Desert Radiologists Offers Digital Mammography

LAS VEGAS- Desert Radiologists has expanded its diagnostic imaging capabilities to include digital mammography at each of its four facilities, following nearly four years with digital mammography at their Palomino location.

Digital mammography is the gold standard in early breast cancer detection. Digital mammograms replace traditional X-ray film with solid-state detectors that convert X-rays into electrical signals, similar to those found in digital cameras. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen.

"This enhanced technology allows us to take breast cancer detection to a higher level," said William Moore, Chief Executive Officer. "We have found that digital mammograms generate more accurate detections of breast cancer than all other available forms of imagery for women younger than the age of 50 and women with dense breasts. As a result, we will be able to detect breast cancer earlier, allowing for better treatment options for the patient."

Once the mammogram is complete, the radiologist can adjust brightness, darkness or contrast of the image. Sections of the image can be magnified as well, making it easier to see subtle differences between tissues. The ability to increase contrast when looking at an image of dense tissue is particularly important, as dense breast tissue and malignant cells both appear white on a traditional film mammogram.

Other benefits of the digital mammogram include lower levels of radiation exposure and shorter times for examinations. Since digital mammograms are instantaneous and do not require developing like X-ray films, the technicians require less time and fewer acquisitions to capture the desired image.

Statistics show that one in eight women will develop breast cancer, the second leading cause of death in women. In Nevada, more than 1,600 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 300 die from it each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. Annual mammography screening starting at the age of 40 in tandem with monthly self-breast examinations remain important factors for early breast cancer detection.

About Desert Radiologists
Desert Radiologists has been serving Southern Nevada since 1966. Our expert team of radiologists is the largest group of physicians providing quality diagnostic imaging in Nevada. We operate four outpatient locations throughout Las Vegas and Henderson and are radiology providers for six Southern Nevada hospitals, one Northern Nevada hospital and one hospital in Arizona. Additionally, we provide radiology services for a large Cancer Center, a group of multi-specialty medical centers and several smaller facilities throughout Southern Nevada. Desert Radiologists offers the most comprehensive procedures available including Angiography, Computed Tomography (CT), CT Colonography, Dexa Bone Densitometry, Dental Implant CT Scanning, Diagnostic Radiology (X-ray), Interventional & Cardiovascular Radiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Digital Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT), Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) and Ultrasound. In addition, Desert Vascular Institute provides a complete array of vascular services. For more information visit http://www.desertrad.com.

Desert Radiologists Receive ACR Accreditation for Imaging

LAS VEGAS-Desert Radiologists has been awarded three-year accreditations from The American College of Radiology (ACR).

Accreditation is awarded to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer review evaluation. Board-certified physicians and medical physicists conduct the evaluations, assessing the qualifications of personnel and adequacy of facility equipment.

All of Desert Radiologists' facilities received accreditation in all modalities as follows:

Palomino facility, located at 2020 Palomino Lane, is accredited in Breast Ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT), Mammography, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Stereotactic Biopsy and Ultrasound.
Eastern facility, located at 3920 S. Eastern Ave., is accredited in Computer Tomography (CT), Mammography, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Ultrasound.
Cathedral Rock facility, located at 7200 Cathedral Rock Dr., is accredited in Computed Tomography (CT), Mammography, MRI, Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound.
Horizon Ridge facility, located at 2811 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, is accredited in Computer Tomography (CT), Mammography, MRI, Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound.

The ACR is a national organization headquartered in Reston, VA, serving more than 32,000 diagnostic and interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology, and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

About Desert Radiologists
Desert Radiologists has been serving Southern Nevada since 1966. Our expert team of radiologists is the largest group of physicians providing quality diagnostic imaging in Nevada. We have five outpatient locations throughout Las Vegas and Henderson and provide radiology services for six Southern Nevada hospitals. Desert Radiologists offers the most comprehensive procedures available including Angiography, Computed Tomography (CT), CT Colonography, Dexa Bone Densitometry, Dental Implant CT Scanning, Diagnostic Radiology (X-ray), Interventional & Cardiovascular Radiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT), Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) and Ultrasound. In addition, Desert Vascular Institute provides a complete array of vascular services. For more information visit www.desertrad.com.

New Physicians Join Desert Radiologists

DESERT RADIOLOGISTS WELCOMES FIVE NEW PHYSICIANS TO THE PRACTICE

August 26, 2008

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Desert Radiologists, Nevada’s largest and most trusted medical imaging company today announced that five new physicians have joined the team of board certified radiologists serving Southern Nevada for over 42 years.

