Introducing Taranaki Radiology as part of the I-MED Radiology Network

We understand that you have choices when it comes to deciding where to go for your imaging examination.  What should you consider when you are looking for a radiology provider?

Experience and Expertise

Taranaki Radiology opened in January 2016 providing the province with it’s first truly private radiology provider. Since that time we have scanned and imaged thousands of patients. Our dedicated team has highly experienced radiologists, technologists, and support staff so you know you’re receiving the best care possible every time you meet with someone from our team.

Our Experts

Radiologists are the specialists who interpret x-rays, mammograms, MRI, CT and ultrasound scans and provide your referrer with the results.

Our radiologists bring a wide variety of sub-specialty skills to the clinic including interventional radiology and are well respected in the medical community. They use a team approach and are able to consult freely with each other in the event of challenging or difficult cases. This depth and breadth of knowledge is a real benefit to our patients and their referrers.

The Right Exam for the Right Reasons

Should you have an MRI, a CT or an Ultrasound or will an x-ray suffice? There are many considerations as to which examination is most appropriate for each individual case, and even how to structure each examination for optimal imaging. For that reason, our radiologists review and protocol all referrals before we call you to book a scan. If a different exam than the one ordered by your referrer would be more appropriate for you, our radiologists will let you and your referrer know. That way, we maximize the likelihood that we will get the answers you need and minimize the likelihood that you will need an additional, different kind of examination down the track.

At Taranaki Radiology, we have MRI, CT, Mammography, Ultrasound and X-ray equipment, so you and your referrer can be assured, we’ll give you the right examination for the right reasons.

Equipment

Just like cars, advanced medical imaging equipment comes in different makes and models. With MRI for example, there are many different configurations as to the size, shape and strength of machine.  The strength of the magnets in an MR machine is measured in Tesla. The most common strength machine is a 1.5 Tesla and it is what you will find in hospitals throughout New Zealand. At our clinic, we operate a Siemens Skyra 3-Tesla MRI.

All our imaging equipment is up-to-date and rigorously maintained.

Information

At Taranaki Radiology, our staff are happy to answer all of your questions or provide you with information or materials you may find helpful.

Wait times

Do you need your scan done as soon as possible or would you like it next Tuesday afternoon to better fit your schedule? At Taranaki Radiology, we will do our absolute best to schedule your scan for a time and date that fits with your needs. We will also be happy to coordinate the timing of your scan with specialist appointments or treatment you have scheduled.

In addition, your scan will be reviewed and reported quickly.

Cost

Prices for different scans vary depending on the complexity of the scan being done and the type of machine it is being done on. If you have any questions about what an examination would cost, please give us a call.

Request a quote for a clear and transparent price.  Once you have a quote from Taranaki Radiology, that is the price you will pay – there are no hidden surprises.

A 3T MRI scan, also known as a 3-Tesla MRI, is the most powerful and efficient MRI scanner in clinical use. As the name suggests, 3T scanners use strong magnets that create a magnetic field twice as powerful as a 1.5T scanner. As a result, 3T MRIs can produce clearer images in a shorter amount of time. In comparison to other MRI scans, 3T scans provide more detailed information about the organs and soft tissue. Your doctor may recommend a 3T MRI in order to obtain images of the brain, spine or soft joint tissue, prostate or to see detail inside the bones and blood vessels. 3T MRI scans may also serve as replacements for more invasive vascular studies. Though 3T scans use stronger magnets than typical MRIs, they remain comfortable for the patient. By offering shorter scan times without sacrificing image quality, patients who receive 3T MRIs have a more pleasant scan experience overall.

Traditionally, mammography produced images of your breast tissue on film. Today, this technique has been replaced with digital mammography.
Digital mammography uses the same procedure as the traditional mammography whereby the breast is compressed to spread the tissue apart for an accurate image taken by low-dose X-rays. The difference is that instead of processing the images on screen-film, digital mammography uses a computer to capture a digital image (mammogram) of the breast tissue. This method is much more accurate, much faster, and makes it easier to share the images between health care practitioners taking care of you.

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis is often referred to as 3D mammography or just tomosynthesis. It combines the advantages of digital mammography with a 3D image of the breasts. 3D tomosynthesis creates multiple images or “slices” of the breast tissue which allows our radiologists to see greater detail and helps reduce the impact of overlapping breast tissue. The process is performed at the same time as a normal mammogram, with no noticeable differences in the experience or examination time for the patient.

A referral from a suitably qualified referrer is necessary for most examinations: GPs, Specialists, Midwives, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Nurse Practitioners, Podiatrists and Dentists can all refer you to Taranaki Radiology.
At Taranaki Radiology you can self-refer for a screening mammogram.

Remember – in line with the Health & Disability Commissioners Code of Patient Rights you get to choose where you have your imaging performed.