Advanced Diagnostic Technology

Diagnostic imaging delivers high-quality imaging services, including mammograms, MRIs, CAT Scans, and X-rays. Our radiology department is staffed with board-certified radiologists and licensed and certified radiologic technologists. The team is available for emergencies 24 hours a day.

MAMMOGRAM

Patients receive the latest in breast screening at Jefferson Healthcare’s Imaging Department. The implementation of 3D mammography lets doctors examine breast tissue layer by layer, providing better, earlier breast cancer detection. Our advanced technology allows patients to receive their results in 24 – 72 hours.

CAT SCAN (CT)

Our 128-slice CT scanner provides detailed images of internal organs, bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels. Comparable to imaging services found in Seattle, this scanner reduces the radiation dose by up to 50%, saves time, and uses iMAR (Iterative Metal Artifact Reduction) technology, which allows for scans even with metal in the body. CT scans generally evaluate for strokes or detect cancers and diseases.

MRI

Our state-of-the-art MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) evaluates soft tissue such as the meniscus or ligaments in the knee. It also diagnoses a variety of conditions, such as diseases of the liver, gallbladder, bowel, and brain. Jefferson Healthcare’s specially trained technologists will ensure your safety and comfort and answer any questions as they assist you throughout the appointment.

BONE DENSITOMETRY TESTING

Advanced technology called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA, is used to accurately and painlessly measure the density and mineral content of bone. Bone densitometry is intended to not only assess the strength of your bones and risk of fracture but also be used as the test for osteoporosis.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE

A generally painless process that assists in the diagnoses of cancer, cardiac anomalies, endocrine disorders, and tumor identification. There are practically no side effects to the radioactive tracers, and allergic reactions are extremely rare.

X-RAY

Our ultramodern X-ray identifies fractured bones, infections, bowel obstructions, pneumonia, and other abnormalities in the body. This streamlined, efficient process is the best way for our physicians to view and assess broken bones.

COMPREHENSIVE IMAGING SERVICES

Our trained providers and technologists partner with Skagit Radiology to provide the right care when you need it most.

Preparing for Your Appointment

How to prepare/supplements/medications

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to fill out the paperwork and inform us if you’ve had any recent studies involving contrast dye. If you take calcium, stop taking it temporarily two days prior to your DEXA scan. Wear clothing without zippers or buttons and no hooks or underwire on your bra. 

Getting your results

Imaging reports are released to MyChart and the ordering provider typically between 24 and 72 hours after the study is completed. Depending on the ordering provider, results may be given verbally over the phone or at an in-clinic appointment.

How to prepare?

Significant safety issues and artifact errors arise from certain types of metal used in clothing materials. Businesses aren’t obligated to reveal the material used in clothing if it is only 5% or less. As a result, Jefferson Healthcare asks all MRI patients to change into appropriate attire in order to ensure everyone’s safety. Patients will be asked to remove jewelry, watches, hairpins, bobby pins, hearing aids, all electronics, and wallets. In addition, patients may be asked to not eat or drink anything prior to the exam, depending on the procedure being performed. 

The technologist will ask a series of questions before the procedure; please let them know if you have had any:

  • Surgeries
  • Pacemaker
  • Aneurysm clips
  • Cochlear implants
  • Neurostimulators
  • Grinding metal in eyes
  • Implanted drug infusion devices
  • Shrapnel or bullets in the body
  • Metallic items, including plates, pins, screws, or other implants
  • IUD
  • Any other surgeries or implants

If you think you might be pregnant or claustrophobic, notify your technologist. If you think you are claustrophobic, ask your doctor’s office prior to your exam to see if medication may be beneficial to help you relax for your exam.

Getting your results

Imaging reports will be released to MyChart and the ordering provider typically between 24 and 72 hours after the study. Depending on the ordering provider, results may be given verbally over the phone or at an in-clinic appointment.

How to prepare?

