Radiology

MRIs let your doctor see detailed images of the inside of your body. You’ll be asked to follow some specific instructions prior to your exam, which will include removing all jewelry, hearing aids and glasses, completely emptying your pockets and possibly removing your makeup. MRIs use powerful magnets, for safety and to allow the clearest images possible, it’s important that no metal be in the room with the MRI.

Learn more about MRIs.

The CoxHealth Breast Care Clinic offers breast MRI for patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, or those who are at particularly high risk for developing the disease.

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray exam of your breast that is used to screen for and diagnose breast cancer. CoxHealth offers all-digital mammography for clearer, more detailed images.

Experts recommend women receive a baseline screening mammogram by age 40. At CoxHealth, referrals are not required for mammograms. Call the location most convenient for you to schedule your mammogram:

- Springfield: 417-269-5239

- Monett: 417-354-1138

- Branson: 417-348-8313

- Barton County: 417-681-5161

View our page on mammograms for additional details or learn more about breast MRIs.

CTs use X-rays and computer scans to create a detailed picture of specific areas of your body. CT is typically used to examine soft tissues, such as your sinuses, blood vessels and organs.

Learn more about CTs.

Ultrasounds or sonograms use high-frequency sound waves to create images. This test is commonly used to monitor pregnancy, to examine your abdomen or pelvis and blood vessels leading to your brain and extremities or as an additional step in diagnosing breast cancer. It can also be used to guide a needle during biopsy procedures.

Learn more about ultrasounds.

Nuclear medicine uses a small amount of radioactive material to help your doctor diagnose certain diseases and conditions, especially in the very early stages.

Learn more about nuclear medicine.

PET and PET- CT is a branch of nuclear medicine. PET scans create an image of your body's metabolic activity, using a small amount of injected radioactive material. PET - CT combine the information from a PET scan with the anatomical information from a CT scan. When the CT is superimposed over a PET scan, doctors can pinpoint areas of concern.

Learn more about PET scans.

Routine X-rays use external radiation to produce images of your tissue, bones, internal organs and vessels.

Learn more about X-rays.

Fluoroscopy is like an X-ray in real time. A continuous X-ray beam is passed through your body and the image is transmitted to a video screen so your doctor can closely examine a specific body part and its movement. Fluoroscopy is often used during procedures.

Learn more about fluoroscopy.

Bone densitometry scans use a low dose of radiation to measure bone loss. The scan is typically performed on your lower spine and hips while you lay on a padded table.

To schedule a bone densitometry exam, call 417-269-4664, or view our page on bone health for more details.

Learn more about bone density tests.

A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a test that uses X-rays to take pictures of the urinary system. It shows how well the bladder and its connecting tubes (the urethra and the ureters) are working.

Before the test, discuss with your doctor any previous difficult catheterizations or VCUGs. Before coming to the hospital, explain to your child what will happen in words they can understand. For younger children, it is best to explain right before the test. Sometimes, it is difficult to know how to explain this test to children. If you would like help, please call a child life specialist at 417-730-7133.

Learn more about cystography.