Our Services

A CT scan is a fast, detailed imaging exam that creates clear cross-sectional and 3D images of organs, bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels. It’s commonly used to detect cancer, identify tumors and their exact size and location, and diagnose infections, injuries, and internal bleeding. CT is quick, painless, and noninvasive — and in emergency situations, it can rapidly detect serious internal injuries to help guide life-saving treatment.

Common Reasons Your Doctor May Order a CT:

• Injury & Trauma: Detects fractures, internal bleeding, and organ injuries — especially in emergency situations.

• Cancer Detection & Monitoring: Identifies tumors, determines their size and location, and monitors response to treatment.

• Heart & Blood Vessels: Evaluates coronary arteries, detects blockages, and assesses calcium buildup to measure heart disease risk.

• Chest & Lungs: Examines the lungs for infection, nodules, blood clots, or other abnormalities.

• Abdomen & Digestive System: Assesses organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines to identify inflammation, stones, tumors, or other concerns.

• Brain, Head & Neck: Evaluates stroke, bleeding, sinus disease, injury, or other neurological conditions.

• Spine & Extremities: Identifies fractures, joint damage, and other bone or soft tissue injuries.

Some of the Exams We Offer:

• Coronary CTA

• CT Angiography (CTA)

• CT Cardiac Calcium Score

• CT Chest

• CT Head / Neck

• CT Enterography

• CT Urography

• CT Spine or Extremities

• CT Lung Cancer Screening (link to specific exam page)

If you don’t see the exam you’re looking for, email us at marketing@desertrad.com

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States — claiming more lives each year than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Early detection is critical. When lung cancer is found before it spreads, treatment is more effective, and survival rates improve significantly. 

CT Lung Cancer Screening uses a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan to detect lung cancer before symptoms appear. When caught early, the five-year survival rate increases to 63%. 

Desert Radiology is an American College of Radiology (ACR) Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center, recognizing our commitment to safe, high-quality imaging for patients at high risk. 

Who Qualifies? 

CT Lung Cancer Screening is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans. You may qualify if you:

• Are 50–77 years old
• Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
• Have a 20 pack-year smoking history
• Have no signs, symptoms, or history of cancer within the past five years 

Take the Next Step

If you believe you may qualify, talk with your healthcare provider about a referral for CT Lung Cancer Screening. Early detection could save your life

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a low-dose X-ray exam that measures bone mineral density. It is the most accurate method for diagnosing osteoporosis, assessing fracture risk, monitoring bone health, and evaluating body composition. The scan is quick, painless, and noninvasive.

Common Reasons Your Doctor May Order a DEXA Scan

• Osteoporosis Screening: Evaluates bone density in women and men at risk for osteoporosis.
• Fracture Risk Assessment: Predicts the likelihood of bone fractures due to low bone density.
• Monitoring Bone Health: Tracks changes in bone density over time to evaluate treatment effectiveness.
• Body Composition Analysis: Measures body fat, lean muscle, and overall body composition.

Some of the Exams We Offer

• Hip Bone Density
• Spine Bone Density
• Total Body Bone Density
• Body Fat Assessment

Fluoroscopy is a real-time X-ray imaging technique that allows doctors to see the movement of internal structures, organs, or devices inside the body. It is often used during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to guide treatment safely and precisely.

Common Reasons Your Doctor May Order a Fluoroscopy Exam

• Digestive System Evaluation: Assesses swallowing, the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
• Guided Procedures: Helps guide catheter placement, stent insertion, or joint injections.
• Urinary Tract Assessment: Evaluates the kidneys, ureters, and bladder function.
• Musculoskeletal Imaging: Observes joint movement or guides orthopedic procedures.

Some of the Exams We Offer

• Lower GI / Barium Enema
• Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
• Fluoroscopic-Guided Injections
• Upper GI / Barium Swallow

If you don’t see the exam you’re looking for, email us at marketing@desertrad.com

Image-guided biopsies use advanced imaging to precisely target suspicious areas in the body and remove a small sample of tissue for examination. These biopsies are minimally invasive and help your doctor determine whether a growth is benign or malignant.

