HAMLET — When it comes to maintaining good health, image — or actually, imaging — is everything.

In addition to the physical you get at your doctor’s office, diagnostic imaging tests assure that everything below the surface is in good working order — and help diagnose and monitor any conditions that warrant medical treatment.

Sandhills Regional Medical Center now offers digital mammography. This week, it was accredited by the American College of Radiology in mammography and brand new equipment was installed to better serve patients’ needs, according to hospital officials.

Digital mammography provides clearer images and quicker results, meaning greater accuracy and earlier detection if there is an issue. And, to eliminate the anxiety of waiting, results can typically be provided to your doctor within one day.

Digital images tend to provide doctors with better visibility of the breast, chest wall and dense breast tissue. Through computer-aided technology, radiologists are able to enhance certain areas of the digital images to get a more precise picture of a patient’s condition. The digital images can also be stored electronically and later retrieved to share with other doctors if needed in the future.

Diagnostic imaging has grown by leaps and bounds over the years as medical technology has advanced. In addition to X-rays, doctors now have the capability to examine muscles, organs and even blood flow through various imaging tests.

Taking a picture of what’s happening inside the body can help physicians correctly diagnose and treat health conditions. This provides a more complete picture of your overall health.

“If it’s time for you or someone you love to have a mammogram, please don’t wait,” the hospital said in a statement.

To learn more about imaging services available at Sandhills Regional, visit www.SandhillsRegional.com.

Wendy Wagner is director of marketing and physician liaison at Sandhills Regional Medical Center.

By Wendy Wagner

For the Daily Journal