In 2011, Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services, became the first independently-owned imaging organization to join the national Image Wisely campaign that promotes patient safety in medical imaging. This year, we renew that pledge.

This pledge addresses concerns about medical facilities providing maximum patient safety when undergoing a test that involves ionizing radiation. Most often, this involved Computed Tomography (CT), nuclear medicine studies and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) exams.

Diagnostic Imaging Services pledged several years ago to implement procedures and practices to make sure patients are as safe as possible. We dialed up our practice with the implementation of ultra-low dose CT systems that are housed in Covington, Marrero, Metairie and Slidell, LA.

Before those systems were in place, we used and continue to use dose modulation software to tailor an exam involving radiation to the person undergoing it. In addition, we provide shielding for protection and only scan the area of the anatomy needed for a quality study.

Capitol Imaging Services is sensitive to the concerns of people who visit us for these types of tests. We also want to protect our associates who serve patients and work with this equipment and systems on a daily basis. A safe, comfortable environment is our priority.

Exams involving ionizing radiation are recommended and appropriate only when the benefits outweigh the risks or when non-ionizing tests cannot be performed due to what’s called a contraindication. One such example is a person who cannot undergo an MRI because there are presence of metals in the body and an MRI would not be safe to perform. In many cases, a CT scan is the next best option for the person, their prescribing provider and our radiologist to study.

Do other centers take the pledge?

We do not know. What we do know is that Capitol Imaging Services has and will continue to pledge our efforts to maximum patient safety and comfort.

Choose Capitol Imaging Services: doctor trusted and patient preferred.