Editor’s note: This is the second in a new promoted series called CultureMap Rx, in which you can get to know Dallas’ top healthcare experts. Next up: Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center.
Q: What should I look for when choosing an imaging center?
A: The most important qualification is accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Accredited status from the ACR is a key indicator of a high-quality imaging center. Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center (SWDIC) is proud to be fully accredited in all modalities by the American College of Radiology.
Q: What does ACR accreditation mean?
A: Our facility has voluntarily gone through a rigorous 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 and interpret your images. Our equipment is appropriate for the test or treatment you will receive, and our facility meets or exceeds quality assurance and safety guidelines.
Q: What makes Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center unique compared to other imaging centers?
A: SWDIC has been offering diagnostic imaging services for more than 30 years. During this time, we have developed and promoted a “patient first” approach.
Although most imaging centers would proclaim their focus on patient care is what makes them different, SWDIC staff and radiologists actually demonstrate this commitment every day. This is evident by a 99 percent patient satisfaction rating in 2015, with 90 percent of all patients waiting less than 10 minutes for their scheduled exam. This is a huge accomplishment, as SWDIC sees more than 350 patients per day.
Here are all the ways SWDIC puts patients first:
- Open seven days a week
- Same-day appointments
- Extended hours Monday-Friday
- Cash pricing
- Payment plans
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Parking validation (self park and valet)
- Onsite board-certified radiologists
- One convenient location offering MRI, MRA, CT, CTA, PET/CT, SONO, X-ray, DEXA, digital mammography, fluoroscopy, and myelography
Q: What is new at SWDIC that could benefit me or a family member?
A: SWDIC is the first in the world to offer GE Healthcare’s Revolution GSI CT Scanner. This technology allows us to reduce radiation dose to patients and maintain high image quality. It also increases patient workflow and helps reduce patient scan times.
Another key technology upgrade occurred in November 2015, when SWDIC installed its new Siemens Magnetom Skyra 3T MRI wide-bore scanner. This advanced technology helps put patients at ease with faster scan times and a 97 percent noise reduction. The Skyra 3T MRI enables patients to receive better diagnosis and treatment plans by delivering robust image quality.
