A Patient‘s Guide to Radiology Services in Bakersfield, CA
As innovations in medical imaging technology transform modern healthcare, these diagnostic and interventional radiology services have become indispensable resources benefiting millions of patients each year.
Expert analysis indicates that nearly a third of all hospital admissions now involve imaging procedures like CT scans, MRI exams or ultrasound tests. By providing detailed internal views of the human anatomy, radiologic testing gives physicians vital information to determine the appropriate courses of treatment.
With Bakersfield’s population projected to grow over 12% this decade as healthcare options continue expanding, local patients can now access world-class radiology right in their own community. This definitive guide offers a comprehensive overview of Bakersfield’s top-rated hospital and outpatient radiology services, cutting edge modalities and treatments, insider tips for getting the most out of your imaging appointment, and more.
Overview of Medical Imaging Modalities
Radiologic testing utilizes specialized technologies to non-invasively peer inside the body, assisting doctors in both diagnosing medical conditions and guiding minimally invasive procedures.
Here is a brief overview of common modalities:
X-Ray – Uses short wavelength radiation to capture images of bones and some body tissues to check for fractures, arthritis, pneumonia and other conditions. Low cost, minimal radiation.
CT (Computed Tomography) Scan – Combines multiple overlapping x-ray images reconstructed by a computer into cross-sectional views of organs, blood vessels, bones and tissues. Helps diagnose causes of pain, bleeding, infections.
Ultrasound – Employs high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal anatomy in real-time motion. Frequently used for fetal development monitoring, heart exams and guiding biopsies. No radiation exposure.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Leverages powerful magnetic fields allowing radiologists to differentiate between various soft tissue structures without x-rays. Essential for detecting many cancers, neurologic conditions.
Nuclear Medicine – Uses radioactive materials to diagnose and treat certain forms of heart disease, cancer, endocrine problems. PET scans combine nuclear medicine with CT technology for enhanced detail.
Mammograms – Essential breast cancer screening exams utilizing low-dose x-rays. 3D tomosynthesis provides greater sensitivity for detecting early stage tumors. No radiation remains inside body.
Along with these diagnostic tests, interventional radiology treatments guided by imaging can often avoid open surgery. Therapies like tumor embolization, biopsies, angioplasty and stent placement utilize thin flexible catheters threaded to the site of disease while being viewed via CT or live x-ray.
So which modalities should patients in Bakersfield utilize when their physician orders medical imaging? Where are the best facilities providing these services? Let’s explore some top options…
Adventist Health Bakersfield – Quest Imaging
Part of the Adventist Health hospital network, the Quest Imaging center at Adventist Health Bakersfield offers advanced outpatient radiology including MRI, CT, ultrasound, mammography, bone density scans and more.
Why Quest Imaging Stands Out
- Latest Siemens 3T MRI optimizing image quality
- Breast MRI specialists and on-site biopsy capabilities
- Board certified, subspecialized radiologists
- Comfortable, spa-like environment
Services Offered
- 3T MRI & Extremity MRI
- CT 64 Slice
- 3D Mammography & Breast MRI
- Ultrasound
- Bone Density Scanning
- X-Ray
- Biopsies
Quest’s expert radiologists leverage computer aided diagnostics when interpreting studies across all modalities, allowing them to detect subtle findings that may be early signs of disease. This enhances accuracy and the ability to monitor changes over time.
Given Adventist Health’s strong cancer treatment program, Quest Imaging stands as an excellent choice for patients needing breast, neurologic, body, cardiac or musculoskeletal MRI exams in Bakersfield.
Kern Radiology – River Walk Location
As the largest private radiology medical group between Los Angeles and Northern California, Kern Radiology offers extensive services through their multiple area locations including their flagship River Walk imaging center.
Why Kern Radiology Excels
- Over 20 subspecialized radiologists reading 1.2 million images annually
- Latest Siemens CT with reduced radiation dose
- On-site breast biopsy capabilities
- Diagnostic and interventional treatments
Modalities Available
- 3D Breast Tomosynthesis & Digital Mammography
- 128-Slice CT Scanner
- High-Field MRI
- Ultrasound
- Bone Density Scanning
- Full-Service X-Ray
The River Walk office houses Kern’s most advanced imaging technology, recently installing a revolutionary Siemens SOMATOM Force CT system delivering cardiac CT angiography with less than one-third the radiation exposure of conventional CT scanners.
Kern Radiology also provides interventional treatments including biopsies, drainages, vertebroplasty and radiofrequency nerve ablations. Patients can consult directly with Kern’s interventional radiologists to discuss their treatment options.