Dr. Howard Francois began his medical career in 1995 when he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. He then graduated from Howard University, College of Medicine in Washington, DC where he received his Doctorate of Medicine in 2001. In 2002 he finished his internship at the Brooklyn Hospital Center, Department of Internal Medicine in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Francois completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center in 2007 and his fellowship in Musculoskeletal Imaging in 2008 from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI.

Dr. Lavanya Vuddagiri received her Medical Degree from Guntur Medical College and Government General Hospital in Guntur, India in 2001. In 2003 she finished her internship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, AR as well as her residency in 2007. Dr. Vuddagiri completed her fellowship in MRI in 2008 from the University of California, San Diego.

Dr. Terence Scipione graduated from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He then graduated from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY where he received his Doctorate of Medicine in 2000. In 2003 he finished his internship at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital in New York, NY. Dr. Scipione completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Mt. Sinai/Atlantic Health System in Morristown and Summit, NJ in 2007 and his fellowship in Musculoskeletal Imaging and MRI in 2008 from Columbia/Presbyterian Hospital in New York, NY.

Dr. Frank K. Hsu graduated from the University of Michigan in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. He continued his education at the University of Michigan where he received his Doctorate of Medicine in 1992 in the Integrated 7-year Pre-medical/Medical Program. In 1993 he finished his internship at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. Dr. Hsu completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the University of California, San Francisco in 1997 as well as his fellowship in Abdominal Imaging in 1998. Dr. Hsu then completed an additional fellowship in Angiography and Interventional Radiology in 1999 from the University of Michigan Medical Center. Prior to joining Desert Radiologists, Dr. Hsu worked for Columbia Imaging Group in Vancouver Washington; Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Sacramento, California; University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan; William Beaumont Hospital in Troy, Michigan and St. Vincent Radiological Medical Group in Los Angeles, California.

“Desert Radiologists is so pleased to add such specialized and diversified radiologists to our group,” said William Moore, CEO of Desert Radiologists. “The completion of each of their fellowship training programs adds to our depth of specialty-trained physicians.”

About Desert Radiologists
Desert Radiologists has been serving Southern Nevada since 1966. Our expert team of radiologists is the largest group of physicians providing quality diagnostic imaging in Nevada. We have 5 outpatient locations throughout Las Vegas and Henderson and provide radiology services for 6 Southern Nevada hospitals. Desert Radiologists offers the most comprehensive procedures available including Angiography, Computed Tomography (CT), CT Colonography, Dexa Bone Densitometry, Dental Implant CT Scanning, Diagnostic Radiology (X-ray), Interventional & Cardiovascular Radiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT), Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) and Ultrasound. In addition, Desert Vascular Institute provides a complete array of vascular services. For more information visit www.desertrad.com.

Make-A-Wish: Shopping Spree

DESERT RADIOLOGISTS: MAKING THE WISH OF ONE LOCAL BOY COME TRUE
A day filled with shopping brightened the smile of Jesus

August 5, 2008

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Desert Radiologists, Nevada’s largest and most trusted medical imaging company made the wish of one Las Vegas boy come true.

On Saturday, July 12, 2008, Desert Radiologists sponsored the wish of 13 year old Jesus. Jesus is currently being treated for a brain tumor and it was his wish to go on a shopping spree. Jesus and his family arrived at Toys R Us via limo to a crowd of Desert Radiologists well-wishers. Jesus was given $3,000 and shopped for such items as a PlayStation 3, bicycle, RipStick skateboard, remote controlled airplanes, and a variety of PlayStation games and accessories. The day continued at the Boulevard Mall where Jesus picked out a new television and a large supply of sporting goods equipment, mostly for his favorite sport, soccer.

The physicians and staff at Desert Radiologists chose the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada as our corporate charity and began granting wishes this past spring.

“We really like to get involved in the wishes and select the kids we will be helping. We want to make a difference in individual lives,” said William P. Moore II, Desert Radiologists CEO. “We don’t just write a check to a charity and say ‘use it as needed,’ we select wishes where our physicians and staff can get involved.”

The first wish granted was a young girl who wanted to be a doctor for a day. The entire staff rallied around and made the day a memorable event starting with a red carpet luncheon and ending with Dr. Beatrice treating patients at her own clinic. Jesus was the second wish and true to Desert Radiologists standards, he was strongly supported by the staff. Jesus was greeted at Toys R Us by a crowd with signs and banners. The employees escorted Jesus throughout the store helping whenever possible. The family was then off to lunch and more shopping at the Boulevard Mall.

