Our Approach

At Providence St. Vincent Medical Center Diagnostic Imaging department, we are committed to providing excellent and compassionate care to members of our community.

We are proud supporters of Image Wisely® and Image Gently®, pledging to appropriately monitor and optimize radiation dose to minimize our patients’ exposure to ionizing radiation from medical imaging.

Our Services

Our department offers a full range of services, including:

Awards and Accreditations

The Diagnostic Imaging department at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center is dedicated to excellence and maintains the following designations awarded by the American College of Radiology:

  • Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence
  • Breast Center of Excellence
  • Lung Cancer Screening Center
Female doctor reviewing breast MRI results

Abbreviated Breast MRI

Abbreviated breast MRIs are now available at some Providence locations. This procedure can be an affordable option for dense tissue screening.

A conventional, or full, breast MRI study is tailored for women with a high risk of developing breast cancer. Abbreviated breast MRI (AB-MRI), also known as fast breast MRI, is a supplemental screening test for women with dense breast tissue that are at average risk for breast cancer.

It includes only the most important sequences for detecting breast cancer, so it's more convenient and shorter in duration. A fast breast MRI takes only about 10 minutes, versus a conventional breast MRI which takes approximately 45 minutes.


Frequently Asked Questions

Proper preparation is an important part of your exam. You can contact us if you have any questions.

Please note, some imaging exams have special instructions. These instructions will be given to you when the exam is scheduled.

In general, you should:

  • Bring your insurance card, photo ID and any prior imaging exams we asked for.
  • Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment. We will verify your registration information and any additional health information that we need for your exam.
  • Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing; be prepared to change into a patient gown if necessary.
  • Discuss any special needs, such as physical limitations, with us in advance.

Notify the care team if:

  • You might be pregnant or if you are currently breastfeeding.
  • You have allergies to medications, contrast dye or iodine.
  • You have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease or thyroid problems.

Your images will be reviewed by a specialized radiologist, and the results will be sent to your healthcare provider.

Your results will also be available in MyChart if you have an account.

Yes. If you have a pacemaker, or any other electrical device implanted in your body, please notify your clinician who can help determine if an MRI examination is appropriate.

Be sure to inform your doctor prior to your scan if you have any of the following:

  • Artificial heart valves
  • Cochlear implants
  • Implanted nerve stimulators
  • Hearing aids
  • Metal fragments such as shrapnel
  • Metal joints
  • Pacemaker
  • Pins or screws

Generally, we ask that you do not eat or drink anything but water for at least four hours prior to the exam.

If CT oral contrast – a liquid that highlights the bowel – is ordered as part of your exam, please drink it according to the specific directions.

Preparation for an ultrasound depends on the type of scan you are receiving. For example, a pelvic exam typically requires a full bladder, which makes it easier to see the pelvic organs.

Ask your doctor for instructions and carefully follow their directions.

Contact your provider to see if you meet the criteria for a fast breast MRI. Once an order has been obtained, contact our scheduling department at 503-216-2167 to schedule your exam.

If possible, we prefer to schedule a fast breast MRI between days 7-12 of your menstrual cycle.

Currently, AB-MRI is not covered by insurance and is considered self-pay. We collect a partial fee at the time of your appointment; the radiology group that is examining your medical images will send you a bill for the remaining payment after your appointment.

Mom and Son on couch

MyChart Scheduling

We offer another convenient scheduling option through MyChart. The process is easy and allows you to schedule a mammogram online, 24/7.

View our guide with step-by-step directions.