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital – Memorial Medical Plaza
Those seeking radiology services affiliated with a leading local hospital can visit the Memorial Medical Plaza imaging center, directly connected to Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.
Standout Features of Memorial Medical Plaza
- Latest Toshiba Ultimax-i hybrid PET/MRI system
- Over 2 million scans interpreted by subspecialized radiologists
- Neuro and body imaging expertise
- Affiliated with Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
Image Modalities
- PET/CT & PET/MRI Fusion Imaging
- 3T Wide-Bore MRI Scanner
- 128-Slice CT System
- Ultrasound
- Nuclear Medicine
- Digital X-Ray
The recent addition of Toshiba’s Ultimax-i makes Memorial Medical Plaza the only imaging center in Bakersfield providing simultaneous PET and MRI exams. This hybrid technology significantly enhances clinical readings, providing radiologists both detailed anatomical and functional information to better stage cancers and other diseases.
Their on-site radiologists have dedicated fellowship training in body, neurologic, breast and cardiothoracic MRI interpretation, making Memorial an excellent choice for specialized diagnosis.
Bakersfield Imaging – Truxtun Radiology
Operating multiple imaging locations county-wide, Bakersfield Imaging through their Truxtun Radiology office focuses on delivering compassionate, quality medical imaging at affordable prices.
Why Patients Utilize Truxtun Radiology
- Discounted cash-pay fees for common outpatient exams
- Specialized in screening mammography
- Extended weekday and Saturday hours
- 20+ years experienced sonographers
Services Offered
- Screening & Diagnostic Digital Mammograms
- MRI & CT Scans
- General Ultrasound Exams
- Bone Density Testing
- Digital X-Ray
While not offering advanced modalities like PET imaging or MRI breast biopsies, Truxtun Radiology appeals to patients through lower costs and specialization in high-volume services like ultrasound and mammography.
Their sonographers average over 20 years hands-on patient experience each, resulting in excellent image quality with compassionate care. For those with limited budgets or insurance coverage, Truxtun provides valuable services not always accessible through hospital affiliates.
The Direction of Radiology in Bakersfield
Medical imaging technology continues rapidly advancing, with several innovations soon benefiting Bakersfield patients:
3D Breast Biopsy Systems – Kern Radiology will be installing second-generation breast tomosynthesis biopsy devices, facilitating precision targeting of lesions only visible on 3D mammography exams. This allows accurate sampling of suspicious areas without surgery.
Functional MRI Techniques – Adventist Health Quest Imaging expects to offer specialized MRI sequences like diffusion tension imaging for enhanced brain tumor characterization, spectroscopy for evaluating chemical composition of tissues, and functional MRI mapping neural activation pathways.
Artificial Intelligence – To augment Bakersfield’s expert radiologists, providers are building out quality assurance programs employing artificial intelligence to analyze images for abnormalities, track long-term changes and customize workflows. Early detection and consistency improve patient outcomes.
Expanded Interventional Treatments – With the opening of Bakersfield Memorial’s Northeast Tower this year, the hospital will further grow interventional offerings through their radiology department. Advanced treatments provide alternatives to traditional surgery for cancer, chronic pain, peripheral artery disease and more.
How To Choose The Best Radiology Facility
While Bakersfield patients now enjoy more quality imaging options than ever before, selecting the right provider for your situation remains essential. Here is some guidance based on common patient scenarios:
Screening Mammograms – Stick with high-volume, specialized centers like Bakersfield Imaging’s Truxtun location with experienced technologists and radiologists. Discount cash pricing makes them very affordable for routine annual breast cancer screening.
MRI Expertise Needed – If needing highly specialized MRI interpretation like prostate, pituitary gland or cardiac studies, choose a location like Memorial Medical Plaza with subspecialized radiologists. Adventist Health Quest also excels in certain advanced MRI techniques.
Seeking Interventional Treatments – For minimally invasive image-guided treatments, directly consult board-certified interventional radiologists at facilities like Kern Radiology or the Bakersfield Memorial hospital radiology department. They can discuss pros and cons of various options.
Affordability Essential – If needing basic x-rays, ultrasound or body CT scans on a tight budget, lower-cost independent centers like Bakersfield Imaging and Premier Imaging offer significant savings while still using modern equipment and skilled technologists.
When it comes to medical imaging, area facilities now rival offerings within major metro regions. Whether needing a routine mammogram, diagnosing complex neurological disorder or exploring an advanced alternative to surgery, Bakersfield imaging centers provide patients access to truly world-class radiologic testing and treatments.