Providence Hospital: Southfield, Providence Park Hospital: Novi, St. John Health, St. John Hospital & Medical Center: Detroit, St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Macomb Center
Cardiac Care, Oncology (cancer)
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
A medical device on wheels is helping St. John Health doctors better diagnose and treat cancer and heart disease. St. John Health is one of the first health systems in the state to offer a mobile PET/CT scanner. PET/CT is one of the most advanced diagnostic technologies available.
Housed in the back of a plush motor coach, the mobile PET/CT scanner is available at three St. John Health sites on a rotating basis; St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit, St. John Macomb Hospital in Warren, and Providence Park Medical Center, Novi.
Considered a powerful diagnostic breakthrough, PET/CT is a technology that combines images from the highly sensitive PET scan, which detects changes in the way cells behave, with detailed pictures of internal anatomy from the CT scan. After the PET and CT scans are obtained, computer manipulation allows the two exams to be viewed independently, as well as in a superimposed form. This combined image shows precisely where abnormalities exist, making it possible for earlier cancer and heart disease diagnosis, accurate staging and more precise treatment and monitoring. The PET/CT image also provides early detection of the recurrence of cancer, revealing tumors that may otherwise be obscured by scarring that results from surgery and radiation therapy, especially in the head and neck areas.
“By offering this advanced outpatient diagnostic tool in three different counties, St. John Health is ensuring that patients from throughout metropolitan Detroit have increased access to the very latest technology while remaining close to home,” says James Tucci, M.D., chief medical officer for St. John Health.
St. John Health has partnered with Medical Outsourcing Services, one of the largest providers of PET and PET/CT services in the Midwest to bring PET/CT to the communities they serve. The PET/CT scanner is a product of General Electric.
A physician’s referral is required for the procedure to be performed. Scans can be scheduled by calling 1-866-667-7226.
Back