Breast Biopsy

A breast biopsy removes a small sample of tissue from a suspicious area in the breast to diagnose whether a growth is benign or cancerous. Image guidance ensures accurate targeting of the abnormality.

Common Reasons Your Doctor May Recommend a Breast Biopsy

• Suspicious Solid Mass: A lump or mass detected on imaging or physical exam.
• Distortion of Breast Tissue: Changes in the normal architecture of breast tissue.
• Abnormal Tissue Changes: Areas of unusual density, microcalcifications, or asymmetry.

Types of Breast Biopsies

• MRI-Guided Biopsy: Uses MRI to target areas only visible on MRI imaging.
• Stereotactic Biopsy: Uses mammography and computer guidance to sample abnormalities such as microcalcifications.
• Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy: Uses sound waves to locate and sample suspicious areas.

Thyroid Biopsy

A thyroid biopsy removes a small sample of tissue from a nodule or abnormal area in the thyroid gland to determine whether it is benign or malignant. Ultrasound guidance ensures precise and safe sampling.

Common Reasons Your Doctor May Recommend a Thyroid Biopsy

• Thyroid Nodule: A lump or growth detected on ultrasound or physical exam.
• Suspicious Imaging Findings: Nodules or areas that appear irregular, calcified, or growing.
• Abnormal Thyroid Function or Symptoms: Unexplained enlargement, pain, or hormonal changes.

Types of Thyroid Biopsies

• Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): Uses a thin needle to remove cells for analysis.
• Core Needle Biopsy: Removes a small core of tissue for a more detailed examination when additional information is needed.

Interventional Radiology (IR) is a medical specialty that uses advanced imaging guidance — such as fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, and ultrasound — to perform minimally invasive procedures that diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. These techniques often reduce pain, lower risk, and shorten recovery times compared with traditional surgery. IR can be used for vascular conditions, cancer diagnosis and therapy, men’s and women’s health treatments, pain management, and more.

Common Reasons Your Doctor May Order an IR Consult:

Vascular Disease Evaluation & Management: Treats blocked or narrowed blood vessels, aneurysms, and poor circulation.

Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment: Performs biopsies to diagnose cancer and delivers minimally invasive therapies such as ablation or embolization.
Chronic Pain Management: Targets sources of pain using image‑guided nerve blocks or injections.

Men’s & Women’s Health Conditions: Addresses prostate or uterine conditions (such as fibroids or enlarged prostate) with minimally invasive treatments.

Access for Therapies & Treatments: Places ports, catheters, or lines needed for dialysis or long‑term medication delivery.
Some of the Procedures Offered

• AV Fistula Management
• Biliary Drain & Stent Placement
• CT Core Biopsy
• Cryoablation & Radiofrequency Ablation
• Dialysis Catheters
• Tumor Embolization & Transarterial
• Chemoembolization (TACE)
• Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty
• Uterine Fibroid Embolization
• Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
• Carotid Artery Angioplasty & Stenting

If you don’t see the IR procedure you’re looking for, email us at DR_Interventional@desertrad.com for more assistance.

Take the Next Step:

Speak with your healthcare provider about scheduling a consultation with a DR interventional radiologist. Contact our IR team at 702-759-7384 or email DR_Interventional@desertrad.com for assistance.

Desert Radiology uses advanced 3D Mammography at all imaging centers.

3D Mammography (also called breast tomosynthesis) is an advanced, low-dose X-ray exam that captures multiple images of the breast to create a clearer, layered view of breast tissue. This technology improves cancer detection and reduces the need for additional imaging compared to traditional 2D mammography.

By identifying abnormalities earlier and with greater accuracy, 3D mammography helps support earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.

