Mahaska Health Partnership Radiology Upgrades Equipment
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Mahaska Health Partnership continues to bring innovative technology to the community, with the latest addition of three new pieces of imaging equipment.
“We are always looking for ways to improve each patient’s experience in our department,” MHP Director of Radiology Julie Hartke explained. “We recently completed a remodel in both our department and the imaging suite in Orthopaedics. Our remodels also included the replacement of a fluoroscopy machine, a portable X-ray and an advanced digital X-ray unit for Orthopaedics.”
The new fluoroscopy machine, the Siemens Luminos dRF Max, offers multiple benefits to both patients and staff. “Fluoroscopy is like a moving X-ray,” Hartke explained. “We use this for a number of conditions for people of all ages. This new machine is much more comfortable for our patients, with a lower table and the ability to adjust according to patient needs. If they need to have images taken standing up because they are too uncomfortable, we can easily do that.
“Our Radiologist can also capture both video images and still images, making diagnosis much easier, while also cutting down on the need for extended imaging. The images are very high-resolution too, which also improves the ability to diagnose and quickly address any issues.”
For those patients who are unable to move and need imaging, the new portable X-ray unit, the Siemens Mobilett Mira Max, can provide quick results in a time-sensitive situation. “Being a Level III Trauma Center, we see a lot of patients in our Emergency Department,” Hartke shared. “With our previous equipment, we needed to return to our department to get images processed and sent to their provider. Now images are viewable in seconds and we are able to send them digitally from wherever they are taken, making the diagnosis process more efficient, especially when time is of the essence.”
For Orthopaedics, the addition of the Siemens Ysio Max digital X-ray unit provides high-resolution imaging for optimal diagnosis and treatment options. “Images can be taken much easier from multiple angles in less time, which helps minimize painful adjustments and positioning for our patients,” Hartke said. “When patients are experiencing bone or joint pain, the ability to capture needed images with less manipulation is key.
“One of the common concerns I hear from our patients is the amount of radiation exposure they will receive from various imaging tests,” Hartke shared. “Our new X-ray systems are entirely digital, allowing us to reduce our already low patient radiation dose by as much as 40% and adding to our low dose equipment portfolio of CT and mammography.”
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.
