Imaging Services in Central Texas

Nobody likes to be left waiting — especially when you're concerned about your health. That’s why our AdventHealth network, formerly Metroplex Health System, offers top-quality medical imaging to the Lampasas and Killeen communities, delivered with speed and accuracy. Equipped with leading technologies and staffed by our highly trained, accredited experts, our imaging center provides critical answers when you need them the most. Our full range of Imaging Services includes:

• Bone densitometry (DEXA) scans are simple, non-invasive procedures to detect bone thinning and mineral loss to diagnose osteoporosis or calculate your risk of bone fractures.
• Breast MRIs are non-invasive, highly detailed scans that help us identify breast cancer early.
• Cardiac CT scans can detect coronary artery disease in the early stages.
• Computer tomography (CT) scans produce images of your brain, organs, bones, and soft-tissue structures in a non-invasive, painless exam.
• Digital mammograms share highly detailed images with the physician almost instantly to bring you results faster.
• Echocardiograms are ultrasounds of the heart to make sure it is functioning well.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are highly useful imaging tests that help us reach an accurate diagnosis with detailed pictures of your organs, soft tissues, bones, and other structures.
• Nuclear Medicine uses radiotracers to assess your body’s functions and catch diseases like cancer early.
• Ultrasounds, sometimes called sonography or diagnostic medical sonography, use sound waves instead of radiation to create clear images of the inside of your body.
• Vascular imaging helps us detect problems with blood flow and veins.
• X-rays (also called radiography) are quick tests that capture detailed images of the inside of your body and help diagnose and evaluate broken bones and fractures.

You deserve the best. We're pleased to offer a number of advanced imaging technologies to make your experience smoother and more comfortable. To reduce claustrophobia during MRI scans, we offer the only MRI in Killeen and the surrounding communities that's open on four sides. Our MRI technology can instantly transmit images to the radiologist, making the process faster and eliminating the need for additional views. We're committed to doing whatever we can to ease your mind and improve your health.

When you know what to expect, you can be more confident and less anxious. We need to know what to expect too, which is why, before your exam, we’ll talk about your medical history and any allergies you may have.

Your imaging test should last between 30 minutes and an hour. For some tests, you may need to change into scrubs or a gown, and we may ask you to remove any metal jewelry or electronic devices. In certain cases, you may need to fast for several hours beforehand. To help us get a clearer look at the inside of your body, we may ask you to drink a liquid called a contrast or a radiotracer, or we may inject this intravenously. You can trust that your exam will be either minimally invasive or non-invasive, which means any recovery period you need will be short.

It’s natural to feel anxious going into a procedure, but we’ll be here to guide you along from start to finish. After your test, your imaging team will carefully assess each picture and try to deliver your results as soon as possible. If you have any concerns or questions, just ask. We’re here to ease your mind as we help your body begin the healing process. To learn more about what to expect for your individual test, visit us or talk to your doctor.

When you're looking for support, we'll be there. As part of AdventHealth, we’re dedicated to finding and offering advanced treatments for women’s health and well-being. Our Sue Mayborn Women's Center offers cutting-edge technologies and unparalleled imaging quality that help us keep women and their babies safe, like prenatal ultrasounds and digital mammograms. Our Women's Center is exclusively designed to offer a compassionate healing environment for the best in women’s care.

Schedule a Mammogram Appointment at our Women's Center today.

Lung Cancer Screening

The low-dose CT/CAT scan for lung cancer screening is available at AdventHealth for patients who are current or former smokers. A clinical study found that there was a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality in patients undergoing the CAT scan compared to those receiving only a chest x-ray. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends an annual low-dose CAT scan screening for lung cancer.

The CAT scan for lung cancer is performed using a low-dose technique, resulting in radiation exposure much lower than that associated with a regular diagnostic chest CT. The scan is completed in only a few seconds.

Requirements:

• Between the ages of 55 – 77
• 30 pack-year smoking history (example: 30 years of smoking 1 pack per day or 15 years of smoking 2 packs per day)
• Currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years
• Must be shared decision with physician

To see if you qualify for a low-dose CAT scan, take the quiz.

To schedule your screening call your primary care physician to request a referral or call Call254-519-8500 to make an appointment with a physician to discuss screening eligibility.

Learn more about the screening by visiting radiologyinfo.org or click to learn more about the national clinical trial.

Aortic Aneurysm Screening

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA or “triple A”) is often called “silent killer,” because it typically develops slowly over a period of many years and there are no obvious symptoms of the disease. If the aneurysm ruptures, there is a very high mortality/death rate.

A simple 10 minute ultrasound procedure can be performed as a screening test to evaluate for AAA. If you are diagnosed with an aneurysm, you may be a candidate for a nonsurgical treatment of the aneurysm (endovascular aortic repair).

Screening is strongly recommended for men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have ever smoked. Men who have not smoked and/or women with family history of aortic aneurysm may benefit from AAA screening ultrasound as well. Ask your doctor if screening is right for you.

As part of our dedication to the highest level of vascular care, we have applied for accreditation from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission for our state-of-the-art vascular lab.