Family Practice nurse practitioner
Best Specialty Care Close to Home
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CENTER FOR PRIMARY CARE
717 South state Street, Fairmont MN 56031
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SOUTH CENTRAL SURGICAL CENTER
OUR SERVICES
Taking Care of You
Open-Sided Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is a sophisticated diagnostic technique that produces high-resolution images without the use of radiation. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to image bone and other soft tissues such as cartilage, ligaments, muscles, fat, and tendons in the extremities.
At the Center for Specialty Care, our MRI is an open-sided scanner. Patient comfort is greatly enhanced when compared to the traditional closed, tunnel-like system. Patient claustrophobia and anxiety are decreased, but diagnostic accuracy is not lost.
Our MRI department has a fully trained staff to assist you and make you feel comfortable. Warm blankets are available upon request, as well as your favorite music to listen to while the exam is taking place. We assure your comfort and take time to answer all your questions.
Nerve Conduction/EMG Studies
Nerve conduction studies or Electromyogram (EMG) studies are the best diagnostic tool for the assessment of neuropathies, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Neurodiagnostic testing is also useful in the evaluation of back pain or sciatica, helping to determine the presence of nerve root involvement in cases of cervical and lumbosacral radiculopathy or lumbar spinal stenosis.
Bone Density Testing
Osteoporosis is a disease that results in the “thinning” of bones, leading to a loss of bone strength and increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis is responsible for 1.5 million fractures annually. The most common fractures are in the wrist, spine, and hip.
Testing for bone mineral density (BMD) can detect osteoporosis. The test provides information to determine the extent of bone and mineral loss. Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) testing is considered the most accurate way to predict the risk of fracture because bone mineral loss and fracture risk are often found together. DEXA screening is non-invasive and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Digital X-Rays
An x-ray is a number of invisible electromagnetic energy beams used to produce images of bones, internal tissue, and organs on film. X-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing fractures.
With digital x-ray, there are fewer chances of an injury being missed, and it is also more efficient for our patients. Because images are ready within 1 – 2 minutes of taking them, x-rays are ready for the provider to review by the time the patient is back to his or her exam room, thereby saving time. Additionally, fewer retakes are necessary with digital x-rays, meaning less exposure for the patient.
Bones are our business and we care about your health.