Blue Water Area's Professional Radiology Team

Yes. Under federal and Michigan healthcare regulations, diagnostic examinations—including MRI, CT scans, ultrasounds, nuclear medicine, fluoroscopy, and specialized diagnostic mammography—require a valid signed order from your referring physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Routine annual screening mammography for women age 40 and older generally does not require a prior physician referral.

Modern radiology systems utilize state-of-the-art dose reduction technologies. Our radiologists strictly uphold the ALARA principle ("As Low As Reasonably Achievable"), adjusting radiation exposure parameters according to patient size and clinical indication. Furthermore, procedures like MRI and Ultrasound produce zero ionizing radiation.

Your written diagnostic radiology report is electronically transmitted to your ordering healthcare provider immediately upon completion. If you require physical CD copies of your digital imaging files or signed copies of your radiologist report, you can request them directly through the medical records or radiology department of the hospital facility where your procedure took place.

Preparation varies significantly by modality:

• MRI: Remove all metallic objects, jewelry, watches, hearing aids, and inform staff of any implanted pacemakers, surgical clips, or metal fragments.
• Abdominal Ultrasound / CT: Often requires fasting (nothing to eat or drink) for 4 to 8 hours prior to examination.
• Pelvic Ultrasound: Often requires drinking 32 ounces of water 1 hour prior to scan without emptying the bladder.
• Mammography: Avoid deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, or lotions on breasts or underarms on the exam day.