With one of the most technologically advanced radiology departments in Southern California, the Torrance Memorial Radiology Department offers a wide array of sophisticated imaging modalities for health monitoring, screening, diagnosis and management of disease. If your doctor recommends that you visit the Graziadio Radiology Center or the Polak Imaging Pavilion for an imaging study or interventional or diagnostic test or procedure, we hope you will find that our services are uniquely organized to serve you. Our goal is to provide high quality services promptly and conveniently in the most comfortable and pleasant surroundings. The information provided here is intended to help make your visit go as smoothly as possible.
For Appointments: 310-517-4738
Phone: 310-517-4675 Fax: 310-517-4745
Located adjacent to the Emergency Department on the first floor of the Medical Center's Main Hospital. Parking is available in the
Main Parking structure off Lomita Boulevard. Free valet parking is available when you drive up to the Main Hospital entrance.
Phone: 310-784-6323
Located at 3275 Skypark Drive, the Polak Imaging Pavilion is a free-standing building on the Torrance Memorial campus where you can have high-quality imaging performed outside of the hospital setting but interpreted by the Torrance Memorial Radiology Group. CT scanning, MRI imaging, x-ray imaging and ultrasound are all performed here. The building also houses the
Breast Diagnostic Center. Please use Camino Del Sol to access Polak, and parking is available in front of the center.
What Is Radiology?
Radiology refers to medical imaging techniques that employ advanced computers, software and other sophisticated equipment that allow radiologists to "see" inside a patient's body. Modern imaging technology uses different types of energy including low-dose x-rays, magnetic field energy and sound waves to create complex representation of the body's internal structures. All imaging studies performed at Torrance Memorial are totally digital--that is, the images are created and stored by computer software so that no film is used.
Who are the members of the radiology team?
- Radiologist-a physician with advanced medical education in the utilization of state-of-the-art imaging equipment and analysis of imaging findings to diagnose disease and identify abnormalities inside the body. Radiologists are important members of the health care team and actively collaborate with multiple other specialists caring for patients with a myriad of health issues ranging from benign conditions to serious medical illnesses like cancer and cardiac, neurological and orthopedic conditions, as well as women during pregnancy. The Torrance Memorial Radiologists are distinguished physicians with specialty Fellowship training in all the major disciplines of Radiology.
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Radiologic Technologists-highly trained, licensed Radiology Department personnel who assist the patient throughout an imaging procedure by providing explanation of the exam, positioning the patient and the equipment, and providing real-time monitoring of the computer-generated exam images. The radiologic technologist provides immediate analysis of the image quality and assists the radiologist in identifying potentially significant findings.
Radiologic technologists are trained in the implementation of all imaging technologies including standard x-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, PET scans, and a wide variety of specialized imaging procedures for diagnosis and management of disease.
- Radiologic RN-a registered nurse with specialized training in the care of patients undergoing radiologic procedures. The radiologic RN provides patient education about pre-exam preparation, what to expect during an imaging study, and post-exam care. Radiologic RNs administer contrast material by IV depending on the type of exam being conducted, and also can administer pain medications and sedation for complex procedures.
What Will The Exam Be Like?
Depending on the type of procedure you are having, you may be asked to stand or lay down on an imaging table. During the exam, the technologist will have you hold your breath and ask you not to move for short periods of time. Some exams require the taking of images from several angles so you may need to turn over or reposition for various views, or the technologist might re-enter the exam room one or more times to re-position the imaging equipment.
Throughout the imaging procedure, you will remain within eyesight of the technologist who sits behind a leaded glass window. Most exam rooms have an intercom system so you can communicate with the technologist at any time.
How will I learn the results?
After your imaging study is complete and all the images are fully analyzed by one of the Torrance Memorial radiologists, the radiologist dictates a report describing the findings and makes any needed recommendations. This report is then made available to the physician who ordered the study.
Contact your physician to discuss the results of the study. If you would like a copy of the radiologist's report, you can obtain a copy from the physician who ordered the study, or by contacting Torrance Memorial's Health Information Management Department at 310-517-4721.
Important Things to Remember:
- Tell your doctor, technologist or registered nurse if you are pregnant or think you may be.
- Tell your doctor or the technologist if you are allergic to iodine or other materials.
- Bring a list of your current medications
A special diet or preparation may be required prior to the exam. If the preparation includes contrast liquid to drink, either your doctor's office will supply it or will instruct you to pick up the contrast liquid at the Graziadio Radiology Center in the Main Hospital.
www.radiologyinfo.org has excellent information about many types of radiology exams and tests and the information is offered in both English and Spanish.