Women & Infants Hospital Diagnostic Imaging

About Diagnostic Imaging

At this time and for everyone’s safety, only individuals essential to the medical care of our patients (e.g. genetic counseling, pediatric gynecology visits, care coordination discussions, patient mobility and/or translation services, foster parent) will be allowed to accompany them into the ambulatory/outpatient settings. 
 
In very limited circumstances, exceptions may be made to this visiting policy only at the discretion of the office-based medical and/or nursing leadership. Thank you for understanding and for joining us in making our patients health everyone’s top priority. 
 
Whether it's a routine prenatal ultrasound, a more complex fluoroscopy, or a breast MRI to find cancerous tissue, your primary care physician relies on imaging tests to diagnose and treat you. Women & Infants is a women's specialty hospital, but we see both men and women for diagnostic imaging tests.

Contact Information

Women & Infants Hospital Department of Diagnostic Imaging
101 Dudley Street
Providence, RI 02905
P: (401) 274-1122, ext. 41248

East Greenwich Medical Office Building
1050 Main Street
East Greenwich , RI
P:(401) 274-1122, ext. 41248
Services: Mammography (including digital breast tomosynthesis), ultrasound

South County Medical Office Building
49 South County Commons Way
Wakefield, RI
P: (401) 782-6866
Services: Ultrasound

Department of Diagnostic Imaging
100 Dudley Street, Basement Level
Providence, RI 02905
P: (401) 276-7838
Services: Bone Density Scan

 

Why Choose Us

  • We offer the full range of basic and specialized imaging, giving your health care provider the sharpest images that are interpreted quickly by on-site radiologists who read only within their specialty.
  • We have invested in the latest technology – Women & Infants was the first all-digital, hospital-based facility in Rhode Island to offer digital breast tomosynthesis mammogram technology.
  • In 2019, all units were upgraded to state-of-the-art Hologic mammography machines.
  • Appointments are available quickly, often the same day.
  • We offer free valet parking at the hospital in Providence.
  • Night and weekend appointments are available.
  • Several bilingual staff members available along with 24/7 interpreting services upon request. 
  • We have convenient satellite locations - including our newest site at 235 Plain Street in Providence, Rhode Island. 
  • We have 24/7 radiologist coverage.
  • Our department is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology.

Our Services

Computed Tomography (CT) Scans

Computed tomography (CT), or CAT scan, uses special x-ray equipment to take images from different angles around the body. The computer then processes the images to show a cross-section view of body tissues and organs.

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Mammography

Women & Infants is a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. In addition to standard mammograms, Women & Infants was the first facility in the state to offer the latest breast mammography technology, called digital breast tomosynthesis.

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a procedure in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. The technology produces images that are like a slice of anatomy and can produce images in an infinite number of planes through the body. 

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General Radiology

General radiology tests, also called x-rays, use high-energy radiation to create images of bones, teeth and internal organs. X-ray is a simple, painless medical test that helps your physician view and assess conditions ranging from broken bones to pneumonia to cancer.

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Ultrasound

Ultrasound is an imaging procedure that examines the internal organs and blood vessels to some of the organs. The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves that reflect off body structures to produce an image. 

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DEXA Bone Density Scan

Our DEXA bone density scans are available for patients ages 2 and up. We are the only facility in Rhode Island offering pediatric DEXA Scans. The DEXA scan is a painless imaging study that measures the density of the bone in different areas of the body.

Patient Instructions

Parking Information

Thank you for choosing Women & Infants for your diagnostic imaging tests. If your test is at our main hospital in Providence, you can use our free valet parking service between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Just pull into the circular drive in front of the hospital's main entrance, and valet staff will park your car and then get it for you when your test is over. If your test lasts later than 5 p.m., your keys will be in the Security office near the triage entrance on the main level.

When To Arrive

On the day of your test, please arrive at least 15 minutes early unless otherwise noted, and bring your doctor's order, photo identification, and insurance card. Come into the main lobby and go to the reception desk for a temporary badge. You will be directed to the elevators and will go to Level 0. Near the elevators is the Diagnostic Imaging Department window where you can check-in.

Some testing is performed at Women & Infants Medical Office Buildings in the community. Speak with your physician about scheduling your tests at a location convenient for you.

For Biopsies
For all biopsies: Do not take aspirin for 36 hours before the procedure and NSAIDs such as Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve and Naproxen (Naprosyn) for 24 hours before the procedure.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about your upcoming test or the preparation that is needed before the test, you can speak with your primary care provider or call the Department of Diagnostic Imaging at (401) 274-1122, ext. 41248.
Directions for Specific Tests

Ultrasound

  • Abdomen, RUQ, GB, liver, pancreas, aorta – Nothing to eat or drink six hours before the exam.
  • Pelvic or bladder - One hour before exam, drink 24 ounces of water. Finish drinking water within the first hour. You may eat normally. Do not void. Your bladder must be full to perform the exam.
  • Renal - One hour before the exam, drink 16 ounces of water. Finish drinking water within the first half hour. You may eat normally. Do not void. Your bladder must be full to perform the exam.
  • Thyroid, breast, DVT - No preparation is necessary.
  • Obstetric -
    • Less than 20 weeks gestation, drink 16 ounces of water one hour before exam. Finish drinking water within the first half hour. You may eat normally. Do not void. Your bladder must be full to perform this exam.
    • More than 20 weeks gestation, no preparation is necessary.

CT Scan

  • Outpatients - No oral contrast required.
  • Enterography, pancreatic mass and Crohn's disease - Arrive 45 minutes early.
  • Chest
    • Without contrast - No preparation is necessary.
    • Any CT requiring IV contract - Nothing to eat or drink for two hours before the exam.

General Radiology

  • Barium swallow - No preparation needed.
  • Barium enema - Only clear liquids 24 hours before exam. At 5 p.m. the night before the exam, mix one 8.3-ounce bottle of Miralax with 64 ounces of any non-carbonated liquid. Drink and remain on clear liquids. Miralax is available at any pharmacy without a prescription.
  • Upper GI series and small bowel - Nothing to eat or drink after midnight 24 hours before exam.
  • Cystogram and Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) - No preparation needed.

MRI 

Patients who are diabetic, hypertensive, and those with renal disease are required to include a creatinine level within six weeks of their scheduled appointment.

  • Enterography - Nothing by mouth for four hours before exam. Arrive 45 minutes before appointment. The MR technologist will provide instructions for prep.
  • Abdomen/pelvis (to rule out appendicitis) - Nothing by mouth for four hours before exam.
  • Arrive 30 minutes before appointment. MRCP - Nothing by mouth for four hours before exam. Arrive 30 minutes before appointment.

Get In Touch

If you need to speak with someone in Diagnostic Imaging Administration at Women & Infants, please call the main hospital number (401) 274-1122 and the appropriate extension below.
Care New England Diagnostic Imaging Director
Ultrasound Supervisor

Kimberly Cox, BS, RDMS ext. 41202
kcox@wihri.org