Beaver Medical Group Expands Radiology with Digital Imaging

The Radiology Department at Beaver Medical Group recently converted all of the imaging equipment from film to digital and expanded in order to add new ultrasound and mammogram equipment in Redlands. “This has been one of the best things that has happened here. Digital imaging has really put us in the forefront,” said the Director of Radiology.

Now all of the equipment produces digital images that the Radiology Technologists view on screen to make sure they are high quality before releasing the patient. Immediately afterwards, the Radiologists are able to review images taken at any Beaver location. Images can also be shared between Redlands Community Hospital and Beaver Medical Group to improve patient care.

“Digital radiography provides better clarity of the images and we’re able to process the patients faster,” said Dr. Rhonda Hoag, a Radiologist at Beaver Medical Group (pictured). “We are also using Computer Aided Detection. CAD software highlights areas that are suspicious in mammograms, which helps draw our eyes to an area to make sure we see everything.”

In addition, Radiologists can manipulate the images using editing tools that can lighten, darken and magnify areas so they can see everything clearly. Each Radiologist has three large computer screens allowing them to pull up multiple images at the same time. Previous images are also scanned in so the Radiologist can compare new images with previous ones, which is important for regular procedures such as mammograms.

Digital mammograms provide a much higher resolution image of the breast tissue. “The difference is incredible,” said the Radiology Director. The Redlands Department added two more mammogram units, greatly reducing wait times for screenings. Now patients can get an appointment within a few days, or even sooner when necessary.

Wait times for ultrasounds have also been dramatically reduced with the addition of two new ultrasound scanners. Of course, ultrasounds are often performed on pregnant women, but they also have other uses. For example, the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, thyroid and breast are viewed with an ultrasound to help doctors with diagnosis.

To accommodate all of the new equipment, Fred Hollaus, Sr. VP of Operations, expanded and remodeled the Redlands Radiology Department. “I bet we now have one of the largest and most advanced imaging centers in Southern California,” he said. X-ray and fluoroscopy equipment that can view the digestive system is also available.  Beaver Medical Group provides digital imaging at facilities in Redlands, Highland, Colton, Yucaipa and Banning.  Locations and services can be found at on our Radiology Services Page.