X-ray imaging has been in use for over 100 years. The introduction of digital X-ray technology represents a quantum leap in making the images most useful to doctors and patients and this technology is in use at Phoebe.
Digital X-ray produces an extremely high-resolution image on a computer screen (instead of film) that can be electronically sent to a doctor anywhere instantly.
Until the introduction of digital technology, X-ray imaging used basically the same technology discovered by Roentgen in 1895. Heavy film was exposed, developed, coded, placed in large envelopes, then stored for review. Processing the film, packaging and transporting it all took valuable time from the diagnosis process, especially when more than one doctor was involved in the diagnosis.
Digital X-ray images, viewed on a high-resolution computer screen, are faster, produce better quality images and are available to doctors for evaluation within minutes of the production of the image, no matter how far the doctor may be from the X-ray site.
Digital X-ray offers several advantages to doctors and their patients.
Many doctors can instantly access the images and share in a patient's diagnosis.
Lower dosage X-rays can often be used to achieve the same quality image as film.
Reduced cost (no film or processing) can allow production of more images showing more detail.
Storage and retrieval is much simpler and quicker - one compact disk can hold the same number of images as a large file drawer of films.
Doctors serving patients all across Southwest Georgia can receive images and diagnostic information from radiologists much more quickly. This means more accurate decisions on treatment can be made more quickly, a concrete benefit to patients.
For more information about radiology services at the main campus, please call