Imaging & Radiology
At UNC Health Chatham, you’ll find comprehensive imaging services. We offer services for screening and early detection as well as advanced imaging.
If you have been referred for imaging and have not heard from us, please call 984-215-5138 to schedule your appointment.
Regular hours of availability (excluding holidays):
- CT scans and X-rays: 24 hours a day
- Ultrasounds: 7 days a week
- MRIs: Thursdays through Sundays
- Nuclear medicine: Mondays, Wednesdays and some Fridays
- Mammograms: Mondays through Fridays
CT Scans & X-rays
CT scans create detailed images of organs, bones and tissues. These images help diagnose conditions such as tumors, infections and internal injuries.
X-rays provide pictures of bones and joints. They are commonly used to check for broken bones, joint problems and infections.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of the heart, blood vessels, liver, kidneys and other parts of your body. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, ultrasounds do not use radiation to capture images. This technique is a safer option for some patients, including pregnant women.
Obstetrical Ultrasounds
These ultrasounds are used during pregnancy to help track the growth, health and positioning of your baby. They can be used to guide procedures such as an amniocentesis. Your ultrasound will be performed with a UNC Hospitals-trained sonographer, who is specially trained for pregnancy imaging.
If your provider determines you are a low-risk patient, you’ll benefit from the convenience of having your ultrasounds close to home. Your first ultrasound can be your introduction to pregnancy and birth services at UNC Health Chatham.
MRIs
MRIs use magnets and radio waves to create images of your organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels. Often, MRIs are used to diagnose conditions such as joint problems, spinal cord injuries and tumors. Because of their use of strong magnets, they are not suitable for patients with certain types of metal medical devices.
We offer MRIs in our mobile unit on-site at UNC Health Chatham, as well as in Burlington and Chapel Hill.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine uses a small amount of a radioactive substance that allows doctors to see and assess bodily functions. This type of imaging is useful to diagnose conditions such as heart disease, cancer and thyroid problems. We offer nuclear medicine onsite at UNC Health Chatham.
Breast Imaging
Early detection through regular screenings can significantly increase the chances of successful breast cancer treatment. It’s important to discuss your personal health history, risk factors and screening schedule with your provider to determine the best plan for you. Learn more about women’s services offered at UNC Health Chatham.
Screening & Diagnostic Mammography
Mammograms use a low dose of radiation to create images of breast tissue for screening and diagnostic purposes. This technique helps detect any abnormalities that may have been missed when your provider performed your annual screening.
Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound
If you have abnormal mammogram results, your provider may refer you for a breast ultrasound so that radiologists can look for cysts or tumors.
Ultrasound-Guided Biopsies
If necessary, your provider will refer you for an ultrasound-guided biopsy, which takes a sample of breast tissue to diagnose or rule out cancer.
Pelvic Imaging
Pelvic ultrasounds are used to get images of the reproductive organs and bladder. This kind of imaging helps your provider learn more about conditions affecting the bladder, the scrotum, the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Physician Referrals
UNC Health providers can place an order for imaging at UNC Health Chatham using Epic@UNC. External providers can place an order through UNC CareLink or by faxing an order to 919-799-4601. All providers need to select Chatham as the performing location.
