“It's What’s Inside that Counts”

It’s hard to wait, especially if the news you’re waiting for is about your health. MercyOne Imaging Services offers advanced technology for fast results. When you are in need of diagnostic services, ask for MercyOne Imaging Services.

Referrals can be made:

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Emergency coverage is available 24 hours a day.

Contact information

MercyOne Forest Park Imaging Services 
Located in Forest Park building (Show Map)  
1010 4th St. SW 
Mason City, IA 50401 
641-428-7200

MercyOne North Iowa Radiology Services 
Use the main entrance, located on first floor of the hospital; check-in at patient registration  
1000 4th St. SW 
Mason City, IA 50401 
641-428-7731

MercyOne New Hampton Radiology Services 
308 N. Maple Ave. 
New Hampton, IA 50659 
641-394-1614 

Services

Bone Density

A bone density study measures the calcium content of your bones. A scanner that emits very low dose X-ray beams is used for the test. You are exposed to very little radiation, even less than with traditional X-rays. Scans of the low back, hip or forearm are most common. A bone density study is the best way to check for osteoporosis (loss of bone mass). If you are taking medication to prevent or treat osteoporosis, scan results also can show whether the treatment is working.

CT Scan

The Computed Tomography (CT) scanner is a special X-ray machine that uses digital techniques to produce images of your body. Shaped like a doughnut, the CT scanner moves around your body while you lie on a table. 

CT procedures that are performed include: 

• CT Angiogram (CTA)
• Coronary Angiogram 

Diagnostic Radiology

Diagnostic radiology features low-dose, state of the art digital equipment and excellent customer service. We take great pride in listening to your needs and incorporating those needs into your experience. For your comfort, we keep warmed memory foam pads on our x-ray tables to counteract the need to keep our rooms cool for the x-ray camera. We are proud to be a clinical site for MercyOne North Iowa's Radiologic Technology Program. You may have the pleasure of being cared for by a technologist while they closely instruct and supervise a student.

Procedures that are performed include:

• Barium Enema
• Esophagram
• IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram)
• Upper GI (Gastrointestinal)
• Upper GI with Small Bowel
• VCUG (Voiding Cystourethrogram)

Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology is a rapidly growing area of medicine. Interventional radiologists are physicians who specialize in minimally invasive, specialized or targeted treatments performed using imaging guidance. The procedures are generally easier on the patient as they are minimally invasive. Most of the time, IR is less costly than surgical procedures and reduces recovery time or length of stay.

Some of the procedures that are performed in the Interventional Radiology lab:

• Angiogram
• Central Venus Access Catheters
• Electrophysiology Study
• Epidural Injection
• Image Guided Needle Biopsy
• Myelogram
• Osteoporosis Spinal Fractures with Vertebroplasty

Mammography

The MercyOne Breast Center of North Iowa strives to relieve anxieties an individual experiences when breast health concerns develop. The breast center’s three-fold emphasis on education, advocacy, and counseling focuses on the holistic needs of its clients. The center’s presence ensures an element of caring in the coordination of quality health care services. 

Breast imaging services inlcude:

• Mammogram
• Stereotactic Biopsy
• Breast Biopsy & Aspiration

MRI Scans

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide remarkably clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. The technique has proven very valuable for the diagnosis of a broad range of pathologic conditions in all parts of the body including cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke and joint and musculoskeletal disorders. MRI requires specialized equipment and expertise and allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible with other imaging methods.

We offer a dedicated arm and leg MRI scanner, which was developed to evaluate injury and disease involving the upper and lower extremities. The magnet combines the power and the resolution of a 1.5 Tesla strength magnet into a compact "mini scanner." Designed to image the elbow, wrist, hand, knee, ankle and foot, the symptomatic extremity is simply placed in the short bore magnet while the patient sits comfortably in an adjacent padded recliner. Claustrophobia is also no longer an issue with this new device. Our MRI services include:

• MRI
• Breast MRI

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty within the field of radiology. It comprises diagnostic examinations that result in images of body anatomy and function. The images are developed based on the detection of energy emitted from a radioactive substance given to the patient, either intravenously or by mouth. Generally, radiation to the patient is similar to that resulting from standard x-ray examinations.

