Radiology

The Diagnostic Imaging Services department at North Country Hospital offers a full range of diagnostic imaging procedures. With state-of-the-art equipment and expert staff, we can provide many of the services that you would find in a large medical center but with a greater focus on you, plus we’re located close to home.

From PET scanning, to high speed, low dose CT scans, to digital x-ray and 3D Mammography, we have you covered. The Diagnostic Imaging Services department places the utmost importance on delivering the highest quality diagnostic testing possible by constantly evolving with the latest equipment, technologies and methods.

At North Country Hospital our goal is to provide the same level of quality care that you would find in a large medical center but in a smaller, more intimate environment. You no longer have to travel for the highest quality imaging exams. Our highly skilled staff is here to ensure that you get the best possible care and that your experience is a good one.

• Ob/GYN Ultrasound
• Flouroscopy
• (MRI) Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• PET/CT Imaging
• 3D Mammography/
• Bone Mineral Density Testing for Osteoporosis
• Computed Tomography
• Nuclear Medicine

North Country Hospital
Earns ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center Designation

The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.

In order to receive this elite distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in computed tomography in the chest module, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure.

North Country Hospital has undergone a rigorous review process which includes:

• Equipment must be assessed annually by a medical imaging and radiation oncology expert who
verifies that it functions properly, takes optimal images and utilizes appropriate radiation dose.
• Personnel are required to meet ACR qualification standards to perform your procedure and
interpret your medical images.
• Physicians reading your study have systems in place to review each other’s work to ensure
diagnostic accuracy

Updated Screening Guidelines For Lung Cancer

Guidelines for lung cancer screening have changed. Both the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) have expanded recommendations for lung cancer screening with low dose CT scans (LDCT). They have both recommended lowering the age of first screen to 50 years and continuing screening until age 80. Pack-year history has also been reduced to 20. Importantly, screening is still recommended for current smokers and former smokers who have quit smoking within the past 15 years. Screening should also be considered for people with a prior history of lung cancer.

For individuals who meet the high-risk criteria, low dose CT screening for lung cancer may be covered every year by Medicare up to age 77 and most private insurance plans at 100% with no out-of-pocket costs up to 80 years of age.
For additional information, please call 802-334-3250.

Dense Breast Imaging

Mammograms alone may not be enough to find breast cancer

Every woman’s breasts are different, just like every flower is different. Having dense breasts is normal. It just means your breasts have more tissue than fat. Dense breasts make a woman up to six times more likely to develop breast cancer. And they make it challenging to detect cancer with a standard mammography exam. Now at North Country Diagnostic Imaging, the Invenia™ ABUS (Automated Breast Ultrasound System) improves cancer detection by 35% over mammography in women with dense breasts. Using 3D ultrasound, it looks at dense breasts differently to find cancer that mammography may not see. It’s relatively comfortable, and it doesn’t expose you to any additional radiation. The result: More confidence and peace of mind for you.

LEARN MORE HERE →

Steven Perlin,  MD

{ Thoughts and experiences shared by our patients }

The technologist doing the MRI was awesome.

We love Bonnie from Diagnostic Imaging! She helps us understand what we see on the ultrasound screen and answers our questions to the beat of her allotted ability.

The whole staff seem very nice and helpful. Kelly Goulet…very pleasant, made me feel comfortable.