Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging

Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging in Holton, Kansas

Holton Community Hospital provides comprehensive radiology and diagnostic imaging services for patients throughout Jackson County and the surrounding northeast Kansas region.

Our experienced Radiologic Technologists combine advanced imaging technology with personalized care and a hometown heart. We work closely with your healthcare provider to obtain the images needed to help diagnose an injury, evaluate symptoms, monitor a health condition or guide your treatment.

Schedule an Imaging Appointment

To schedule an appointment or speak with the Radiology Department, call: 785-364-9677

The Radiology Department is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Urgent imaging is available through the Holton Community Hospital Emergency Department 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Diagnostic Imaging Close to Home

Patients should not always have to travel to a larger city for high-quality diagnostic imaging.

Holton Community Hospital offers MRI, CT, digital X-ray, 3D mammography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, bone density testing and other imaging services conveniently located in Holton, Kansas.

Receiving imaging locally may help reduce:

• Long-distance travel

• Transportation difficulties

• Time away from work or family

• Physical discomfort associated with travel

• Delays in coordinating care with your local provider

Our team serves patients from Holton, Hoyt, Wetmore and communities throughout Jackson County and the surrounding region.

Imaging Services Available at Holton Community Hospital

Full-Time MRI Services

Holton Community Hospital offers full-time magnetic resonance imaging using a 1.5 Tesla MRI system.

MRI uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves and computer technology to create detailed images of organs, soft tissues, joints and other structures inside the body. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation.

MRI may be used to evaluate areas such as the:

• Brain and spine

• Shoulders, knees and other joints

• Muscles, tendons and ligaments

• Abdomen and pelvis

• Blood vessels

• Internal organs

Full-time MRI availability allows many patients to receive an appointment within a matter of days, depending on the type of examination, insurance authorization and scheduling availability.

An order from an authorized healthcare provider is generally required. Some insurance plans may also require prior authorization before the examination can be scheduled.

Call 785-364-9677 for scheduling assistance.

Computed Tomography—CT Scans

Computed tomography, commonly called a CT or CAT scan, uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.

CT imaging can quickly provide information about bones, organs, blood vessels and soft tissues. It may be used to evaluate injuries, abdominal or chest symptoms, kidney stones, infections, internal bleeding and many other medical concerns.

Some CT examinations require contrast material. The Radiology Department will provide preparation instructions based on the specific examination ordered by your provider.

Digital X-Ray

Digital X-ray is commonly used to examine bones, joints, the chest and other areas of the body.

X-rays may help providers evaluate:

• Broken bones and joint injuries

• Chest and lung conditions

• Arthritis and bone changes

• Certain abdominal concerns

• The placement of medical devices

Digital technology allows images to be reviewed efficiently and shared with the healthcare professionals involved in your care.

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy uses continuous or pulsed X-ray imaging to show movement inside the body in real time.

Depending on the examination ordered, fluoroscopy may be used to evaluate swallowing, the digestive system, joints or the movement of contrast material through the body.

Patients receive preparation instructions based on the specific procedure being performed.

3D Mammography

Holton Community Hospital offers 3D mammography, also called digital breast tomosynthesis, for breast cancer screening and diagnostic evaluation.

During 3D mammography, multiple low-dose images are taken from different angles and reconstructed into thin image sections. This helps the interpreting physician examine breast tissue in greater detail and see through areas of overlapping tissue.

Mammography can detect breast changes before they are large enough to be felt. Early detection may provide more treatment options and improve the likelihood of successful treatment.

Talk with your healthcare provider about when you should begin breast cancer screening and how often mammography is recommended based on your age, medical history, breast density and individual risk factors.

To schedule a mammogram, call 785-364-9677.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures inside the body. It does not use ionizing radiation.

Ultrasound may be used to examine:

• The abdomen and pelvis

• The gallbladder, liver and kidneys

• The thyroid and other soft tissues

• Pregnancy and reproductive organs

• Lumps or areas of swelling

• Blood flow through certain vessels

The preparation required depends on the type of ultrasound. Some examinations may require fasting or arriving with a full bladder.

Echocardiography

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound examination of the heart.

