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 IR at OSMH |
Bloodwork
|
Sedation Used During Procedure |
Patient Prep Files |
Patient Information Files |
| Arthrogram Joint Injection for MRI imaging | Required if on blood thinners | No | Arthrogram Joint Injection Patient Prep | |
| AV Fistulogram, AV Fistula-Angioplasty, AV fistula-side branch embolization, or AV fistula-thrombolysis | Required | Yes | AVF Patient Prep | |
| Cholecystostomy Tube Change | No | No | Cholecystostomy Tube Change Patient Prep | Care After Biliary Drain Insertion Information |
| Cholecystostomy Tube Insertion | Required | Patient-dependent | Cholecystostomy Tube Insertion Patient Prep | Care After Biliary Drain Insertion Information |
| Drainage Catheter Insertion (i.e. abscess or collection) | Required | Patient-dependent | Drain Insertion Patient Prep | |
| Embolization (general vascular embolization) | Required | Yes | Embolization Patient Prep | |
| Gastrostomy Tube Insertion | Required | Yes | Gastrostomy Tube Insertion Patient Prep | |
| Biopsy (general, non-specific) | Required | No (generally) | General Biopsy Patient Prep | |
| Hemodialysis Line Exchange or Check | No | No | Hemodialysis Line Exchange Patient Prep | |
| Hemodialysis Line Insertion | Required | No | Hemodialysis Line Insertion Patient Prep | |
| Hemodialysis Line Removal | Required | No | Hemodialysis Line Removal Patient Prep | |
| IVC Filter Insertion or Removal | Required | Patient-dependent | IVC Filter Insertion or Removal Patient Prep | |
| Joint Aspiration | Required if on blood thinners | No | Joint Aspiration Patient Prep | |
| Liver Biopsy | Required | No | Liver Biopsy Patient Prep | Liver Biopsy Information |
| Lumbar Puncture for CSF or Steroid Injection | Required if on blood thinners | No | Lumbar Puncture of CSF or Steroid Patient Prep | |
| Nasogastric / Nasojejunal Tube Placement | No | Patient-dependent | Nasogastric – Nasojejunal Tube Placement Patient Prep | |
| Nephrostomy / Nephroureterostomy Tube Exchange | No | Generally no, but Patient-dependent | Nephrostomy or Nephroureterostomy Tube Exchange Patient Prep | Care After Nephrostomy and Nephroureterostomy Tube Insertion |
| Nephrostomy Tube Insertion | Required | Yes | Nephrostomy Tube Insertion Patient Prep | Care After Nephrostomy and Nephroureterostomy Tube Insertion |
| Ovarian Vein Embolization | Required | Yes | Ovarian Vein Embolization Patient Prep | |
| Paracentesis (Diagnostic only) | Required | No | Paracentesis (Diagnostic) Patient Prep | |
| Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Catheter Insertion | Required | Yes | PD Catheter Insertion Patient Prep | |
| PICC Line Exchange (or assessment) | No | No | PICC Line Exchange Patient Prep | PICC Line Information |
| PICC Line Insertion | Required | No | PICC Line Insertion Patient Prep | PICC Line Information |
| Port-a-Cath Insertion | Required | Yes | Port-a-Cath Insertion Patient Prep | Care after a Portacath |
| Port-a-Cath Removal | Required | No | Port-a-Cath Removal Patient Prep | |
| Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – kidney only | Required | Yes | Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Information | |
| Renal (kidney) Biopsy | Required | Generally no, but Patient-dependent | Renal Biopsy Patient Prep | Kidney Biopsy Information |
| Splenic (spleen) Biopsy | Required | Patient-dependent | Splenic Biopsy Patient Prep | |
| Steroid Joint Injection | Required if on blood thinners | No | Steroid Joint Injection Patient Prep | Steroid Injection Information |
| Suprapubic Catheter Insertion or Exchange | Required for insertion only | Yes for Insertion, Patient-dependent for Exchange | Suprapubic Catheter Insertion or Exchange Patient Prep | |
| Thoracentesis (Diagnostic only) | Required | No | Thoracentesis (Diagnostic) Patient Prep | |
| Tube Check / Change (general, non-specific) | Usually no | No | Tube Check – Exchange Patient Prep | |
| Tunneled Pleural Drain Change | No | No | Tunneled Pleural Drain Change Patient Prep | Tunneled Pleural Catheter Information |
| Tunneled Pleural Drain Insertion | Required | Yes | Tunneled Pleural Drain Insertion Patient Prep | Tunneled Pleural Catheter Information |
| Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE or UFE) | Required | Yes | Uterine Artery Embolization Patient Prep | |
| Varicocele Embolization | Required | Patient-dependent | Varicocele Embolization Patient Prep | Varicocele Embolization Information |
| Vascular Stent Insertion | Required | Yes | Vascular Stent Insertion Patient Prep | |
| Venogram | Required if on blood thinners | No | Venogram Patient Prep |
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 I.V 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.
Click Here for Cardiolite Stress Test Patient Information
- 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 Persantine Cardiolite 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.