Your healthcare provider will tell you everything you need to know about CT scan preparation. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Plan to arrive early. Your provider will tell you when to come to your appointment.
  • Diet restrictions: Do not eat solid foods in the four hours leading up to your CT scan. Consuming only clear liquids in the four hours prior to your CT scan helps prevent nausea when you receive the contrast. Ask your doctor if you’re able to eat in the four hours prior to your CT scan. You may be able to have broth, tea, or black coffee. You may also be able to have strained fruit juices, plain gelatin, and clear soft drinks (like ginger ale).
  • Wear comfortable clothes and remove any metal jewelry or clothing. Your provider may give you a hospital gown to wear.
  • Blood test: You might need a blood test before your CT scan. This will help your healthcare provider ensure the contrast material is safe to use.
  • Allergy medication: If you’re allergic to the contrast agent used for CT (which contains iodine), you may need to take steroid and antihistamine medications the night before and the morning of your procedure. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider and have them order these medications if needed. (Contrast agents for MRI and CT are different. Being allergic to one doesn’t mean you’re allergic to the other.)
  • Preparation solution: Drink the oral contrast solution exactly as directed.

What happens after the exam?

It usually takes 24 to 48 hours to get the results of a CT scan. A radiologist will review your scan and prepare a report that explains the findings. Once a radiologist and your healthcare provider have reviewed the results, you’ll have another appointment or receive a call to discuss the results.

Getting your results

Imaging reports will be released to MyChart and the ordering provider typically between 24 and 72 hours after the study. Depending on the ordering provider, results may be given verbally over the phone or at an in-clinic appointment.

How to prepare?

Before scheduling a mammogram, the American Cancer Society (ACS) and other specialty organizations recommend that patients discuss any new findings or problems in their breasts with their provider. In addition, it’s integral for all patients to inform them of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.

It is best not to schedule a mammogram for the week before a menstrual period if breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time for a mammogram is one week following a period. Always inform a doctor or X-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant. Also, consult your provider if you’re currently breastfeeding to determine the best path forward with the mammogram.

The ACS also recommends:

  • Avoid wearing deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.
  • Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
  • Obtain any prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist if done at a different location. 
  • Ask when your results will be available; do not assume the results are normal if you do not hear from your doctor or the mammography facility.

Getting Your Results

Imaging reports will be released to MyChart and the ordering provider typically between 24 and 72 hours after the study. Depending on the ordering provider, results may be given verbally over the phone or at an in-clinic appointment.

To avoid delay or rescheduling of your mammogram:

Call to schedule 8 – 10 weeks before you are due for your routine screening mammogram. This will help you to stay on schedule, as we are often scheduling several months out. 

If you have breast symptoms, please see your provider before coming in for a screening mammogram. They will be able to determine if you need diagnostic imaging. If you arrive for a screening mammogram with breast symptoms, your exam will need to be rescheduled for a diagnostic exam after you have seen your provider. This is to ensure that you are receiving the best possible exam for your symptoms.

How to Prepare?

Depending on the exam, there may be specific eating or drinking restrictions.

Getting Your Results 

Results to MyChart in 1 – 2 days or at your next follow-up appointment.

How to Prepare?

Different nuclear medicine tests have different preparation instructions. Be sure to take note of the instructions you’re given, as they are often vital to the accuracy of your test.

Why are there so many appointments listed in MyChart for this one procedure?

Many nuclear medicine tests require at least two appointments on the same day or sometimes even the next day. Separate appointments are made for injection and imaging portions to allow proper tracer absorption in your body.

After the Scan

After the exam, it’s extremely important to drink plenty of liquids to help get the radioactive tracer out of your body. There are no additional precautions unless otherwise instructed by the technologist after your exam.

Follow up with your provider to go over your results.

Risks

Extra precautions need to be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Otherwise, there are very few inherent risks to having a nuclear medicine exam done. The amount of radiation used is very low and is strictly controlled and monitored, and the radiation exposure to your body is very similar to that of a CT scan. The radioactive tracer will rapidly decay away on its own, and your body will naturally rid itself of it at the same time.

The benefits of a nuclear medicine study to diagnose a potentially serious condition usually outweigh concerns regarding radiation or other rare side effects. 

Getting Your Results

Imaging reports will be released to MyChart and the ordering provider typically 24 – 72 hours after the study. Depending on the ordering provider, results may be given verbally over the phone or at an in-clinic appointment.

How do I prepare for my ultrasound?