“The staff at Desert Radiologists makes us proud every day, but events like this really show how much our employees care to make a difference,” said William Moore. “Seeing Jesus’ smiling face and sharing this special moment with him will be remembered by all for a long time to come.”

About Desert Radiologists
Desert Radiologists has been serving Southern Nevada since 1966. Our expert team of radiologists is the largest group of physicians providing quality diagnostic imaging in Nevada. We have 5 outpatient locations throughout Las Vegas and Henderson and provide radiology services for 6 Southern Nevada hospitals. Desert Radiologists offers the most comprehensive procedures available including Angiography, Computed Tomography (CT), DEXA Bone Densitometry, Dental Implant CT Scanning, Diagnostic Radiology (X-ray), Interventional & Cardiovascular Radiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT), Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) and Ultrasound. In addition, Desert Vascular Institute provides a complete array of vascular services. For more information visit www.desertrad.com.

Dr. Creed’s 25th Anniversary

DR. LUTHER CREED CELEBRATES 25 YEARS WITH DESERT RADIOLOGISTS

July 14, 2008

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Desert Radiologists, Nevada’s largest and most trusted medical imaging company celebrates Dr. Luther Creed and his 25 years of service.

On July 1st, Dr. Creed achieved his milestone 25th anniversary with Desert Radiologists. Just as Desert Radiologists has a long standing 42-year history in Las Vegas, so does Dr. Creed. His contributions to the community began in 1983 when Dr. Creed joined the practice and began serving the people of Southern Nevada. Over the past 25 years he has developed a solid reputation for his women’s imaging expertise.

“25 years goes by very quickly when you like what you do. I’m proud to be a part of this community and Desert Radiologists,” said Luther Creed, M.D.

Dr. Creed’s sojourn in medicine includes medical school at the University of Arizona, an internship at the LDS hospital in Salt Lake City, Indian Health Services in Tuba City, Arizona, residency training in radiology at the University of Arizona and the last 25 years with Desert Radiologists.

About Desert Radiologists
Desert Radiologists has been serving Southern Nevada since 1966. Our expert team of radiologists is the largest group of physicians providing quality diagnostic imaging in Nevada. We have 5 outpatient locations throughout Las Vegas and Henderson and provide radiology services for 6 Southern Nevada hospitals. Desert Radiologists offers the most comprehensive procedures available including Angiography, Computed Tomography (CT), DEXA Bone Densitometry, Dental Implant CT Scanning, Diagnostic Radiology (X-ray), Interventional & Cardiovascular Radiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT), Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) and Ultrasound. In addition, Desert Vascular Institute provides a complete array of vascular services. For more information visit www.desertrad.com.

Desert Radiologists Safety Standards

DESERT RADIOLOGISTS SETS SAFE PRACTICE STANDARDS
Use of 100% Prefilled/Single Use Syringes and Complete ACR Accreditation Demonstrate Company’s Commitment to Quality Care

April 21, 2008

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Desert Radiologists, Nevada’s largest and most trusted medical imaging company today announced that it utilizes 100% prefilled/single-use syringes to administer contrast media and the company has undergone an extensive accreditation process with the American College of Radiology (ACR).

“The company’s commitment to patient safety is not new. Quality control standards at Desert Radiologists have been demonstrated at all levels of the practice since its inception in 1966. In fact, we require all employees to complete annual safety training and pass an exam to demonstrate their understanding of the safety program,” said William P. Moore II, Desert Radiologists CEO. “Prefilled/single-use syringes, our annual safety training program and our ACR accreditation are just timely events that demonstrate our continued safe practices.”

Using prefilled/single-use syringes reduces the risk of infection, contamination and medication errors. Other benefits include, color-coded labels eliminate the risks associated with unlabeled syringes as well as meeting regulatory requirements. Prefilled/single-use syringes reduce preparation time and meet the requirement of using the most ready-to-use products available.

Over the past year, Desert Radiologists completed the rigorous process of accrediting all required modalities at all facilities. This involved submitting 42 detailed applications to the ACR for inspection and review. Desert Radiologists has met ACR accreditation requirements since 1990, two years before this first became mandatory for mammography.

ACR accreditation ensures that our centers have voluntarily gone through a stringent review process to meet nationally accepted standards; personnel are well qualified, through education and certification, to perform and interpret medical images and administer radiation therapy treatments; equipment is appropriate for the test or treatment; and the facility meets or exceeds quality assurance and safety guidelines.