It may help healthcare providers evaluate:

• Heart structure and movement

• Heart chamber size

• Heart valve function

• Blood flow through the heart

• The heart’s pumping ability

Echocardiography results are interpreted by a qualified physician, such as a cardiologist, according to the type of examination performed.

Vascular Imaging

Vascular ultrasound uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow through arteries and veins.

It may be used to look for narrowed arteries, reduced circulation or blood clots. Common examinations include carotid ultrasound and venous or arterial Doppler studies.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine imaging uses a small amount of radioactive material and a specialized camera to evaluate how organs, tissues or bones are functioning.

Depending on the examination, nuclear medicine may help evaluate:

• Bone conditions

• Heart function and blood flow

• Gallbladder function

• Thyroid conditions

• Certain infections or areas of inflammation

• Other organ functions

Because preparation varies considerably, the Radiology Department will provide instructions before your appointment.

Bone Density Testing—DEXA

Bone densitometry, also called a DEXA or DXA scan, is a quick and noninvasive examination that measures bone mineral density.

It is commonly used to:

• Screen for osteoporosis

• Measure bone loss

• Estimate fracture risk

• Monitor the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment

The examination typically focuses on the hip and lower spine and uses a very small amount of ionizing radiation.

Talk with your healthcare provider about whether bone density testing is appropriate for you.

Do I Need a Referral or Imaging Order?

Most diagnostic imaging examinations require an order from a physician, advanced practice provider or another authorized healthcare professional.

Your provider’s order tells the Radiology Department:

• Which examination is needed

• Which part of the body should be examined

• What symptoms or medical concern are being evaluated

• Whether contrast material or a specialized imaging protocol may be needed

Screening mammography requirements may differ from other diagnostic examinations. Call the Radiology Department at 785-364-9677 if you are unsure whether you need an order.

Insurance Authorization and Coverage

Some insurance plans require prior authorization before an MRI, CT scan or other advanced imaging examination can be performed.

Insurance authorization is different from a provider’s medical order. An imaging examination may be medically ordered but still require approval from the patient’s insurance plan.

The amount a patient owes can vary based on:

• Insurance coverage

• Deductible and coinsurance requirements

• Whether prior authorization is required

• The type of examination

• Whether contrast material is used

Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance company with questions about coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.

Our staff can assist with the scheduling process and help identify whether additional authorization information is needed.

Preparing for Your Imaging Appointment

Preparation depends on the examination being performed. Before your appointment, you may receive instructions about:

• Eating or drinking

• Taking regular medications

• Arriving with a full bladder

• Removing metal objects

• Wearing comfortable clothing

• Completing laboratory testing before contrast administration

• Bringing information about implants, medical devices or prior surgeries

Tell the Radiology Department before your examination if you:

• Are or may be pregnant

• Have an implanted medical device

• Have metal in your body

• Have kidney disease

• Have previously had a reaction to contrast material

• Experience severe claustrophobia

• Need mobility, communication or accessibility assistance

Following the instructions provided by the department can help prevent delays or the need to reschedule an examination.

Who Interprets My Images?

Imaging examinations performed at Holton Community Hospital are reviewed by qualified interpreting physicians.

Depending on the type of examination, images may be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist or a physician with specialized expertise, such as a cardiologist for certain cardiac studies.

The interpreting physician prepares a report and sends it to the healthcare provider who ordered the examination.

How Will I Receive My Results?

The provider who ordered your imaging examination is generally responsible for explaining the findings and discussing any recommended next steps.

The Radiology Department cannot always provide or interpret results directly for patients because the imaging report must be considered together with symptoms, medical history, laboratory findings and other clinical information.

The time required for results can vary based on the type and urgency of the examination.

Contact the provider who ordered your examination if you have questions about your results or have not received them within the timeframe provided.

Radiology Services for Jackson County and Northeast Kansas

Holton Community Hospital is proud to provide diagnostic imaging close to home for patients from:

• Holton

• Hoyt

• Wetmore

• Mayetta

• Denison

• Circleville

• Whiting

• Soldier

• Netawaka

• Jackson County

• Southern Nemaha County

• Surrounding northeast Kansas communities

Our goal is to make necessary imaging more accessible while providing patients with compassionate, individualized care.

Hospital Emergency Department.

Holton Community Hospital
1110 Columbine Drive
Holton, Kansas 66436

Personalized Care. Hometown Heart.