Nuclear medicine images can assist in diagnosing diseases. Tumors, infection and other disorders can be detected by evaluating organ function. Our Nuclear Medicine services include:

• Bone Scan
• Exercise Cardiolite Stress Test 
• Gastric Emptying
• Hepatobiliary Scan
• Lexiscan Cardiolite Stress Test 
• MUGA Test (multigated acquisition)
• Parathyroid Scan 
• PET/CT Scan
• PET/CT Cardiac Stress Test
• Renal Scan 
• Thyroid Therapy 
• Thyroid Uptake and Scan  

PET CT

The Positron Emission Tomography, also known as a PET scan, combines the functional information with anatomical information from a CT exam in one single image. The PET exam detects metabolic activity in cells and the CT exam provides an anatomical reference. When these two images are combined your physician can locate metabolic changes in your body. It shows not only what an organ looks like, but how it is functioning. The tremendous advantages of having a combined PET CT include:

• Earlier diagnosis due to the high quality images
• Chance of better outcome due to accurate staging and localization
• Ability to detect recurrence in its early stages

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (X-rays). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to the

• Abdomen & Small Parts
• Arterial Doppler
• Carotid Doppler
• Obstetric Ultrasound
• Pelvic Ultrasound
• Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy & Aspiration
• Varicose Vein and Spider Vein Screening
• Venous Doppler
• Vascular Screening

Vascular Self-Pay Screenings 

Vascular screenings are a painless and easy way to detect risks of heart attack and stroke by screening for plaque buildup, blockages and aneurysms. These conditions keep your veins from carrying blood to your heart. Vascular screenings are important for your overall health and to help detect problems early. At MercyOne, we offer both CT and ultrasound screenings at a low cost. For the CT screening, you’ll need an order from your primary care provider.

Carotid Artery/Stroke Ultrasound screening:

This test scans the carotid arteries in the neck for plaque buildup that may lead to stroke, one of the most preventable of all life-threatening health problems. Carotid artery disease affects the blood vessels leading to the head and brain. Carotid arteries, like the blood vessels of the heart, can develop the buildup of fat and cholesterol deposits, called plaque. Over time, the building up begins to narrow the artery, decrease the blood flow to the brain and can even lead to a stroke.

The risk factors of carotid artery disease are like those for coronary artery disease, such as a family history or atherosclerosis, age (risk is increased as one ages), smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Ultrasound Screening:

This screens for the existence of an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta. Most people who have an aneurysm have no symptoms. AAA is a weak area in the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. As blood flows through the aorta, the weak area bulges like a balloon and can burst if the weak area gets too large.

The disease AAA occurs most often in people over age 60, and males are four times more likely to have the condition than females. Smoking is a significant risk factor, as well as a history of other family members having AAA, other aneurysms, or heart disease.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PVD) Ultrasound screening:

This screens for peripheral arterial disease (plaque buildup) in the lower extremities, which is linked to coronary artery disease. PVD is a condition in which the arteries that carry blood to the arms or legs become narrow or clogged, interfering with the normal flow of blood. The most common cause of PVD is hardening of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. This is the gradual process in which cholesterol and scar tissue build up, forming a substance called “plaque” that clogs the blood vessels.

Peripheral arterial disease affects both men and women with symptoms including painful cramping in the leg or hip, numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg and/or a burning or aching pain in the feet or toes while resting. Those at highest risk of PVD are individuals over the age of 50, overweight, diabetic, or people who do not exercise or have high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Cost: $33 for each ultrasound screening listed above ($99 for all 3)

To schedule an ultrasound screening appointment, contact MercyOne Imaging Services scheduling at 641-428-6555.

There is no preparation for these ultrasound exams.

You will receive your results at the time of the test.

Vascular CT screenings we offer:

Computed Tomography (CT) Coronary Calcium Scoring/Screening:

Coronary calcium scoring/screening exams use a special x-ray test called CT to check for the build-up of calcium in plaque on the walls of the arteries of the heart (coronary arteries). This test is used to check for heart disease in an early stage, and to determine how severe it is.

The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart. Normally, the coronary arteries do not contain calcium. Calcium in the coronary arteries is a sign of coronary artery disease (CAD).

You may want to have a coronary calcium scan if you have several risk factors for heart disease, or you may want to have this test if you think the results could change your treatment for heart disease. Consulting with your provider before scheduling an appointment for this test is required.

Cost: $100

You will need a provider’s order for a coronary calcium score/screen.

No caffeine 24 hours prior to the test.

The scan will take approximately 30 minutes.

You will receive your results from your physician.