Imaging Services
Helping you and health care providers obtain a clear picture of your health, close to home.
About
At Forks Community Hospital, we pride ourselves on excellent patient care and high-quality imaging and X-ray services. Imaging services are provided on both an inpatient and convenient outpatient basis.
Our professionally trained and credentialed staff, including technologists and radiologists, ensure that every patient experiences the personalized care and attention they deserve.
All imaging services use digital technology, allowing us to send images electronically to any outside facility. We can also create CDs or provide an e-mail with a secure link to patient images. Doing so enables patients to hand-carry their exams wherever needed. FCH also accepts outside imaging from other facilities to help ensure we provide a thorough interpretation and compare patients’ previous scans with ours.
How We Care for You
Because you can receive high-quality diagnostic imaging services in Forks, there is no need to travel a long distance to get a clear picture of your health!
FCH provides a wide range of services from general X-ray, Fluoroscopy, Computed Tomography (CT), Ultrasound, Echocardiography, 3D Mammography, Bone Density (DXA), Mobile MRI, and Mobile Nuclear Medicine.
We offer flexible scheduling for same-day, next-day, and evening appointments and provide 24/7 availability for interpretations remotely to ensure seamless patient care. On Wednesdays, our Radiologist is on-site, providing opportunities for patients with questions to spend time with the doctor reading and interpreting their exams face-to-face.
Bone Density/DXA
By appointment only Monday – Friday 8AM-6PM.
A bone density scan, also referred to as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) or bone densitometry, is a specialized form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. DXA of the spine and hip is the established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).
A DXA scan uses an extremely low dose of radiation (one-quarter to one-tenth that of a regular chest x-ray). Densitometry is commonly used as a preventive measure for osteoporosis (poor bone strength).
During the exam, the patient lies flat on the cushioned table, while the scanner passes over the targeted area. At one point during the exam the patient’s legs will be elevated with cushioned support. An exam typically lasts 15 minutes.
CT Scan
By appointment only, outpatient exams Monday-Friday 7AM-10PM.
24/7 on-call for emergencies.
A CT or CAT scan, also known as a computed tomography scan, is a non-invasive medical imaging method that uses special x-ray equipment to obtain cross-sectional pictures of the body. The CT computer displays these pictures as detailed images of organs, bones, and other tissues. This type of imaging can be very helpful in diagnosing injuries or fractures or in identifying disease in its earliest stages. CT is not an enclosed machine; it is open on both sides so there should be no claustrophobic feeling. Our priority is each patient’s comfort and safety. Should you have concerns about having a CT performed, please don’t hesitate to share those with your care team.
Our Siemens SOMATOM Go. All® 64 slice CT scanner can provide images on any area of the body with very short scan times. Using the 64 slice detectors and speedy scan times we produce detailed images that can also be reconstructed in post processing. We create multiple views from the original images in coronal, sagittal or axial planes and even 3D images. Our software and protocols allow us to provide the lowest level of radiation possible for all scans tailored to every patient individually.
CT Scans can be performed for the following:
• 3D Reconstruction Images
• Abdomen/Pelvis
• Calcium Scoring
• Chest
• CT Angiography
• Extremities/Ortho
• Head/Mastoids/Temporal Bones
• Low Dose Lung Cancer Screening
• Sinus/Facial bones
• Soft Tissue Neck
• Spine
Mammography
By appointment only Monday – Friday 8AM – 6PM.
Our digital mammography machine provides high resolution images at one of the lowest radiation doses possible in the state of Washington. Complete diagnostic breast workups can be performed locally with special mammographic views, breast ultrasounds, and ultrasound guided breast biopsies.
Mammography patients who live a distance from Forks can be conveniently scheduled when our radiologist is on site to provide immediate evaluation/results and minimize the potential for call-backs or additional exams.
FCH Mammography services include:
• Screening Mammograms
• Diagnostic Mammograms
• Breast Ultrasound
• Ultrasound Guided Biopsies
MRI
By appointment only every Monday and every other Tuesday 8AM-4PM.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive test that uses a magnetic field to produce images, while not using ionizing radiation (x-rays). MRI allows for more thorough evaluations of soft tissue which are not always accessible through other imaging such as x-ray, CT and ultrasound.
FCH’s MRI technologist lives in Forks, providing excellent care to our community.
MRI Imaging is provided for the following:
• Abdomen
• Brain/IAC/Temporal Bones
• Chest
• Extremities/Ortho (Knee, Shoulder, etc.)
