Programs & Services

Diagnostic Imaging

Soldiers’ diagnostics departments take the time to ensure all levels of quality, safety and service are met or exceeded for all our patients

Diagnostic Imaging

Please refer to our Visiting Soldiers’ page for screening requirements and safety protocols.

The recently renovated Diagnostic Imaging Department is proud to offer a full range of diagnostic procedures to Orillia and the surrounding area.

We are focused on providing high quality service in a safe patient environment. Any concerns you may have about your exam you are encouraged to ask.

We are the second Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine in the North Simcoe Muskoka area and have contributed to reducing the wait times in our area significantly to help allow our patients to receive a quicker diagnosis. OSMH has also invested in and installed a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) which has eliminated the use of traditional x-ray film.

All patient images are now stored electronically and viewed on computer. This process has helped to reduce report turnaround times, increased availability of all studies to the physician and makes it easier to take studies to medical consultations. The PACS system at OSMH is shared with Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare and Georgian Bay General Hospital.

Imaging Records – PocketHealth

OSMH provides imaging records to patients and their care providers through secure, online access.

For personal access to your imaging records, please enroll online at www.pocket.health/OSMH or you may call 705-325-2201 ext. 3043.

Click Here for instructions on how to enroll in PocketHealth

If you are a physician, external hospital or imaging clinic wishing to learn more about the Access Page you have received, please review the following document:

Click Here for our Provider PocketHealth FAQ document

Diagnostic Imaging Services

Diagnostic Imaging now accepts eReferrals!

Please check the OCEAN Health Map for the eReferrals form information.

If you are a primary care provider and want to sign up for OCEAN eReferral, complete the online quick form or email eReferral@ehealthce.ca.

This is the preferred method of referral.

Walk-in Appointments

We are once again accepting walk-in appointments for x-rays only.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00am-5:00pm. Holidays and weekends excluded.
Patients are asked to enter OSMH through the main entrance with their x-ray requisition and register with Central Patient Scheduling and Registration for their walk-in appointment.

Radiology

Complete diagnostic services for inpatients and outpatients are provided by our staff, including x-rays, gastric exams, intravenous programs, computed tomography and special procedures.

Click Here for our X-Ray Requisition Form

Mammography

Mammography is an imaging service that produces high-quality images of the breast. This diagnostic service includes screening examinations, diagnostic evaluations and interventional procedures. We are an OBSP Breast Screening Centre.

Click Here for our Mammography Requisition Form

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

Spiral Computed Tomography or CT, is an x-ray imaging technology that uses computer manipulation to produce three-dimensional construction pictures as well as multi-plane studies of a patient’s anatomy. This service is used for diagnostic examinations as well as for emergency examinations, based on consultation between the referring physician and radiologist.

Click Here for our CT Requisition Form

Nuclear Medicine

This service involves state-of-the-art digital equipment featuring a Varicam photographic system that scans continuously while orbiting the body. Complete scans can be done in as little as 17 minutes. Varicam technology is used to diagnose circulatory problems, cardiac disease, bone, kidney, heart and lung problems, as well as cancer. It can also enhance diagnostic procedures for diseases such as breast cancer.

Click Here for our Nuclear Medicine Requisition Form

Bone Densitometry

The 15 minute bone densitometry test is used to find out if a patient has, or will develop, osteoporosis. Images are usually taken of the lower back and hip area. A baseline test is normally done around the time of menopause and may be repeated every two years.

Click Here for our Bone Densitometry Requisition Form

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to examine internal soft tissue in patients. Tests are done on internal abdominal or pelvic organs, and more superficial structures such as veins, arteries and thyroid glands.

Click Here for our Ultrasound Requisition Form

Click Here for Important Pregnancy Ultrasound Information for Families and Patients

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI is a procedure that uses magnetic fields instead of radiation to take detailed pictures of tissues and organs in the body. It is especially useful to see fine tissue contrast, internal organs and structures in great detail from different angles. An MRI is often done to diagnose brain and nervous system problems; bone, joint and muscle disorders; tumours; certain heart and blood vessel disease; or cancer of the reproductive organs, liver, kidneys, lymph nodes, bladder, pancreas or vocal cords. Depending on what is being examined, the MRI scan can last anywhere from 20 minutes and up.

Click Here for our MRI Requisition Form

Interventional Radiology (IR)

Interventional Radiology is an ever-evolving field within Diagnostic Imaging and is relatively new to OSMH (since 2017). IR is a procedures-based service that uses image guidance to perform surgical interventions on an out-patient and in-patient basis. See below for a compiled list of procedures and patient documents, as well as the IR requisition.

