Recognizing National Radiology Month this November: Rhode Island Medical Imaging Emphasizes the Importance of Screenings

NEWS RELEASE

East Providence, RI-November 13, 2013

To commemorate National Radiology Month, Rhode Island Medical Imaging (RIMI) would like to inform patients on the importance of screening for those people with certain risk factors.  Diagnostic imaging is the most accurate testing available for many diseases and ailments, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and osteoporosis.

RIMI created the first comprehensive outpatient lung cancer screening for eligible patients in Rhode Island.  The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force now recommends CT lung cancer screenings for long-term smokers.  Dr. Terrance Healey, director of RIMI’s lung cancer screening program, believes this non-invasive, 10-minute procedure is crucial to improving treatment options for long-term smokers:  “This screening can find abnormalities before symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath occur, and early detection is essential to increasing survival rates.”

Regular mammograms is another imaging test that RIMI recommends to help combat breast cancer, which has become the most common cancer among women in the United States.  Dr. Ana Lourenco of RIMI specializes in women’s imaging and concurs with recommendations by the American Cancer Society.  “Women should begin annual mammograms at age 40 for as long as they remain in good health,” stated Dr. Lourenco.  “Mammography is the most effective method for detecting breast cancer early when it is easier to treat, which improves patient outcomes.”

Bone densitometry at RIMI has also become a vital tool in the diagnosis of osteoporosis early, which will allow for earlier treatment, thus reducing fracture risk.  This non-invasive procedure takes minutes and can greatly improve quality of life for patients.  Women with a family history of osteoporosis should receive regular bone density screenings, and should consult their physician regarding other possible risk factors.

RIMI radiologists hold faculty positions at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and sub specialize in all areas of medical imaging, including women’s imaging; bone, joint and muscle imaging; neurology; cardiology; and pediatrics.   Furthermore, RIMI radiologists are on staff at Rhode Island Hospital, Women & Infants, Hasbro Children’s Hospital and The Miriam Hospital.

For more information, call Rhode Island Medical Imaging at (401) 432-2400.

Established in 1943, Rhode Island Medical Imaging (RIMI) maintains the highest standards of practice in medical diagnostic imaging. Their network of private facilities is staffed by board certified radiologists, registered technologists, and dedicated office personnel, offers physicians and patient’s prompt and professional service using state-of-the-art technology. The team of radiologists has broad based experience and subspecialty training in all areas of diagnostic imaging, providing patients with immediate access to consultations in any medical imaging subspecialty. RIMI radiologists also perform and interpret the full spectrum of imaging examinations at Rhode Island Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, and the Miriam Hospital. Those activities are complemented by their academic commitment to The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.  RIMI’s goal is to provide every physician and patient with the highest quality in contemporary diagnostic imaging. For more information about Rhode Island Medical Imaging, visit www.rimirad.com.

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