On this page, you will find useful information on diagnostic tests and link to various educational websites. One Call Medical provides customer education through our Clinical Services Message Center, on-site medical in-services, and quarterly newsletters. OCM issues continuing education units toward renewal of licenses and professional certifications for nurses and adjusters. For more information on setting up educational in-services with our Medical Director, please contact our Pittsburgh Office at (724) 449-4626. If you have medical or case related questions, please contact our Clinical Services Message Center at (800) 872-2875 Ext. 3431, and a nurse or physician will contact you within 24-48 business hours.

ARTHROGRAM
Imaging of a joint (such as the knee) following the injection of a contrast agent into the joint capsule to enhance the visualization of the joint structures.

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BONE DENSITY
A bone density scan is a low-dose x-ray which checks an area of the body such as the hip, hand or foot for signs of mineral loss and bone thinning. There are four different types: 1) Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), 2) Peripheral dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (P-DEXA), 3) Dual photon absorptiometry (DPA), and 4) Ultrasound.

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BONE SCAN
A bone scan is a Nuclear Medicine test that identifies new areas of bone growth and/or breakdown. It can be done to detect and/or evaluate damage to the bones, to detect cancer that has spread to the bone, and to detect infection and trauma. It can often detect problems days to months earlier than regular X-ray testing.

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CT/CAT SCAN
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a special type of X-ray that uses a computer to combine many separate x-rays to produce detailed pictures of structures inside the body. A CT scan is also called a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan.

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EMG & NCS
EMG & NCS (Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Study) is a diagnostic test for evaluation of conditions involving the muscles and/or the nerves. It is done in three parts: a history and physical exam to tailor the EMG to the patients unique circumstances, the EMG (muscle) portion and the NCS (nerve) portion. It is used to determine the health and functioning of muscles and nerves. While it is possible to do the parts separately, they should be done together for the most accurate results per the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine guidelines.

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EPIDURAL
A type of spinal injection where a corticosteroid (an anti-inflammation medicine) is injected into the spinal canal where it bathes the sheath that surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots. It can be used to both diagnose and treat spinal injuries by localizing the area of pain and reducing or eliminating the pain.

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FACET BLOCKS
A type of spinal injection where local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid is injected into a facet joint, which is the point where one vertebra connects to another. It can be used to both diagnose and treat spinal injuries.

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FLUOROSCOPY
Fluoroscopy uses a continuous beam of X-rays to evaluate structures and movement within the body. It can be used to help a health professional locate a foreign object in the body, position a catheter or needle for a procedure, or realign a broken bone.

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MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI provides information that cannot be obtained from an X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan. The main contrast medium for MRI is Gadolinium.

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MYELOGRAM
Myelography is an X-ray study of the spinal canal. A dye (contrast material) that contains iodine is injected into the fluid-filled space (called the subarachnoid space) that surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots; this makes them visible on X-ray pictures. X-ray (or CT) pictures are taken as the contrast material moves into different areas of the subarachnoid space.

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PET SCAN
Positron emission tomography (or PET scan) is a test that combines computed tomography (CT) and nuclear scanning. During a PET scan, a radioactive substance called a tracer is combined with a chemical substance and either inhaled or injected into a vein. The tracer emits tiny, positively charged particles (called positrons) that produce signals. A special camera records the tracer's signals as it travels through the body and collects in organs. A computer then converts the signals into three-dimensional images of the examined organ. PET scans provide information about an organ's function (metabolism).

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X-RAY
X-rays are a form of radiation, like light or radio waves, that can pass through many objects, including the human body. When X-rays strike a piece of photographic film, they produce a picture. This can be used to create a pictures of the body structures such as the bones, organs, muscles and blood vessels. The denser the material, such as bone, the clearer the picture is.

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Educational Links:

www.acr.org – The 30,000 members of the American College of Radiology include radiologists, radiation oncologists and medical physicists. For over three quarters of a century, the ACR has devoted its resources to making imaging safe, effective and accessible to those who need it.

www.aanem.org - The primary goal of the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) is to serve physicians who diagnose and treat patients with disorders of muscle and nerve, extend the knowledge of electrodiagnostic medicine, and improve the quality of patient care.

www.radiologyinfo.org - RadiologyInfo™ is the Public Information Web site developed and funded by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). It was established to inform and educate the public about radiologic procedures and the role of radiologists in healthcare, and to improve communications between physicians and their patients.

www.auntminnie.org - A community Internet site for radiologists and related professionals in the medical imaging industry that provides forums, and the latest news and information on medical imaging.

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