Click Here for our Request for Intervention Procedure Form

Procedures performed in Diagnostic Imaging at OSMH	Patient Information and Prep Files
Arthrogram Joint Injection for MRI imaging	Arthrogram Patient Information
AV Fistulogram, AV Fistula-Angioplasty, AV fistula-side branch embolization, or AV fistula-thrombolysis	Arteriovenous Fistula or Graft Patient Information
Breast Biopsy	Breast Biopsy Patient Information
Cholecystostomy Tube Change/ Insertion	Cholecystostomy Drain Patient Information
CT Guided Lung Biopsy	Lung Biopsy Patient Information
Drainage Catheter Insertion (i.e. abscess or collection)	Drainage Catheter Patient Information
Embolization (general vascular embolization)	Embolization General Patient Information
Gastrostomy Tube Insertion	Feeding Tube Patient Information
Biopsy (general, non-specific)	Biopsy General Patient Information
Hemodialysis Line Check or Exchange/ Insertion/ Removal	Hemodialysis Line Patient Information
IVC Filter Insertion or Removal	IVC Filter Patient Information
Joint Aspiration	Joint Aspiration Patient Information
Liver Biopsy	Liver Biopsy Patient Information
Lumbar Puncture for CSF or Steroid Injection	Lumbar Puncture for CSF or Steroid Injection Patient Information
Lymph Node Biopsy	Lymph Node Biopsy Patient Information
Nasogastric / Nasojejunal Tube Placement	Nasogastric and Nasojejunal Feeding Tubes Patient Information
Nephrostomy / Nephroureterostomy Tube Exchange/ Insertion	Nephrostomy - Nephroureterostomy Tube Patient Information
Ovarian Vein Embolization	Ovarian Vein Embolization Patient Information
Paracentesis (Diagnostic only)
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Catheter Insertion	Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Patient Information
PICC Line Check/ Exchange/ Insertion/ Removal	PICC Line Patient Information
Prostate Biopsy	Prostate Biopsy Patient Information
Port-a-Cath Insertion/ Removal	Port-a-Cath Insertion Patient Information
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – kidney only	Radiofrequency Ablation of the Kidney Patient Information
Renal (kidney) Biopsy	Renal Biopsy Patient Information
Splenic (spleen) Biopsy
Steroid Joint Injection	Steroid Injection Patient Information
Suprapubic Catheter Insertion or Exchange	Suprapubic Catheter Patient Information
Thoracentesis (Diagnostic only)
Thyroid Biopsy	Thyroid Biopsy Patient Information
Tube Check / Change (general, non-specific)
Tunneled Pleural Drain Change/ Insertion	Tunneled Pleural Drain Patient Information
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE or UFE)	Uterine Artery Embolization Patient Information
Varicocele Embolization	Varicocele Embolization Patient Information
Vascular Stent Insertion	Vascular Stent Insertion Patient Information
Venogram

Cardio-Respiratory Diagnostics

Cardio-Respiratory diagnostics offers a variety of testing based on the individual needs from a physician referral. Testing offered at OSMH includes:

Acute Cardiac Evaluation Services (ACES)

Acute cardiac evaluation service is a rapid access clinic for urgent cardiac diagnostic testing and consultation with internal medicine. Referrals are received from both the emergency department as well as family physicians. Patients will be seen as soon as possible, usually within a 48 hour period.

Cardiac Stress Test

A stress test, sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, helps a doctor find out how well your heart responds to exertion. The patient is attached to an ECG monitor while they walk on a treadmill. Their heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure are monitored by the cardio technologist.

Click Here for Cardiac Stress Test Patient Information

Myocardial Perfusion Studies

Also referred to as Nuclear stress testing may be indicated when there are contraindications to a regular exercise stress test or when a doctor requires more information from the stress test.

Cardiolite
In addition to a regular stress test the patient will have an IV inserted where the nuclear technologist can inject a nuclear tracer at peak exercise. The nuclear tracer will allow the doctor to see areas of the heart that may be suggestive of coronary artery disease. You will be required to return for secondary (resting) imaging on another day given to you by the nuclear technologist.
Persantine
A nuclear imaging study for patients who are unable to effectively perform a regular stress test. You will be given an IV where the physician will administer a medication that will simulate exercise in the body followed by an injection of the nuclear tracer. You will be required to return for secondary (resting) imaging on another day given to you by the nuclear technologist.

Click Here for Myocardial Perfusion Stress Test Patient Information

Holter Monitor

A Holter monitor is a battery-operated portable device that measures and records your heart’s electrical activity. The doctor may order this test to learn more from your heart during everyday situations. The test can be 24/48/72 hours or 7/14 days.

ECG

An electrocardiogram is a non-invasive test that checks the function of your heart by measuring its electrical activity. Ten electrodes are attached to the patient’s chest, arms and legs to record heart rate and rhythm.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)

ABPM is a battery-operated portable device that measures and records your blood pressure over 24 hours. This exam is not covered by OHIP which carries a $75 fee payable to OSMH, please refer to http://osmh.on.ca/paymybill for instruction. Fees can be submitted to your personal benefits plan for reimbursement.

Click Here for our Cardiac Diagnostics Referral Form

Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can help your healthcare provider diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders.