?
- What is outpatient imaging?
- Does an outpatient care setting effect the cost of medical imaging?
- Will patients have expanded access to specific types of imaging?
- How does this impact imaging for children?
- What other advantages can patients expect?
What is medical imaging?
Medical imaging is a non-invasive tool that allows our doctors to see inside the body to detect and diagnose injuries, diseases and reasons for pain. When healthcare providers are able to identify a disease at an early stage, patients often need fewer invasive procedures and experience shorter recovery times. An early, accurate diagnosis, using medical images, helps to ensure the best possible treatment plan, improves outcomes and reduces overall healthcare costs.
Why is subspecialty imaging important to patient care?
Interpretations and results provided by highly trained and experienced radiologists are central to a patient’s overall care and treatment plan. WakeRad REX’s physicians practice radiology using a subspecialized model, interpreting images and performing procedures based on their subspecialty expertise. Their subspecialties include breast imaging, sports and orthopedic imaging, interventional radiology and vein therapy, neuroradiology, pediatric imaging, and chest, abdomen and pelvis imaging. Their dedicated focus allows our radiologists to provide actionable care and diagnosis information to referring healthcare providers and patients.
What is outpatient imaging?
Access to outpatient medical imaging means that patients don’t have to go to a hospital to have their images, scans and exams performed. WakeRad REX has 14 offices spread across every major Triangle community with plans to expand in 2019. With easier access, convenient parking and shorter wait times, patients can get their medical imaging completed faster. This means their results will come faster, too.
Does an outpatient care setting effect the cost of medical imaging?
It can… especially for thousands of patients who would typically receive imaging at a hospital. By using outpatient imaging, these patients will no longer be charged hospital-based fees that can drive up costs.
Will patients have expanded access to specific types of imaging?
Yes. For example, 3D mammography is offered at all of WakeRad REX’s outpatient offices. This advanced technology helps our radiologists detect breast cancer at its earliest stage. There are a variety of reasons why women put off having this important annual exam. By increasing convenient access, extending hours and being able to complete a 3D mammogram in 30 minutes or less, we hope more women will take advantage of this potentially lifesaving screening.
How about imaging for children?
Our youngest patients are not simply little adults. Special care and exams are needed to ensure quality images are obtained and to help limit their exposure to radiation. While pediatric images can be obtained at WakeRad REX’s multiple comprehensive imaging offices, we have a dedicated pediatric radiologist onsite every day at our West Raleigh office. They assist our youngest patients with routine studies and those that are more complex. Our staff is committed to low-dose imaging and pledges to Image Gently™ using the most conservative imaging protocols possible when we care for pediatric patients.
What other advantages can patients expect?
The Wake Radiology UNC REX Healthcare partnership will improve the coordination and delivery of medical imaging services by providing faster access to imaging and reports desired by referring physicians and by reducing the need for duplicate exams. That’s good news for providers and patients who want to answers to questions about health concerns.