Welcome
At South Coast Nuclear Medicine we provide a full range of diagnostic and
therapeutic nuclear medicine services including myocardial perfusion studies, bone
scanning (with SPECT), lung ventilation and perfusion studies, renal
studies, iodine and other nuclear therapies.
ALL
MEDICARE ELIGIBLE NUCLEAR MEDICINE STUDIES ARE BULK BILLED.
In addition we provide
comprehensive services for bone mineral density (BMD) measurement.
BULK
BILLING FOR BMD STUDIES IS AVAILABLE FOR MEDICARE ELIGIBLE PATIENTS ONLY*.
*
Non Eligible patients are required to pay a $60.00 fee.
Details regarding preparation, duration
and availability of results can be found in the patient information
section.
Information for referring physicians can be found in the
physician information section.
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Frequently
Asked Questions
If there is
ANY chance at all that you may be pregnant or you are currently
breastfeeding, please inform the Nuclear Medicine Staff before the test
commences.
What will the nuclear medicine procedure
show - how does it work?
In
nuclear medicine we use very small amounts of radioactive tracers, to
diagnose or treat disease. When tracers are introduced into the body, they
emit minute amounts of radiation. A special type of camera, called a gamma
camera, is used to detect the radiation and produce images which provide
information about the anatomy and function of the body part being imaged.
How safe are nuclear medicine procedures?
Nuclear
medicine procedures are very safe. An extremely small amount of radioactive
material is injected so radiation exposure is minimal.
Does the procedure hurt?
The
injection of a radioactive substance into a vein in your arm is similar to
having blood drawn; it may be uncomfortable. The scan is painless.
Will the injection give me any side
effects?
You will not feel anything from the radioactive substance itself and side
effects or adverse reactions are very rare.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Bring any other radiology or nuclear medicine exams related to the reason
you are having your nuclear medicine procedure.
Can I take my medication before the
procedure?
Whether or not you can take your medicine before a nuclear medicine
procedure depends on the type of nuclear medicine procedure – Refer to
Patient Information Section.
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