Most ultrasound exams require no preparation. However, there are a few exceptions:

For some scans, such as a gallbladder ultrasound, your care provider may ask that you not eat or drink for a certain period of time before the exam.

Others, such as a pelvic ultrasound, may require a full bladder. Your doctor (our schedulers) will tell you how much water you must drink before the exam. Do not urinate until the exam is done.

Young children may need additional preparation. When scheduling an ultrasound for yourself or your child, ask your doctor if there are any specific instructions you’ll need to follow.

Wear loose clothing to your ultrasound appointment. You may be asked to remove jewelry during your ultrasound, so it’s a good idea to leave any valuables at home.

Getting Your Results

Imaging reports will be released to MyChart and the ordering provider typically 24 – 72 hours after the study. Depending on the ordering provider, results may be given verbally over the phone or at an in-clinic appointment.

Vascular:
Pacific Vascular does our vascular ultrasounds. For more information, you may visit their website, https://pacificvascular.com/ 

How should I prepare for an X-ray?

X-rays don’t require any preparation. 

Getting results

There should be a MyChart update or follow-up appointment, depending on the ordering doctor, in 1 – 2 days.

How do I prepare for my echo?

Echo generally requires minimal preparation. Patients don’t need to avoid eating or drinking before a transthoracic echo. There are also no medication or clothing restrictions.

Getting your results

Imaging reports will be released to MyChart and the ordering provider typically 24 – 72 hours after the study. Depending on the ordering provider, results may be given verbally over the phone or at an in-clinic appointment.

How do I prepare for my stress test?

Depending on the type of stress test, your prep instructions will vary. It’s almost always best to wear comfortable clothes — suitable for exercise — and walking shoes. You may also be asked to hold-off on some medications and forgo caffeine and breakfast. Specifics will be listed at the time of scheduling.

Getting Your Results

Formal imaging reports will be released to MyChart and the ordering provider typically 24 – 72 hours after the study. Depending on the ordering provider, results may be given verbally over the phone or at an in-clinic appointment.

OUTPATIENT CLINIC HOURS

Walk-in X-rays:

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:30 pm

Scheduled Appointments:

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

CONTACT

p) 360.379.9235

t) 360.379.9235

f)  360.379.2251

Melanie Blanton, Director

360.385.2200 ext. 2101

LOCATION

Medical Center, Diagnostic Imaging East, main floor ESSB

834 Sheridan
Port Townsend, WA 98368
1356492953 NPI
910928081 TAX ID

Patient Price Estimator Tool

Our organization is committed to ensuring every patient can make informed decisions about healthcare costs. The Patient Price Estimator helps provide approximate out of pocket costs for specific medical procedures or services at Jefferson Healthcare. Feel free to try it out!

Pacific Vascular

Link to the Pacific Vascular website, which details information in regards to scheduling and available locations.

Image Requests

For providers/continuation of care, please fax requests on company letterhead to 360.379.2251, or send
the request via Powershare portal. Legal inquiries must go to the Health Information Management office
phone: 360.379.2200 x2400, fax: 360.379.2286

Powershare

Powershare enables our providers to easily share images with patients and other healthcare professionals, through a safe and secure network.

It also ensures immediate access to images anytime, anywhere leading to more efficient  and informed medical consultations while reducing duplicate medical images and associated radiation exposure.

Members receive:

  • Immediate access to images
  • Accessibility from anywhere, anytime, with any internet device
  • Easy uploads and ability to share outside images with Jefferson Healthcare Imaging
  • Freedom from requesting CDs or film
  • Medical images that are safe from harm and unauthorized access
  • Unlimited free storage

Powershare Log-In

* New users to PowerShare will be asked to register as either a patient, physician, or healthcare organization. Please be sure to choose the appropriate box.

Your Team

Frederic B. Joseph, M.D.

Imaging & Radiology
p) 360.385.2200 ext. 2100

Accepting New Patients

Medical Center

Jefferson Healthcare Clinic

Medical Center

Jefferson Healthcare Clinic

Schedule Your Appointment

To schedule an appointment,
please call:

360.385.2200 ext. 2100

Please have the following information ready:

  • Name and phone number
  • Insurance information
  • Your calendar or schedule
  • Doctor referral information