Author: Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging

We continue to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and try to balance the needs of those with illnesses that require diagnostics. We are adjusting our guidelines to meet those of the Texas Medical Board (TMD) most recent updated press releases. TMD amended the definition of “Continuing Threat to the Public Welfare” 22 TAC 187.57 (c). Guidelines will continue to be adjusted as necessary to meet the TMD and the State of Texas recommendations.

The emergency rule amends the definition of “Continuing Threat to the Public Welfare,” to include actions specifically prohibited by Executive Order GA-09 as it relates to surgeries and procedures that are “not immediately medically necessary to correct a serious medical condition of, or to preserve the life of, a patient who without immediate performance of the surgery or procedure would be at risk for serious adverse medical consequences or death, as determined by the patient’s physician.”

Effective immediately we will be accepting all patients that our referring physicians deem necessary as defined above. Screening procedures, such as,  screening mammogram, bone density and cardiac scoring will be scheduled after April 18th. (Subject to change) Our goal is to provide unsurpassed patient care to those who are the most in need, while protecting those patients whose elective and routine scans can wait until we can all return safely.

Please note we are taking proper universal precautions by disinfecting our lobbies on a regular basis and disinfecting our procedure rooms between every patient. Of course, hand washing and the use of an approved alcohol-based hand scrub is widely in practice. Lastly, all patients and their guests are prescreened prior to admitting to allow us to take the necessary precautions.

Recent Change(s)

•  Valet – All campus valet service will be suspended until further notice
•  Wheelchair Transport – Professional office building wheelchair transport has been suspended

WE’RE OPEN – REVISED HOURS: MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

During this very critical time of the Coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic, Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center and Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging have a very important responsibility to care for those patients who are most in need. Through the guidance of our State Government and Texas Health Hospital Dallas, we need to care for those patients who are considered Emergency or Urgent Care first. 

Effective immediately we have begun rescheduling all patients whose scans are considered elective or routine. We have also reduced our service hours to Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Our goal is to provide unsurpassed patient care to those who are the most in need, while protecting those patients whose elective and routine scans can wait until we as a nation can return safely. 

Please note we are taking proper universal precautions by disinfecting our lobbies on a regular basis and disinfecting our procedure rooms between every patient. Of course, hand washing and the use of an approved alcohol–based hand scrub is widely in practice. Lastly, all patients and their guests are prescreened prior to admitting to allow us to take the necessary precautions. 

Recent Change(s) 

• Valet – All campus valet service will be suspended until further notice 
• Wheelchair Transport – Professional office building wheelchair transport is suspended until further notice 

ORDERS ACCEPTED WITHOUT VETTING: If your patients have or are experiencing the following symptoms they can be scheduled without vetting:

1. Patient with an active cancer diagnosis
2. Palpable head and neck mass suspicious for cancer or abscess
3. Acute trauma (In this context: acute is a month or less)
4. Acute neurological event
   • Brain (stroke, seizure, acute or severe headache, acute change in mental status)
   • Spine (paralysis, new radiculopathy, weakness). 
   • Stroke (new onset numbness, dizziness, weakness, dysarthria)
5. Recent surgery, with follow-up or possible complication (i.e. pain after spine surgery)
6. Acute abdominal or pelvic pain
7. New onset (one month or less) mass
8. Jaundice, elevated bilirubin
9. Bowel obstruction, vomiting in setting or prior abdominal surgery
10. Abdominal distention
11. Breast mass or infection (order needs to include biopsy or aspirate if indicated)
12. Leg pain or swelling
13. Hematuria 1
14. Bloody stool 

Note: All other orders will be referred to our Radiologists to determine if the order is emergent and should be immediately completed or if the order is routine and should be scheduled for a later date.

An important update from Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging regarding your upcoming appointment

At Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular imaging, the safety and well-being of our patients, our staff, and our community is our number one priority. We would like to share up-to-date information and resources related to the Coronavirus outbreak and its relevance to your upcoming visit.   

This is a disconcerting and challenging time for all of us, but as a healthcare provider, we must stay open to support our physicians and care for our patients. We are taking proper universal precautions by disinfecting our lobbies on a regular basis and disinfecting our procedure rooms between every patient. Of course, hand washing and the use of an approved alcohol-based hand scrub is widely in practice. Lastly, all patients and their guests are prescreened prior to admitting to allow us to take the necessary precautions. 

Recent Change(s)

• Valet – All campus valet service will be suspended until further notice.
• Wheelchair Transport – Professional office building wheelchair transport is suspended until further notice. 

Feeling Sick?

• Please contact our office, (214)345-6905, ahead of your appointment to determine if special precautions should be taken during your visit.

Steps for prevention:

• Stay home when you are sick, except to seek medical care.
• Avoid large gatherings and crowded places. Avoid hospitals and nursing homes, unless you are there to receive medical care.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, throw it away when finished, then thoroughly wash hands.
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms, including cough, fever, and shortness of breath. If you think you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.

Looking for more information? 

Dallas County Health and Human Services, dallascounty.org,(972) 692-2780 
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, cdc.gov
The World Health Organization, who.int