Tuesday, November 7, 2023
At Norman Regional Health System, we've come a long way since introducing our very first CT machine – a single-slice marvel that would transform medical imaging. During Radiologic Technology Week (Rad Tech Week), we should think about the important role radiology has played in our success story. We should also consider the significant advancements we have made over time.
From Humble Beginnings to Advanced Imaging: The CT Revolution
Can you imagine a CT scan taking up to 10 minutes for just a single image? That was the reality when NRHS welcomed its first CT machine – a single-slice scanner. Today, our advanced 32-slice and 64-slice CT machines have dramatically sped up the process.
But we aren’t stopping there! Norman Regional's Inspire Health plan is ushering in the era of 128-slice machines. Imagine scanning the entire heart in one beat or imaging a patient's whole body in just a few seconds. These machines don't just save time; they enhance image quality, reduce patient discomfort, and ensure superior outcomes.
A Year of Outstanding Achievements: Radiology by the Numbers
In Fiscal Year 2023, our Radiology Department achieved a staggering 214,503 exams! Here's a quick breakdown:
- 1,083 PET/CT studies
- 52,418 CTs
- 10,906 MRIs
- 32,366 Mammography and DEXA studies
- 2,949 Nuclear Medicine exams
- 23,529 Ultrasounds
- 91,252 X-Rays
With the completion of Inspire Health, our resources will grow, encompassing:
- 7 MRI scanners, 6 of which will be wide-bore units capable of accommodating patients up to 500 lbs
- 8 CT scanners, with a new Interventional Radiology suite.
- Over 20 ultrasound machines and 11 X-Ray rooms.
- 3 centers offering screening mammograms and DEXA studies.
Did You Know?
- Our Radiology team processes an average of 700 exams every weekday and another 300 during weekends.
- One of our staff members had the thrilling experience of scanning a mummy for a museum!
- We frequently aid regional zoos with CT and MRI scans for animal diagnosis. Contrary to popular belief, there's a unique harness system to support animals exceeding machine weight limits.
- Our exam volumes saw a growth of 3,000 from 2022 to 2023, and a whopping 11,000 the year before.
.png)
A look at different imaging modalities using a pineapple
The Heartbeat of Radiology: Our Team
Our main Radiology department comprises over 170 team members spanning various locations. Including our allied departments, we're proud to have over 200 dedicated professionals. Here are some awe-inspiring figures:
- Over 18,000 exams per month this fiscal year.
- 133 radiologic technologists and sonographers with a collective 1,462 years of experience at NRHS.
- The average technologist has 11 years of professional experience.
- Our longest-serving member boasts an incredible tenure of 41 years!
If you're in need of imaging services, we offer advanced options across our three main campuses. With a focus on quality and convenience, our team is here for all your imaging needs.
We offer:
- MRI – Routine head, spines, joints, MR arthrograms, MRA head and neck
- CT – Routine, cardiac calcium scoring, bone mineral density, CT angiography
- Computerized Radiography
- Digital Radiography
- Nuclear Medicine – Whole body bone scans, lung ventilation scans, renal function scans, hepatobiliary scans, myocardial perfusion stress tests and more
- Ultrasound – Obstetrics, abdominal, vascular, cardiac echo and more
- Mammography – Screening and Diagnostic
- Fluoroscopy
Working with MDsave, we also provide a way to manage the cost, especially if you're uninsured or have a high-deductible plan. To learn more or set up an appointment at any of our locations, call us at 405-307-2290. For details on services and pricing, see here.
Radiologic Technology Week is a special occasion for us at Norman Regional. A chance to celebrate our advancements, acknowledge our milestones and express gratitude for our incredible team. Happy Radiologic Technology Week!