OAHS Expands Access to Nuclear Medicine Services

Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) has expanded access to its Nuclear Medicine services by installing a dedicated imaging system in the Radiology Department. The new equipment allows OAHS to perform a wider range of studies locally, while providing patients with improved scheduling options and greater convenience.

“We saw the need to have our own Nuclear Medicine imaging system on site,” said Lacey Busack, OAHS Radiology Manager. “Previously, Nuclear Medicine services were available through a mobile unit one day a week. Patients who could not be scheduled during that limited availability often had to travel to Watertown, Sioux Falls, or Fargo. Having the equipment on site allows us to provide greater availability and serve patients closer to home.”

Nuclear Medicine uses a small amount of radioactive material to create images that show how organs and tissues are functioning. During an exam, the patient lies on a table while the camera moves around them to capture detailed images of organs and tissues. The camera detects the radioactive material as it moves through the body, allowing providers to evaluate specific organs and body systems.

One of the primary studies performed at OAHS is cardiac stress testing. Other studies include HIDA scans to evaluate gallbladder function, gastric emptying studies, bone scans, and thyroid imaging. These studies may be ordered to evaluate a variety of heart, digestive, thyroid, and bone conditions.

OAHS’s imaging system is operated by a Nuclear Medicine technologist with specialized training and more than 20 years of experience. Nuclear Medicine studies are currently offered Monday through Thursday, providing patients with more consistent access to these services.

The project involved close collaboration with Sanford Health to connect the new equipment and related systems to the Sanford network. This integration allows Sanford specialists to interpret studies performed at OAHS. The addition of on-site Nuclear Medicine services is another step in OAHS’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible care for patients throughout the region.