Imaging Center

Offering confidence for you and your doctor in a convenient and affordable setting.

Our staff is committed to answering your questions, easing anxiety, and providing results quickly and accurately. We work closely with PCI physicians and their patients, but also accept appointments and orders from outside patients and healthcare providers. To request an appointment, please call (319) 247-3750.

Services

X-Ray - X-rays are a form of radiation that can pass through your body to generate images that can be viewed on a computer by your doctor.

Computed Tomography (CT) - CT or CAT scans also use X-rays generated from an imaging system that rotates around your body to create 3-D pictures. These pictures give your doctor more detailed information about what's happening inside of your body than a single X-ray image. Our Philips CT machine offers the lowest dose of radiation available in Eastern Iowa.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) - PET/CT is a combination of two scanning techniques. PET is a unique imaging system that measures metabolism to show the function for physiology of organs and tissues. CT provides the anatomical information and the detailed structure of bones, organs and tissues. Combining PET and CT images provides a complete picture for physicians to observe both function and structure. Click here to learn more about PCI's first in Iowa PET/CT...

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - MRI allows your doctors to look at the soft tissues of the body. Unlike X-rays, an MRI scanner does not use ionizing radiation. Instead, it uses a powerful magnet to align the hydrogen atoms in your body. A computer then uses this information to create detailed images. >>Understanding MRI

Ultrasound - This imaging technology uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize soft tissue structures in the body in real time. No ionizing radiation is involved.

Why PCI Imaging?

• Affordable outpatient testing - In many cases, imaging services and diagnostic procedures at PCI are less expensive than the same service at other area imaging locations. 
• Experience and expertise – Our team includes highly trained, board certified radiology technologists.
• Same-day / next-day appointments
• Accreditation – Both our MRI and CT machines are accredited by the American College of Radiology. 
• Soothing atmosphere - Your comfort is our priority. The calm surroundings of our imaging suite creates a relaxing experience. You can select "destination imagery" for an MRI, your favorite colored ambient lighting for a CT, and even play music from our library or your own.
• Timely reports
• Contracts with most insurance plans

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Certified Radiology Technologists

Physicians' Clinic of Iowa radiology technologists are certified by the American Registry of Radiology Technologists. Certification assures that your medical imaging is in capable hands. These individuals have met national credentialing standards for patient care in providing x-rays, CT and MRI scans, bone density scans, and ultrasound images.

Friendly Office Staff

We understand that imaging tests can be stressful. That's why our staff puts an extra emphasis on making you feel comfortable and at easy. We're here to help you through it, each step of the way.

Partnership with Radiologists

The imaging center at PCI partners with local radiologists to provide you and your doctor with accurate and timely imaging reports. Close coordination between PCI doctors and local radiologists means a comprehensive and coordinated approach to your care.

	American College of Radiology (ACR)  Accreditation for MRI Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). MRI is a noninvasive medical test that utilizes magnetic fields to produce anatomical images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
	American College of Radiology (ACR)  Accreditation for Breast MRI Physicians' Clinic of Iowa has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). MRI of the breast offers valuable information about many breast conditions that may not be obtained by other imaging modalities, such as mammography or ultrasound.
	American College of Radiology (ACR)  Accreditation for CT Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in computed tomography (CT) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). CT scanning — sometimes called CAT scanning — is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and tailor treatments for various medical conditions.
	American College of Radiology (ACR)  Accreditation for PET Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in positron emission tomography (PET) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). PET scanning is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and tailor treatments for various medical conditions.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement. 

Why should I have my imaging exam done at an accredited facility?

When you see the gold seals of accreditation prominently displayed in our imaging facility, you can be sure that you are in a facility that meets standards for imaging quality and safety. Look for the ACR Gold Seals of Accreditation.

To achieve the ACR Gold Standard of Accreditation, our facility's personnel qualifications, equipment requirements, quality assurance, and quality control procedures have gone through a rigorous review process and have met specific qualifications. It's important for patients to know that every aspect of the ACR accreditation process is overseen by board-certified, expert radiologists and medical physicists in advanced diagnostic imaging.

What does ACR accreditation mean?