About Desert Radiologists
Desert Radiologists has been serving Southern Nevada since 1966. Our expert team of radiologists is the largest group of physicians providing quality diagnostic imaging in Nevada. We have 5 outpatient locations throughout Las Vegas and Henderson and provide radiology services for 6 Southern Nevada hospitals. Desert Radiologists offers the most comprehensive procedures available including Angiography, Computed Tomography (CT), Dexa Bone Densitometry, Dental Implant CT Scanning, Diagnostic Radiology (X-ray), Interventional & Cardiovascular Radiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT), Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) and Ultrasound. In addition, Desert Vascular Institute provides a complete array of vascular services. For more information visit www.desertrad.com.

Make-A-Wish: Doctor for a Day

DESERT RADIOLOGISTS MAKING A CHILD’S WISH COME TRUE

April 14, 2008

Desert Radiologists made the wish of a Las Vegas girl come true on Monday, April 14th. Ten year old Beatrice Nortey has dreamed of becoming a doctor since she was a toddler. Living with sickle cell anemia, Beatrice has spent a significant amount of time being the patient, but for one day she experienced life from the other side - being a doctor for the day.

Desert Radiologists has a long reputation in the community and philanthropy is a big part of our 42-year history. We were not only looking for a way to give back, but to get involved. After selecting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada as our corporate charity for 2008, we heard Beatrice’s story and knew instantly this was a perfect fit for Desert Radiologists. We immediately began planning her special day.

Beatrice and her family arrived at Desert Radiologists to a red carpet luncheon. She was presented with her official doctor kit that included scrubs, a lab coat, pink Crocs and a doctor bag filled with supplies by Dr. Bruce Topper, Dr. Morris Schaner and Desert Radiologists’ CEO, William Moore. She then met her secret celebrity patient, Sean Patrick Flaherty, who played Bobby J. in last summer’s hit movie, Daddy Day Camp. Sean presented Beatrice with a stuffed animal, Alicia Keys CDs and of course an autographed Daddy Day Camp DVD.

Dr. Beatrice began her rounds shortly after lunch where she simulated a CT scan on her celebrity patient, Sean Patrick. She escorted him onto the scanner table where she prepared him for the exam and provided the necessary protective gear. Dr. Beatrice was a quick learner; she explained the procedure in detail demonstrating the steps of an actual CT scan. She then proceeded to the radiology reading room, where she consulted with Dr. Maureen McCormack on what a radiologist looks for and the equipment used to complete a diagnosis.

Her next stop was at the pediatric department of UMC hospital where she was presented with an honorary medical degree for the day from the University of Nevada School of Medicine. Waiting at the “Nortey Clinic” were two patients (dolls) that needed Dr. Beatrice’s immediate attention. Her first patient suffered from a broken leg and a head laceration. She called in the help of pediatric radiologist Dr. Mary Jane Magruder who confirmed the patient needed a cast. Her next patient had swallowed a coin. She again consulted with Dr. Magruder and discovered her patient had a penny that needed to be removed.

After a long day of rounds, Dr. Beatrice’s limo arrived at Desert Radiologists to escort the Nortey family home where Beatrice could continue her dream of becoming a doctor, maybe even joining Desert Radiologists one day!

Desert Radiologists Selects Zotec Partners

DESERT RADIOLOGISTS SELECTS ZOTEC PARTNERS AS IT’S BILLING SERVICES PROVIDER
Outsourcing will allow Desert Radiologists to concentrate on plans for growth and enhanced patient care

February 28, 2008

Desert Radiologists is pleased to announce that it has contracted with Zotec Partners to provide billing services. This strategic move will reduce operating costs while deploying superior technology from a local radiology billing company that will employ many of the Desert Radiologists’ business office employees. Desert Radiologists will begin using Zotec Partners’ billing services in March of 2008.

“As Desert Radiologists focuses on its future plans for the practice, we need to be confident the company managing our accounts receivable has the knowledge, technology and expertise to produce our desired results,” said William P. Moore II, Chief Executive Officer of Desert Radiologists. “Four factors weighed heavily in our decision; Zotec’s reputation from existing clients; their private practice radiology billing expertise; having a local office to work with; and our belief that Zotec’s technology and radiology focus will work best for our group.”

Desert Radiologists has been committed to serving the people of Nevada with convenient, efficient and high quality health care for more than 40 years. As the group continues to grow with centers in the Las Vegas, Henderson and Summerlin communities, it upholds a commitment to serve as the area's chief resource for diagnostic radiology services covering all imaging modalities.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the marketing department at 702-759-8700.

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