Beginning June 24, the Diagnostic Imaging Department at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital will offer expanded hours for ultrasound: 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with emergency on-call service available at all other times.

Previously, ultrasound services have been available from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays only, with emergency on-call.

“We are excited to offer expanded hours,” said Trindee Coleman, department manager. “It’s difficult for patients to take time off from work for a medical appointment so we hope these new hours will provide more flexibility for scheduling.”

“Imaging is an important tool in diagnosing and treating injury and illnesses,” Coleman continued. “Also, with the addition of another Interventional radiologist, we will also be able to offer image-guided needle biopsies and an assortment of other interventional procedures every week in the near future.”

With an image-guided needle biopsy, clinicians can obtain a small sample of cells from inside a patient’s body, for example, the liver or the breast, for analysis.

Coleman said expanded hours are possible because of the addition of another staff member to the ultrasound team.

Diagnostic Imaging services offered at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital include bone density testing/DEXA, CT scan, 3-D digital mammography, echocardiography, MRI, PET scan, digital X-ray and ultrasound with 3-D capability.

For more information about Diagnostic Imaging Services, call 541-996-7145.