• Our facility has voluntarily gone through a vigorous review process to ensure that we meet nationally-accepted standards of care.
• Our personnel are well qualified, through education and certification, to perform medical imaging, interpret your images, and administer your radiation therapy treatments.
• Our equipment is appropriate for the test or treatment you will receive, and our facility meets or exceeds quality assurance and safety guidelines.

What does the gold seal mean?

When you see the ACR gold seal, you can rest assured that your prescribed imaging test will be done at a facility that has met the highest level of imaging quality and radiation safety. The facility and its personnel have gone through a comprehensive review to earn accreditation status by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the largest and oldest imaging accrediting body in the U.S. and a professional organization of 34,000 physicians.

Intersocietal Accreditation Commission for Computed Tomography (CT)

Physicians' Clinic of Iowa - Ear Nose & Throat has been received a three-year term of accreditation in CT in the areas of Sinus and Temporal Bone CT by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).

Accreditation by the IAC means that our clinic has undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts. The IAC grants accreditation only to those facilities that are found to be providing quality patient care, in compliance with national standards through a comprehensive application process including detailed case study review.

Patient Forms & Information

• Understanding MRI
• MRI Screening & Safety Form
• PET/CT General Information
• PET/CT Preparation
• Pre-PET/CT Meal Ideas
• Post Sedation Care 

Tips for Patient Comfort

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal
• Leave jewelry at home if possible
• Regular medications may be taken as prescribed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is medical imaging?

Medical imaging refers to the many methods used to create photographic images of the human body for clinical purposes. It includes a variety of techniques ranging from traditional, digital, and interventional X-rays to CT, Ultrasound, MRI, PET and Nuclear imaging.

Why is imaging important?

Because medical images can help your doctor diagnose and treat your medical condition more precisely, effectively, and efficiently, often saving you from having to undergo invasive surgery or endure an extended hospital stay.

When does my doctor recommend imaging?

When they suspect the presence of a disease or medical condition and need to confirm their analysis with visual proof to make a more accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

How long will the exam take?

A typical exam lasts between 30-60 minutes, depending on the type of study ordered.

What is an MRI experience like?

Our MRI is staffed with caring and friendly, board certified technologists to answer any questions you have. A brief health screening form is completed, any metal objects are removed, and you may be asked to change into an exam gown. Your provider may also order an IV contrast agent for your exam. Our tranquil MRI suite is a comfortable 70°, with a wide-padded table. To offset the noise of the MRI, you can bring music that can be played in the suite during your exam. We can also offer you ear plugs. The technologists are able to hear you and speak to you during your entire exam.

What happens when my exam is complete?

All MRI images are reviewed by the MRI team and sent to a radiologist for an interpretation. In some cases, additional images may be needed at a later date. Typically, patients can leave right after the exam.

How do I get my MRI results?

Your provider may have you make a follow-up office appointment to discuss the test results in person. In many cases, the provider's clinical staff will call you with the results within in a day or two.

Does insurance cover MRI scans?

MRI scans are covered by most insurances; however, we recommend that you check with your insurance carrier about your plan's coverage and any pre-authorization requirements.

Why do doctors recommend CT scans?

CT scans have revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting almost every part of the body. They allow doctors to see details about your bones and other internal organs quickly. This can help doctors diagnose and treat your medical condition promptly and more economically. Our metal reduction software provides enhanced image quality for those with surgical implants such as total joints and spinal fusions.

What are the risks of having a CT scan?

CT scanners use moderate amounts of X-ray radiation. In fact, the amount of radiation you receive from most scans is equivalent to one year's worth of natural environmental radiation. Plus, our ability to target radiation more precisely to one part of the body results in considerably less exposure. The PCI CT offers the lowest dose of radiation available in Eastern Iowa.

What happens during a CT scan?

You are placed comfortably on the table. If the study needs it, you may receive an IV injection. You will pass through the scanner once to help plan the scan. You will then pass through a second time and be asked to hold your breath. The X-rays will come on when the area of interest passes through the opening. No part of the scanner touches you.

How do I prepare for a CT scan?

No special preparation is needed for most CT scans. Women should tell their doctors if there is any possibility that they're pregnant. It's also important to let the doctor or technologist know if you have any allergies, asthma or kidney trouble, prior to having IV contrast injected. Some may experience side effects due to allergic reactions to IV contrast.