Phone: (217) 784-2681

General Radiology (X-Ray)

We offer general radiography in two dedicated rooms.  With the installation of digital technology, we are able to acquire images and view them instantly.  This allows us to pass this information on to our radiologist (x-ray doctor) more efficiently and decrease patient's time in the x-ray room.  Some exams we do in general radiography include chest x-rays, abdomen x-rays, spines and extremities.  Most exams are scheduled Mon-Fri from 8 AM - 5 PM and 8 AM - 12 PM on Sat. and are performed by licensed and registered radiologic technologists. Additionally, we have technologists in the department or on call for emergent exams 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Specialized Radiography (Fluoro, IVP, etc.)

We also offer many special radiography exams here at Gibson Area Hospital. These exams are performed using fluoroscopy and some type of “contrast.” A radiologist (x-ray doctor) will administer barium to visualize the intestines (UGI or colon). He may also supervise an injection of iodinated contrast to view the urinary system (IVP), or inject joints such as the shoulder (arthrogram). These exams are scheduled in the mornings Mon.-Fri. and are performed by licensed and registered technologists. We also have a portable fluoro machine used to assist the surgeons in the operating room.

Mammography

We are proud to be one of the first facilities in central Illinois to offer digital mammography. Not only are we able to acquire the images quickly, we are able to see much better detail. Appointments are available Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4 PM and Saturday 8 AM to Noon, and are performed by licensed and registered technologists. Mammography technologists go through specialized training and they, as our facility, are closely scrutinized by multiple governing agencies (MQSA, ACR & IDNS).

Mammography includes both screening and diagnostic exams. Diagnostic mammograms are done when either the patient has a specific breast abnormality (a lump, discharge, pain, etc), or as a follow-up to a previous mammogram. The biggest difference with a diagnostic mammogram is that multiple specialized images are taken of specific area(s) in the breast. Another exam that is done in the mammography department is breast localization. A breast localization is done just prior to having breast tissue removed in surgery.

Bone Densitometry (DEXA)

DEXA exams are done to look for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the weakening of the bones in the body. Women are at highest risk for osteoporosis once they go through menopause. However, men can also develop osteoporosis. A DEXA exam is very quick and easy. You will lie on your back on a table that will scan your lower back & one of your hips. These calculations will be evaluated by the radiologist (as well as reviewing your history) & a report will go to your health care provider. This report will have one of three possibilities – either you have osteoporosis, you have osteopenia (your at high risk for going into osteoporosis), or you don’t have osteoporosis. Most insurances will cover DEXA exams every two years if you have a risk factor – such as menopause, long term steroid use, shortening of stature, etc. DEXA’s are generally scheduled in the afternoons Monday through Friday, but morning appointments can be made also.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a specialized exam that uses high frequency (ultra) sound waves to visualize internal organs and vessels. The ultrasound department includes both a general and a vascular room. The general ultrasound room is equipped with a GE logiq 7 ultrasound unit. General exams include: Abdomen, pelvic, obstetric, thyroid, and other small parts. The vascular ultrasound room is equipped with a GE Vivid 7 ultrasound unit. Vascular exams include: Echocardiogram, arterial and venous arms and legs, carotid, and aorta. Our ultrasound technologists have significant training and experience. Ultrasound exams are scheduled Monday through Friday 7 AM to 4 PM.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRI and MRA exams are very detailed images of the body. MRA focuses on areas of blood flow in the body where MRI is useful for all parts of the body. These tests are performed by advancing the patient into a tube-like machine that houses a very powerful magnet. Radio waves are then sent to “excite” the cells of the body. The information acquired as the cells relax is then translated into an image.

An MRI exam is very loud. We offer the radio or CDs to listen to, as well as video goggles you can wear to watch your favorite movie or TV program. Most exams take from to 30 minutes to 1 hour and are scheduled 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

Because of the magnetic field, some people will not be able to have an MRI. We will ask you to fill out a screening questionnaire before we can do your test.

CT (Computed Tomography)

CT scans are specialized x-ray exams done on a CT unit (also referred to as Cat Scan). CT units consist of a table that you lay on & a big donut shaped “gantry” that contains the x-ray tube & detectors. As the table moves you into the gantry – the tube spins (inside the gantry – you won’t see it moving) around your body. The information that is gathered from the detectors inside the gantry is translated into pictures that are “slices” of information. Each picture gives a “cross-sectional” view of the inside of the body. CT scans are done of all parts of the body, from the head, all the way to the feet. There are many things that you might be asked to do to get ready for a CT scan, you might have to drink some very thin barium. You also might have to get an IV so that some medicine (contrast) can be put into your body during your CT scan. Every CT scan is individually tailored to the patient that is getting the scan. CT technologists have had specialized additional training in CT. All CT technologists are registered and licensed radiology technologists. CT exams are scheduled Monday through Friday 7 AM to 3 PM. Additionally, there is a CT technologists on call for emergent exams 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine is a branch of medicine and medical imaging that uses radioactive substances in diagnosis and therapy. These substances consist of radionuclides or pharmaceuticals that have been labeled. In diagnosis, radioactive substances are administered to patients and the radiation emitted is measured. The majority of these diagnostic tests involve the formation of an image using a gamma camera. 

Nuclear medicine imaging tests differ from most other imaging modalities in that the test primarily show the physiological function of the system being investigated as opposed to the anatomy. 

The nuclear medicine equipment that we have is a top of the line state of the art, dual head Siemens E-Cam. The system has made these exams much easier and quicker for the patient. We have a dedicated full-time licensed and registered Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Normal hours are 7AM to 3:30PM, Monday through Friday.