• MRA (Neck, Head, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, Extremities)
• MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography)
• Orbits-Face-Neck
• Pelvis
• Spine (Cervical/Thoracic/Lumbar)
• TMJ (Temporomandibular Joints)
Nuclear Medicine
By appointment only on one Thursday and Friday per month.
Nuclear Medicine Imaging uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers that are typically injected into the bloodstream, inhaled or swallowed. The radiotracer travels through the area being examined and gives off energy in the form of gamma rays which are detected by a special camera and a computer to create images of the inside of your body. Nuclear medicine imaging provides unique information that often cannot be obtained using other imaging procedures and offers the potential to identify disease in its earliest stages.
Tell your doctor if there is a possibility you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding and discuss any recent illnesses, medical conditions, allergies and medications you are taking. Depending on the type of exam, the imaging department will instruct you on what you may eat or drink beforehand. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown.
Nuclear Medicine Imaging Includes:
• Bone Scans
• Gastric Empty
• Heart Stress Studies
• HIDA Scans
• Liver / Spleen Imaging
• Lung Imaging
• Renal Imaging
• Urea Breath Test
Ultrasound
Provided by appointment only.
Diagnostic ultrasound (also called sonography) uses safe, high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the body’s internal organs. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can also show movement of the body’s internal organs as well as blood flowing through the blood vessels.
Ultrasound Imaging can be performed for the following:
• Abdominal and Renal
• Breast
• Echocardiography
• Elastography
• Obstetric
• Pelvic
• Thyroid/Neck
• Vascular
X-Ray
Outpatient walk-ins Monday-Friday, 7AM-10PM. (Outpatient walk-in x-ray exams require an order from your health care provider. Please stop by the Admitting desk to check in first. Also, due to limited staff after 5PM, call beforehand to assure staff availability for your exam.) Also available 24/7 on-call for emergencies.
X-Ray imaging is a non-invasive exam that involves low levels of radiation. An x-ray beam is used to produce images of various parts of your body. All our x-ray machines acquire digital imaging.
We provide all general x-ray procedures including orthopedic, trauma, pediatric, portable, and imaging in the operating room.
Our Fluoroscopic (live x-ray) exams include:
Many of the following fluoroscopic studies require patients to fast (refrain from ingesting food or beverages for a period prior to the exam). You may have to drink barium contrast during your exam. Contact the radiology department for complete instructions.
• Esophagram
• Upper GI (gastrointestinal)
• Small Bowell Follow Through (SBFT)
• Operating Room Exams (Laparoscopic Cholangiogram, Orthopedic, etc.)
FAQs
How do I prepare for my CT Scan?
• If your exam requires an intravenous contrast injection you may need to have your blood drawn prior to your appointment. The radiology department will communicate the details when you schedule your appointment.
• If possible, wear comfortable clothing with no metal or buttons over the area being scanned. A gown is available if needed.
• You will be lying flat on the CT table. We provide cushions and pillows to help make you as comfortable as possible.
How do I prepare for an MRI exam?
• Jewelry, electronics, and all metal articles must be removed for the exam.
• Please contact the radiology department if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a pacemaker, metal implants, or history of metal injury to the eye. These conditions may prevent you from having an MRI.
• If you are taking medication for pain, anxiety, or claustrophobia please have it prescribed by your physician and taken prior to your exam. It is very important that you lay still for the duration of the scan.
• If your exam requires the need for an intravenous contrast injection you may need to have your blood drawn prior to your appointment. The radiology department will give you this information when you schedule your appointment.
• You will be provided with earplugs as the machine can create loud noise and you will be able to always communicate with the staff with an intercom and hand-held button.
How do I prepare for an Ultrasound?
• The ultrasound probe requires a warm gel to be applied to your skin over the area of concern. This eliminates any interference with the sound waves between the probe and you.
A bone density scan can detect osteoporosis but what are some of the risk factors for developing osteoporosis?
• Natural or surgical menopause
• Prolonged Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Previous fracture
• Medication including steroids and hormones
• Caucasian or Asian descent
• Thin or small build
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol use
• Inactive lifestyle
• Inadequate calcium intake
Talk to your health care provider about your bone health and to see if a bone density scan may be right for you.
Care for the Family
West End Outreach
West End Outreach Services (WEOS) is an integral part of our West End Community, providing a range of essential mental health and substance use disorder services. In all that we do, our team is committed to providing high-quality care in a welcoming and safe environment.
