March 2018

Ask Your Doctor to Always Schedule Your Medical Imaging at The Radiology Clinic.

Compassionate Staff

The Radiology Clinic's caring staff recognizes that diagnostic testing can cause apprehension and uneasiness. Our technologists will take the time to explain exactly what you can expect, and someone is always available to assist you with questions or concerns.

Convenience

We are open from 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday and 8am to noon on Saturdays. Easily accessible from McFarland Boulevard, we are located just north of the Black Warrior River and ample free parking provides easy access to the clinic.

Depth of Experience

Our board-certified radiologists work with trained technologists to provide a compassionate, expert imaging experience. Radiologists are physicians who have received 4 to 6 years of advanced training after completing their medical degrees. Radiology technologists, who work closely with radiologists, receive 2 to 4 years of training in radiologic technology.

At The Radiology Clinic, we strive not only for precise imaging and an accurate diagnosis, but also to ensure patients are comfortable here and feel good about the exam we are doing and the results we are providing. Keeping that in mind, every month we will feature an exam and explain what it is and why it is so beneficial. We will also feature one of our radiologists each month so you can meet the doctors that provide your results.

All About Ultrasounds

Ultrasound scanning is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Ultrasound is safe and painless, and produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves, so there is no radiation exposure. Ultrasound scanning, also called ultrasound imaging or sonography, involves the use of a small transducer (probe) and ultrasound gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from the probe through the gel into the body. The transducer collects the sounds that bounce back and a computer then uses those sound waves to create an image. There is no radiation at all used to create the image, and ultrasounds can be done on just about any body part. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

Why Do You Use Gel?

Gel gives a contact barrier between the transducer (image camera) and your skin to help create the image. Our gel is water-based and will not stain.

Is There Any Special Preparation Required for an Ultrasound Scan?

We ask that our patients have nothing to eat/drink after midnight for all ultrasounds of the abdomen. This is to help visualize all of your organs without excessive gas/bowel formed from food and drink. Also, the gallbladder is very sensitive to food and drink and can produce a false positive study if you have had food or drink when the study is performed. We also ask that these studies be done in the morning due to gas buildup as the day progresses.

For pelvic and obstetrical ultrasound scans, please drink 32 ounces of water one hour before your appointment time and arrive with a full bladder.

How Do I Schedule an Ultrasound Scan?

Your doctor has to order an ultrasound scan for you, but you can ask your doctor to schedule it at The Radiology Clinic. Our ultrasound department is open from 7am to 6pm Monday through Friday and 8am to noon on Saturdays. You may need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined.

Meet Dr. Timothy L. McGhee - One of Our Radiologists

Dr. Timothy McGhee, a native of Atlanta, GA, has lived in Tuscaloosa since 1983. He received an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, and a medical degree from the University of Tennessee. He maintains board certification through the American College of Radiology. Dr. McGhee completed his internship and residency at the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences, where he also served as Chief Resident in Radiology. He maintains board certification through the American College of Radiology.

“Ultrasound is the only imaging modality that is absolutely safe for patients of any age, from the womb to the retirement home! Because ultrasound is a hands-on test, it requires a highly trained and experienced technologist to produce the best examination. The Radiology Clinic Ultrasound Technologists are second to none in that department. Our certified Ultrasound Technologists have a combined 113 years of experience as well as numerous certifications in subspecialty areas. Our Technologists work closely with a supervising Radiologist to be sure each exam addresses the specific symptoms of our patients. We hope you will choose The Radiology Clinic for your Ultrasound needs.”