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ultrasound or x-ray image. That’s be-
cause these imaging techniques see
through the skin into the recesses
of the human body to help doctors
diagnose illness. For example:
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MRIs can be used to look inside
the brain to pinpoint neurological
problems or used to view bones and
tissues involved in orthopedic dis-
eases and injuries.
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X-rays can detect broken bones
and depict tissue in the lungs.
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Ultrasound can see a woman’s
reproductive organs to uncover gy-
necological issues.
These technologies produce im-
ages that aid doctors in making a
thorough and accurate diagnosis
of a patient’s illness. This allows
for the most complete and effective
treatment.
Great services, close to home
The dedicated staff at CHRISTUS
Hospital – St. Mary understands the
importance of diagnostic imaging.
For 16 years, the CHRISTUS
Outpatient Center has been provid-
ing excellent imaging services to
the community.
“We’re proud to be offering the
best patient experience with the
most advanced technology,” says
Kristen Watkins, administrative
director of Imaging Services at
St. Mary.
The center is located just down
the road from St. Mary in Port
Arthur. State-of-the-art machinery
allows the center to offer the follow-
ing imaging exams:
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High-definition MRI.
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Digital mammography.
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Breast ultrasound.
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Angiography.
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CT scans.
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Online EKGs.
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X-rays.
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Bone densitometry.
“We strive to provide a very high
quality of service to the community
by keeping the various technologies
updated,” says Joseph Nightingale,
MD, diagnostic radiologist on staff
at St. Mary. “But perhaps more
importantly, we have an excellent
staff.”
Radiologists on staff devote all
their time to imaging, radiology,
and reading and interpreting the
results of exams. Center specialists
also work closely with primary care
physicians, internists, cardiologists,
oncologists, and other specialists.
This ensures that patients receive
the best, most comprehensive care.
The exceptional services at the CHRISTUS Outpatient Center have recently be-
come even better. The new CHRISTUS MRI Center – St. Mary has opened with
added amenities and technologies to provide the best experience possible.
Amenities matter because imaging procedures can seem frightening and may
produce anxiety. Even when people know how important these tests are for
health, they may still prefer to avoid them.
That’s why CHRISTUS Hospital wants to make imaging both as effective and
as pleasant as possible for patients.
The MRI Center offers a serene, spalike setting to ease your mind and spirit.
The center is patterned after the CHRISTUS Women’s Center – St. Mary, also
located in the Outpatient Center. The MRI Center includes amenities such as:
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Close, convenient parking.
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Separate, spacious waiting areas with comfortable seating.
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Elegant decor with subdued lighting.
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Soothing music composed by a music therapist to reduce anxiety.
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Nature-themed artwork.
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Private screening and assessment areas.
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Aromatherapy using essential oil of lavender in place of conventional air
fresheners.
All these things combine to create a feeling of calm.
“When patients come to the MRI Center, they can expect excellent service
in a relaxed, updated environment,” says Joseph Nightingale, MD, diagnostic
radiologist on staff at St. Mary.
An improved self image:
CHRISTUS MRI Center – St. Mary
A recent study found that
as many as 37 percent of
patients refuse to go through
with an MRI scan because
of claustrophobia. Larger
patients also may have diffi-
culties fitting into and feeling
comfortable in a traditional
MRI machine.
Because part of providing
excellent customer service
is responding to customer
needs, CHRISTUS has ac-
quired a high-field ultra-short
open-bore MRI machine.
“This machine has more
room and is less confining
for our claustrophobic and
larger patients,” says Kristen
Watkins, administrative
director of Imaging Services
at St. Mary.
A larger diameter and
shorter bore means patients
can often go in feet first,
leaving their heads in the
open. There is also more
room to move and breathe –
and that’s not all.
“In addition to added
comfort, the machine
boasts an important tech-
nical advantage – a high-
field magnet. This translates
to both higher resolution
and shorter exam times,”
Dr. Nightingale says.
An average MRI with the
ultra-short open-bore ma-
chine lasts between 30 min-
utes and an hour. There is
virtually no preparation on
the part of the patient for
this type of imaging.
Patients simply fill out
a brief questionnaire and
then speak with a radiology
nurse or MRI technologist.
These dedicated profes-
sionals are just part of the
excellent imaging staff at the
MRI Center, each of whom
is credentialed in his or her
specialty.
Most patients come to
the MRI Center via referral
from physicians. However,
it is possible to make an
appointment directly by
calling
409-983-1621
.