St. David's North Austin Medical Center functions as a dedicated imaging facility within the St. David's Healthcare system, serving the Austin region with a focus on diagnostic precision and patient-centered care. Our center is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of radiologists and technologists who bring extensive expertise to every exam. We prioritize creating a calm, efficient atmosphere where patients feel informed and at ease. By maintaining close partnerships with referring physicians across multiple specialties, we ensure imaging services are integrated into holistic treatment plans. Our operational philosophy centers on reliability—we aim to provide timely, accurate reads that clinicians can trust. The center is equipped to handle a high volume of studies while preserving a personal touch, recognizing that each image represents an individual seeking answers. We are committed to the North Austin community, offering a accessible resource for advanced diagnostic imaging without the need for a full hospital setting for most procedures.
Our facility provides a full range of outpatient imaging services utilizing contemporary technology. Diagnostic offerings include high-field MRI for detailed neural and musculoskeletal assessment, multi-detector CT scans for rapid, thorough body imaging, and digital radiography for efficient X-rays. We perform comprehensive ultrasound exams, including echocardiography, and offer digital mammography with tomosynthesis capabilities for enhanced breast screening. Bone densitometry (DEXA) is available for osteoporosis evaluation, and we conduct various fluoroscopic procedures. Each modality is selected to best suit the clinical question, balancing diagnostic yield with patient comfort and safety. Our technologists are trained in specialized techniques for pediatric, geriatric, and bariatric patients. We manage all pre-authorization requirements and coordinate closely with referring offices to select the most appropriate exam, avoiding unnecessary testing and ensuring efficient use of healthcare resources.
The imaging studies we perform help physicians investigate symptoms and monitor a multitude of health conditions. Orthopedic providers rely on us to assess joint pain, sports injuries, arthritis progression, and spinal disorders. Neurologists and neurosurgeons use our brain and spine MRI/CT to diagnose stroke effects, tumors, multiple sclerosis, and nerve compressions. For cardiologists, our cardiac imaging and vascular studies evaluate heart function, arterial blockages, and deep vein thrombosis. Gastroenterologists and oncologists utilize abdominal and pelvic imaging to examine digestive organs, identify masses, and stage cancers. Pulmonologists depend on our chest X-rays and CTs for pneumonia, COPD, and lung nodule assessment. We also support women's health through mammography and pelvic ultrasound, aiding in the diagnosis of fibroids, ovarian cysts, and other gynecologic issues. Essentially, we provide the visual evidence that guides clinical decision-making across almost all medical disciplines.
Our North Austin location serves a broad swath of the Austin metropolitan area, including surrounding communities such as Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, and Georgetown. We are strategically positioned near major thoroughfares like Research Boulevard and Highway 183, making us easily reachable for patients from across northern Travis and Williamson counties. As part of the St. David's network, we accept a wide array of insurance plans, enhancing access for local families and employers. Many patients appreciate the convenience of an outpatient imaging center compared to a full hospital campus, with easier parking and a less intimidating environment. We have built longstanding referral relationships with numerous independent practices and clinics in the area, becoming a familiar and trusted diagnostic partner. Our presence strengthens the local healthcare infrastructure by providing a dedicated resource for high-quality imaging, helping to keep diagnostic care within the community.
Your initial appointment is designed to be straightforward and stress-free. Upon arrival, please bring your photo ID, insurance card, and the exam order from your doctor. After registration, you will meet with a technologist who will verify the exam, explain the procedure step-by-step, and answer any questions you have about what to expect during the scan. They will guide you to the appropriate room and help you get positioned comfortably on the table. For MRI exams, you will complete a safety screening form to check for any metal or contraindications. The scan itself is performed while you remain still; you will hear knocking or thumping sounds during MRI, and a call button will be within reach. The technologist monitors you from an adjacent room and can communicate with you via intercom. Following the exam, if contrast was used, you may be observed briefly before leaving. The entire process from check-in to departure is typically completed in under an hour for most studies. You can resume normal activities immediately unless your doctor gave other instructions.
Question: Is the imaging process safe, especially regarding radiation?
Answer: Yes, safety is our top priority. We adhere to the ALARA principle, using the lowest possible radiation dose to achieve diagnostic images. Our CT scanners and X-ray machines are regularly calibrated and maintained by certified engineers. For modalities like MRI and ultrasound, there is no ionizing radiation involved. Our radiologists and technologists are highly trained in dose optimization and safety protocols. We carefully evaluate the necessity of each exam and use alternative modalities when appropriate. Pregnant patients are screened carefully, and exams are only performed when the benefits clearly outweigh any potential risks.
Question: What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?
Answer: Both produce detailed internal images but use different technology and are best for different purposes. CT scans use X-rays and computer processing to create cross-sectional views of the body, excelling at visualizing bone, lung tissue, and emergency conditions like bleeding or fractures. MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate images, providing exceptional contrast for soft tissues such as the brain, spinal cord, muscles, joints, and abdominal organs. Your doctor chooses the modality based on the specific clinical question and the tissue type they need to evaluate. We can help explain which is recommended if you are unsure.