New technology to further help Charlevoix area residents stay close to home for health care recently debuted at Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital.
The hospital now offers mobile PET/CT scans to aid in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment response for oncology patients.
“This testing really complements our infusion center,” said Joanne Schroeder, president of the hospital. “What we find is that using a PET/CT device helps avoid additional imaging examinations or invasive procedures. Scans help clinicians make the optimum treatment decisions.”
The mobile PET will be at the hospital twice a month on Wednesdays. The next scheduled visit is June 19.
PET or positron emission tomography scans utilize a special dye containing radioactive tracers. Physicians order patient scans with the device to determine how tissues and organs are functioning. A CT or MRI device alone cannot reveal how an organ is working.
“We are excited to now offer this service for our patients because it allows them to obtain this important testing within our community,” Schroeder said.
More information on the services offered at Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital may be found at munsonhealthcare.org/charlevoix.