Diagnostic Center

At Patients First, we are constantly expanding our clinical services portfolio. We currently offer the following services at our main campus in Washington, Missouri. Please click on each service to learn more.

General Tests

• Sleep Disorder Studies

  With a six bed sleep center, Patients First Health Care conducts a wide range of sleep studies to help diagnose sleep disorders.

• X-Ray

  An X-Ray exam uses electromagnetic radiation (X-Rays) to painlessly create images of bones, teeth and internal organs. These exams help with the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of medical problems like broken bones, pneumonia, and cancer.
  
  General x-ray services are offered at Washington, Union, St. Clair, Pacific, Owensville, Warrenton, New Haven, and Sullivan

• CT

  Computed tomography (CT), also known as Computed Axial Tomography (CAT), is an x-ray exam that creates multiple cross-section (slice) images of the body's internal organs, soft tissues, blood vessels and bones. A CT scan gives the doctor a much more complete picture of a patient's inner workings and can be used for early diagnosis of a variety of diseases and disorders.

• EMG

  An electromyogram (EMG) uses a needle to evaluate the electrical activity of muscle fibers at rest and during contraction.

• Nerve Conduction Studies

  Nerve conduction studies measure the strength and speed of electrical signals sent by nerves.

• EEG

  An electroencephalogram (EEG) measures electrical activity in the brain using special sensors. An EEG is used to diagnose epilepsy, narcolepsy, seizures, dementia and other disorders affecting the brain's electrical activity.

• MRI

  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields, radio waves and a computer to create two dimensional images of the inside of the body. The resulting images are detailed so doctors can detect even the smallest changes to the structures of the body.

• Ultrasound

  An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body's internal structures (sonography). Ultrasound technology can also show real time movement of internal organs as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

• Lab

  Our in-house laboratory is fully accredited by COLA and CLIA.
  Most diagnostic testing can be completed in our Washington lab, providing efficient service for our physicians and patients.
  
  General lab services are available at all Patients First locations.

• Mammography

  A mammogram is an x-ray exam of the breasts used to identify any changes in the normal tissue. A mammogram and a clinical breast exam performed by a doctor is the most effective way to detect the early signs of breast cancer. Women over the age of 40 should make a mammogram part of their yearly health care routine.

• Bone Densitometry

  Bone densitometry (BMD) exams use dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure the mineral density (such as calcium) in the bones. A BMD test is the only way to detect low bone density and diagnose osteoporosis. Women should get a BMD test at age 50 to set a baseline for future tests.
  
  Bone Density services are available at Washington and St. Clair locations.

Heart Center

• Treadmill stress test

  A treadmill stress test is conducted to record heart rate and rhythm. A patient walks on a treadmill and the condition of the heart is measured by electrodes placed on the patient's chest. Normally, a treadmill stress test lasts no longer than 30 minutes and alternates speed and terrain to raise the patient's heartbeat.

• Nuclear heart scans

  A nuclear heart scan is used to evaluate the health of a patient's heart. A radioactive tracer is injected into the patient's arm and travels through the bloodstream to the heart. When the tracer reaches the heart, special cameras create detailed images for use in diagnosis and treatment.

• Pacemaker checks

  Three months after the implantation of a pacemaker, a pacemaker check will be performed in the doctor's office to evaluate the pacemaker settings and readjust them to better help the heart. In addition, the doctor and staff will teach a patient to use transtelephonic monitoring equipment and check the battery to find any unexpected functional problems every one to two months.

• Cardiac monitoring

  Cardiac monitoring is the continuous display of the electrocardiogram (EKG) tracing of the heart, cardiovascular pressures and cardiac output as well as the oxygen saturation levels of the arterial blood.

• Vascular studies

  Vascular studies use sonography (see Ultrasound) to provide images of the body's arteries and veins.