Diagnostic Imaging provides imaging services using various means of producing "pictures" to be "read" by a radiologist. A radiologist is a doctor who has had special training in image interpretation. The pictures allow the doctor to detect cancer, pneumonia, a broken bone, etc. Diagnostic Imaging at McLaren Bay Region has eight full time radiologists and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The department performs tests at:
X-RAY: This section takes x-rays (radiographs) that are familiar to most people. An x-ray is an exam that helps physicians to diagnose and treat medical conditions. A radiograph is produced by using ionizing radiation to produce images of the inside of the body. Chest x-rays are the most commonly ordered exam. Diagnostic x-rays are the oldest form of medical imaging.
CT SCANNING: Computerized tomography is a sophisticated method of taking x-rays utilizing computer technology. It allows the doctor to view anatomy using "thin slice imaging." McLaren Bay Region uses GE LightSpeed Technology, providing extremely detailed images, and rapid scanning time. For physicians who want state-of-the-science technology, McLaren Bay Region Diagnostic Imaging can provide superior service.
NUCLEAR MEDICINE: Involves the use of radioisotopes, which are radioactive substances, injected into the body. These isotopes go to specific body parts and then the technologist takes pictures with a nuclear camera. The isotopes remain radioactive only for a short time, and are not dangerous.
ULTRASOUND:Involves the use of sound waves similar to what the navy uses to detect underwater objects. Pictures are taken of organs after the sound wave bounces back from the organ to the ultrasound machine. A common test is an ultrasound of a mother and her unborn child.
MAMMOGRAPHY: This is the process of imaging the breast and is an excellent tool in the detection and prevention of breast cancer. McLaren Bay Region operates Bay Diagnostic Center, at the Women's Health Pavilion, where specially trained and certified technologists perform these x-ray studies. Specially trained radiologists interpret the mammograms. Bay Diagnostic Center also performs stereotactic biopsy, a procedure which allows for a biopsy of suspicious tissue through a very small incision. McLaren Bay Region’s mammography program is certified by the American College of Radiology and is in compliance with the Mammography Quality Standards Act of the federal government.
MRI: MRI is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a machine that creates a magnetic field, sends radio waves through your body, and then measures the response with a computer.This creates an image of the body part of interest. MRI is very safe and has no harmful effects. Although it is very noisy, an MRI exam is completely painless. McLaren Bay Region has MRIs at two locations: Main Hospital Campus and West Side Medical Mall on Euclid.
OFFICES and HOURS: For further information, contact the Diagnostic Imaging Department at (989) 894-3080.
McLaren Bay Region Main Campus
1900 Columbus Avenue * Bay City, MI 48708
Radiology (989) 894-3080
Monday-Friday, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Saturday, 6:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Radiology and Inpatient Lab are open 24/7/365 for emergencies.
West Side Medical Mall
4175 Euclid * Bay City, MI 48706
Radiology (989) 667-2870
Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Allen Medical Building
200 S. Wenona * Bay City, MI 48706
Radiology (989) 667-6240
Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
3720 Katalin Ct. * Bay City, MI 48706
Radiology (989) 684-4520
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
4293 N. Huron Road * Pinconning, Michigan, 48650
Riverview Medical Associates
901 S. Henry * Bay City, MI 48706
Radiology (989) 894-2546
Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
4489 M61 * Standish, MI 48658
Hours Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Tuscola Medical Building
714 S. Trumbull * Bay City, Michigan 48708
Radiology (989) 891-8800
Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Women's Health Pavilion-McLaren Bay Region West Campus
3175 W. Professional Drive * Bay City, MI 48706
Mammography and Ultrasound by Appointment (989) 667-6350