Common Reasons Your Doctor May Order a 3D Mammogram

• Annual Breast Cancer Screening: Detects breast cancer early — often before symptoms develop — when treatment is most effective.
• Breast Lump or Tissue Changes: Evaluates a new lump, thickening, or changes in breast size or shape.
• Breast Pain or Nipple Discharge: Assesses unexplained breast pain, skin changes, or nipple discharge.
• Follow-Up Imaging: Provides additional evaluation after a prior abnormal result or to monitor previously identified findings.

One Exam. Twice the Power.

Your mammogram can do more than screen for breast cancer — now it can help protect your heart too!

Mammo Enhance Heart is an advanced service that analyzes your screening mammogram for tiny calcium deposits in the breast arteries. These deposits may be an early sign of cardiovascular risk, giving you and your doctor valuable information — all with your regular mammogram, no extra appointments, and no additional radiation.

Why Choose Mammo Enhance Heart?

• Advanced AI technology scans your mammogram images to identify signs of BAC with speed and precision.
• BAC findings are carefully reviewed and scored by our experienced radiologists, ensuring accuracy—giving you and your care team the confidence to take the right next steps.
• If BAC is detected, the program provides referral recommendations for the appropriate cardiovascular care, so you can take steps toward better heart health.
• Mammo Enhance Heart fits right into your regular mammogram visit— making heart health screening easier than ever.
• Easy to read, patient friendly BAC scorecard is provided that explains your results and clearly indicates the presence of BAC.

How to Add Mammo Enhance Heart

You can add Mammo Enhance Heart during your next screening mammogram appointment, simply let the front desk staff know or email us at marketing@desertrad.com to opt-in!

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FAQ

Does this require an additional exam?

No — your screening mammogram serves as a two-for-one exam with no extra time or additional radiation.

How is BAC detected on my mammogram?

The software analyzes your mammogram to identify the presence and location of BAC. An expert radiologist then reviews your results to confirm the findings.

What happens if BAC is present?

Calcified arteries are benign, incidental findings. They may suggest calcification in other arteries and warrant further evaluation. Your doctor may recommend follow-up with a primary care physician, OBGYN, or specialist to discuss your overall health.

How will I get my results?

Mammo Enhance Heart results are included with your regular screening mammogram report. The report is viewable within our patient portal.

Is Mammo Enhance Heart covered by insurance?

Currently, Mammo Enhance Heart is not covered by insurance and is offered as a self-pay service ($90). You may use an HSA or FSA to cover the cost.

How often should I get this assessment?

You can repeat the screening each year with your annual mammogram.

I am already on a statin and see a cardiologist. Do I still need this?

Yes — BAC assessment during your mammogram can help track progression or stabilization of arterial calcifications and provide your healthcare providers with additional insights into your overall cardiovascular risk.

Are there age limits for Mammo Enhance Heart?

All women can benefit from BAC assessment regardless of age. Identifying risk factors early is important at any stage of life.

MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s organs and tissues. It helps doctors diagnose a wide range of conditions, including cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke, and joint or musculoskeletal problems. MRI can show structures that may not be visible with other imaging methods.

Common Reasons Your Doctor May Order an MRI

• Joint & Sports Injuries: Helps find the cause of knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and back pain by looking closely at bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
• Heart & Blood Vessels: Provides detailed images of the heart and blood vessels to evaluate heart disease or check for damage after a heart attack.
• Cancer & Internal Organs: Used to detect and monitor tumors in the chest, abdomen, liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs. MRI is also an important tool for early breast cancer detection.
• Spine & Back Pain: Identifies disc problems, narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), and other causes of neck and back pain.

Some of the Exams We Offer

• MR Angiography (MRA)
• Arthrogram
• MRI Abdomen/Pelvis
• MRI Brain/Neck
• MRI Breast
• MRI Cardiac
• MRI Prostate
• MRI Spine
• Musculoskeletal MRI

If you don’t see the exam you’re looking for, email us at marketing@desertrad.com

Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive material to create detailed images of organs and tissues and to assess their function. It provides unique information that can help diagnose, monitor, and treat a wide range of conditions. The scans are minimally invasive, safe, and typically completed in one visit.

