Pacific Imaging Center Boosts Patient Convenience at PSI
When Pacific Surgical Institute opened its doors in 2006, Longview Orthopedic Associates, Longview Urology, and Longview Physical & Sports Therapy relocated their clinics to the new facility on 9th Avenue. Pacific Imaging Center, which is owned by LOA, was one of two new ventures to occupy the state-of-the-art building.
“The goal in having our own imaging capability was to improve efficiency for both patients and physicians,” said MRI Manager Jack Berry, who has been with PIC since day-one.
MRI’s performed at PIC are immediately sent upstairs to LOA physicians. The staff at Longview Physical & Sports Therapy is also able to quickly receive and review images and reports. “If questions about patient care arise, we can very easily share information,” Berry said.
Elderly patients and those from out of town especially benefit from having multiple services at a single location. “They can see the ortho doc in the a.m., come downstairs for an MRI after their appointment, and schedule surgery or physical therapy all in the same day,” Berry said.
PIC faces stiff competition from Peace Health and other local outpatient imaging facilities but has endured and has grown beyond initial expectations. PIC was performing approximately 60 scans per month in 2006; it now does more than 200 per month.
Berry attributes this success to increased hours of service and having the most up-to-date MRI system in the county. PIC has also benefitted from a contract with Kaiser to serve its local patients.
“Our goal has been the same since the start,” he said. “We want to deliver service that is above the bar. This includes providing the best exam possible; reporting to physicians with fast, accurate results; and always remembering that the patient is the most important part of a very complex puzzle.”
