Adirondack Radiology Associates

What's New

Adirondack Radiology Imaging facilities receive MRI accreditation

In 2001, all MRI units owned and operated by Adirondack Radiology Associates (Saratoga Imaging Center, North Country Imaging, Open MRI of Glens Falls) received three-year accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Accreditation recognizes satisfaction of requirements for image quality, quality assurance procedures, and education credentials of staff and physicians. Because the quality of MRI varies widely between facilities, an increasing number of medical insurance companies are requiring MRI accreditation of participating facilities. ARA was the first and is currently the only provider of MRI services in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties to receive MRI accreditation. Be wary of imaging service providers claiming blanket "accreditation" of their entire facility or not specifying the ACR as the accrediting agency.

Adirondack Radiology starts regions' first Computer-Aided Detection mammography service

ARA has recently added Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) technology to its screening mammography services, using the ImageChecker M1000 system of R2 Technologies, Inc. This exciting new technology uses pattern-recognition algorithms to assist the radiologist in detecting mammographic abnormalities, effectively acting as a "second pair of eyes". Peer-reviewed studies have shown an increase in the cancer detection rate of approximately 20% using CAD (see article). No other technology, including digital mammography (similar to regular film/screen mammography, but using a digital x-ray detector), has been proven as effective as CAD in improving the mammographic detection of cancer. The effectiveness of CAD in mammography has been recognized by Medicare, which now provides coverage for this service in addition to screening mammography coverage. Coverage by other insurance carriers is variable - you may wish to contact your own carrier to determine their policies. In order to provide equal service to all customers, ARA has incorporated CAD as an integral part of every screening mammogram we perform. Find out more about mammography and CAD on your next visit to our offices, or visit the following web links: R2 Technologies, Inc. , Imaginis.com .

ARA and Glens Falls Hospital announce the arrival of PET imaging in Glens Falls

ARA and Glens Falls Hospital (GFH) have collaborated to bring a new cancer imaging tool to the North Country. PET Imaging of Glens Falls is a joint venture of ARA and GFH that is accepting patients for whole-body PET imaging using FDG, a sugar analogue that permits imaging of metabolism. Because many tumors are highly active metabolically, PET can detect tumors that are too small to detect by any other imaging method. PET can help in diagnosing a mass as cancer without biopsy, and is especially useful in determining whether a cancer has spread elsewhere within the body.

Current Medicare-covered indications for whole-body FDG PET include evaluation of solitary pulmonary nodules, and staging of the following types of cancer:

ƒÜ colorectal
ƒÜ non-small cell lung
ƒÜ melanoma
ƒÜ lymphoma
ƒÜ breast
ƒÜ esophageal
ƒÜ head and neck (excluding thyroid and brain)

Saratoga Imaging Center offers Breast Biopsy

For our patients' convenience, ARA now offers ultrasound-guided needle biopsy at Saratoga Imaging Center for those women who have a breast lump or ultrasound abnormality that is suspicious for cancer. Needle biopsy is a safe, effective alternative to surgical lumpectomy that avoids potentially disfiguring scars.

Our New MRI provides Outstanding Image Quality and Comfort

We've recently added a new Toshiba Vantage MRI System with a powerful magnet that provides the highest resolution for the best possible images. It includes the latest in brain, cardiac, breast, orthopedic and angiographic capabilities. And it's also designed specifically for patient comfort.

Here are some of its features:
• Ultra-short bore length- depending on your procedure, your head may be entirely outside the magnet

• Ultra-wide bore- 65cm opening provides a spacious feeling during the exam to minimize a feeling of being enclosed

• Ultra-quiet technology- reduces MRI noise by as much as 90% compared to other systems. With most high-field MRIs you cannot hold a conversation in the next room when they are operating. Ours is so quiet you don't even need headphones. But if you want us to, we can play your favorite CD or the radio.