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Services at Williston Clinic Expand
The addition of a Philips Incisive 128-slice CT scanner will afford patients at Trinity Community Clinic – Western Dakota more opportunities for quality healthcare.
The computed tomography (CT) scanner uses digital detectors and an X-ray tube, along with computers, to create cross-sectional images of the body, thus creating images with more detail than normal X-ray images. CT images can show soft tissues, blood vessels, and bones in various parts of the body. Anatomy can be seen in three different planes.
This technology, which was installed at the Williston clinic in early April, will make it easier for patients, who will no longer need to travel elsewhere for CT imaging services, explained Tessah Richardson, clinic director at
Western Dakota. Scheduling will be better, which will get patients appointments more quickly, she added. “It will also give us the opportunity to do pretty much everything Trinity Health in Minot does with CT.”
“We’ll be able to offer patients in the Williston region lung screening, calcium scoring, coronary artery evaluation, and more, just like we do here in Minot,” added Jim Coffin, RT(R), CT, ARRT, director of imaging services at Trinity Health, noting that the CT scanner has the capability of scanning “any anatomical structure” on the body.
With the CT scanner, providers at Western Dakota will be able to offer a continuity of care for patients who can come to the clinic, have the procedure performed by clinic staff, and then have the results read and interpreted by Trinity Health radiologists, Coffin explained. “In body imaging, CT scanners have become the backbone of radiology departments because of the speed, accuracy, and ability to utilize an ongoing technology that continues to improve.”
With the recent purchase of this CT scanner, the clinic can now offer the same list of MyChoice Health Checks that Trinity Health offers in Minot. MyChoice Health Checks are self-referred. (Cardiac imaging studies need to be approved by the radiology nurse practitioner.)
The MyChoice Health Checks include: • Abdominal Aneurysm: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is when the
aorta, the largest artery in the body stretches and balloons in the abdomen, possibly rupturing. Symptoms can include abdominal pain or back pain that is severe, sudden, or constant; clammy skin; dizziness; nausea and vomiting; or rapid heart rate.
- Stroke: For those at risk of stroke or heart disease, or who have a family history of stroke or heart disease, the Carotid Artery Disease screening looks for build-up of plaque in the carotid arteries. Symptoms can include sudden severe headache, dizziness, blurred vision, sudden weakness, or numbness in the face or limbs.
- Heart Attack: Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring can detect developing plaque/calcium in the coronary arteries, which can lead to a heart attack.
- Heart Disease: An electrocardiogram can screen for signs of heart disease. An EKG can check your heart for rhythm, see if you have poor blood flow to the heart muscle, diagnose a heart attack, and check for abnormalities such as a thickened heart muscle.
- Painful Legs and Feet: Hardening of the arteries in the legs, due to plaque, can diminish blood supply and cause pain in the legs and feet. The Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) screening is available to check for PAD.
The results from these tests are interpreted by board-certified cardiologists, radiologists, and technologists. “Our MyChoice Health Checks are the best deal in healthcare,” Coffin said. “It’s a great deal and can be a lifesaver.”
He added, “Trinity Health is very proud and committed to continue investing in our Western Dakota clinic. We have been a part of the community for decades and will continue to be so.”
To schedule MyChoice Health Checks in Williston, please call 701-774-0810.
