When your doctor orders diagnostic imaging, you can have it done right here in the hospital using state-of-the-art imaging services connected to a picture archival computer system (PACS), which makes your results available to your entire team of caregivers. Our ARRT-certified staff shares over 160 years of combined experience.
The Radiology Department hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday. X-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound services are also covered on an emergent basis after hours and on the weekends.
For questions relating to imaging or to schedule an exam, call the Radiology Department at Gunnison Valley Hospital at 435-528-2125.
State-of-the-art imaging services include:
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
The Radiology Department’s Philips Ingenuity 64-slice CT scanner provides clear, detailed and fast imaging with low patient radiation dose. The CT scanner is used for abdominal and pelvic pain and injury, head trauma, stroke evaluation, blood clots in the lungs, and other emergent situations. A CT scan is ordered clinically for headache, sinus disease, cancer evaluation, pain, questionable fractures of extremities and other imaging as determined by your doctor.
A CT scan must be pre-authorized by your insurance and ordered by your doctor and can be scheduled through their office or by calling the Radiology Department.
Echocardiogram
Gunnison Valley Hospital is now providing echocardiogram services to patients here in central Utah. This diagnostic tool provides a more in-depth look at the functioning of the heart. The procedure is performed with an ultrasound machine, using a probe that scans in between the ribs to look at the heart. This shows doctors the “plumbing of the heart”: the operation of the muscles, valves, blood flow, and helps them determine if it’s functioning properly or if there are issues that need to be addressed. Commonly, an echocardiogram will be ordered by a primary care physician or a cardiologist for patients who have certain symptoms: chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, high blood pressure; anyone with a family history of heart disease; diabetics; or patients with autoimmune disorders.
An echocardiogram must be pre-authorized by your insurance and ordered by your doctor and can be scheduled through their office or by calling the Radiology Department.
Fluoroscopy and X-Ray
An X-ray uses small amounts of radiation to take a picture of the body’s internal structures. Fluoroscopy is “X-ray in motion” and is used to visualize esophagus, stomach, bowel and joint evaluations.
All diagnostic imaging X-rays and fluoroscopy require an order from your doctor.
Mammography
We have a new, state-of-the art Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Machine (or DBT.) The DBT acquires images of the breast in slices and allows the radiologist to look at the breast in 1mm increments. Because it makes small slices, the compression does not need to be as tight as it has in the past. The images are very detailed and sensitive to small, early breast cancers. Our digital mammography unit provides excellent screening imaging and reliable diagnostic images for breast care. Our technologists are qualified, board-certified and licensed in mammography.
A screening mammogram is recommended annually for all women aged 40 and older. It is the only imaging you can order for yourself and does not require a doctor’s order. Any diagnostic imaging breast exam for conditions including lumps, pain, redness, nipple discharge, or follow-up to a prior mammogram does require a physician’s order and must be scheduled with the Radiology Department, either through your doctor’s office or by calling the Radiology Department directly.
A board-certified radiologist will read your exam and send a report to your doctor.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Gunnison Valley Hospital opened its state-of-the-art MRI wing Dec 2024. The MRI machine is called a “wide-bore” MRI machine because it is larger around than a standard-sized MRI. And the real benefit is the Ambient Lighting Package that is installed in the MRI suite. It is a system of projectors that make the bore feel larger and projects various pictures to distract the patient. Ambient lighting should decrease the need of sedation and make the entire MRI experience more comfortable!
Using powerful magnets and radio waves, the MRI creates detailed images of organs, tissues, and structures within the body, offering critical insights for personalized and precise care. This non-invasive technology is essential in diagnosing neurological, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular conditions, as well as aiding in treatment planning to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. A doctor’s order and preauthorization from your insurance are needed for an MRI.
Using powerful magnets and radio waves, the MRI creates detailed images of organs, tissues, and structures within the body, offering critical insights for personalized and precise care. This non-invasive technology is essential in diagnosing neurological, musculoskeletal, and will soon be including breast, liver, prostate, and small joints conditions, as well as aiding in treatment planning to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. A doctor’s order and preauthorization from your insurance are needed for an MRI.
Ultrasound
Gunnison Valley Hospital offers ultrasound services by trained, RDMS-certified and experienced sonographers. We offer abdomen, pelvic, carotid, venous, small parts, early OB, routine OB and other exams in conjunction with pregnancy.
We offer gender-only ultrasound services at 16 weeks for a private-pay cost of $53. Also offered are 3D imaging at 28-32 weeks’ gestation for a private-pay cost of $95.25. (A patient is required to have had a previous complete OBUS here at GVH, on the pregnancy to qualify for 3D imaging. In other words, you need to have your scans done at GVH for us to do any 3D imaging).
Ultrasound examinations require a doctor’s order (except for gender and 3D imaging which are self pay).
Bone Density and Body Composition
The DEXA scanner is a low-radiation way to test a patient’s bone density using images of the hip and spine. It takes only minutes to complete and is helpful in assessing hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and other osteoporosis treatments. Patients, particularly women, should have a bone density exam beginning at menopause, or when beginning HRT or other osteoporosis treatment. Re-evaluations should occur annually or every two years as directed by your doctor.
The DEXA scanner can also check body composition. In as little as three minutes, the scanner produces color images displaying the patient’s distribution of fat, lean tissue and bone, and translates the information into an easy-to-interpret report. This exam does not require a doctor’s order, and self-pay is available. (Call for current pricing.)
Body composition readings can be utilized to help you meet weight-loss goals, and for athletic training purposes.