Common Reasons Your Doctor May Order a Nuclear Medicine Scan

• Cancer Detection & Monitoring: Identifies tumors, evaluates spread, and monitors treatment response.
• Heart Function Assessment: Evaluates blood flow and heart muscle function to detect heart disease.
• Bone & Joint Evaluation: Detects fractures, infections, or abnormalities not visible on other imaging tests.
• Organ Function Analysis: Assesses the kidneys, thyroid, liver, lungs, or other organs to detect disease or dysfunction.
• Infection & Inflammation: Helps locate sites of infection or inflammation in the body.

Some of the Exams We Offer

• Bone Scan
• Cardiac Stress Test (Myocardial Perfusion Imaging)
• Thyroid Scan
• Renal Scan
• Lung Ventilation/Perfusion (V/Q) Scan

If you don’t see the exam you’re looking for, email us at marketing@desertrad.com

PET/CT combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) into a single, detailed imaging exam. It shows both the structure and function of tissues and organs, helping doctors detect and evaluate cancer, heart disease, and neurological conditions with precision. The scan is noninvasive, typically completed in one visit, and provides critical information for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring.

Common Reasons Your Doctor May Order a PET/CT Scan

• Cancer Detection & Staging: Identifies cancer, determines its location and spread, and helps guide treatment decisions.
• Treatment Monitoring: Evaluates how well cancer or other conditions are responding to therapy.
• Heart Disease Assessment: Assesses blood flow and detects areas of the heart that may be damaged or not functioning properly.
• Neurological Evaluation: Helps diagnose and monitor conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, seizures, and other brain disorders.
• Unexplained Symptoms: Investigates persistent, unexplained symptoms when other imaging tests are inconclusive.

Some of the Exams We Offer

• Skull-Mid Thigh PET/CT
• Whole Body PET/CT
• Brain PET/CT

If you don’t see the exam you’re looking for, email us at marketing@desertrad.com

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of organs, tissues, and blood flow. It is safe, noninvasive, and does not use radiation, making it ideal for a wide range of diagnostic and monitoring purposes. Ultrasound can provide immediate information to help your doctor diagnose and manage many medical conditions.

Common Reasons Your Doctor May Order an Ultrasound

• Abdominal & Pelvic Evaluation: Assesses organs such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and reproductive organs.
• Heart & Vascular Assessment: Evaluates blood flow, detects clots, and examines heart structure and function (echocardiography).
• Thyroid & Neck Imaging: Assesses the thyroid, lymph nodes, and soft tissues in the neck.

Some of the Exams We Offer

• Abdominal Ultrasound
• Pelvic Ultrasound
• Extremity Ultrasound
• Arterial Ultrasound
• Doppler Ultrasound (blood flow studies)
• Thyroid Ultrasound
• Carotid & Vascular Ultrasound

If you don’t see the exam you’re looking for, email us at marketing@desertrad.com

• Bone & Joint Evaluation: Detects fractures, dislocations, arthritis, or other abnormalities.
• Chest & Lung Assessment: Evaluates lungs, heart size, and chest structures for infection, fluid, or disease.
• Dental & Sinus Imaging: Assesses teeth, jaw, and sinus health.
• Foreign Object Detection: Identifies swallowed or embedded objects.

• Chest X-Ray
• Clavicle / Collarbone X-Ray
• Dental / Jaw X-Ray
• Extremity X-Ray (arms, legs, hands, feet)
• Foot / Ankle X-Ray
• Hip / Pelvis X-Ray
• Shoulder X-Ray
• Skull / Sinus X-Ray
• Spine X-Ray (cervical, thoracic, lumbar)
• Wrist / Hand X-Ray