A New High-Tech Outpatient Diagnostic Center/Women’s Health Suite Opens at NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island

A ribbon-cutting ceremony officially marked the opening of the Outpatient Diagnostic Center/Women’s Health suite at NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island on Wednesday, August 23.

“The opening of the Outpatient Diagnostic Center/Women’s Health imaging suite demonstrates our commitment to continue providing our patients and community members with the most advanced medical services,” William Brown, the chief executive officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island said. “As the medical provider of choice in southern Brooklyn, we recognize that our patients deserve premier, advanced medical care, and that is exactly what we will continue to deliver.”

Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz commended NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island on investing in the community: “I’m pleased that residents will have this potentially lifesaving, state-of-the-art facility within easy access in their own community, which encourages them to be proactive about their own health.”

The new suite is home to advanced imaging technologies and will be available to any patient in need. It was brought forth by a $9.5 million investment funded through a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to alleviate damage from Hurricane Sandy. The 7,093-square-foot imaging suite is located on the fifth floor of the hospital and here’s everything it includes:

• GE 3D mammography unit, the Senographe Pristina – Radiologists can see breast tissue details more clearly to uncover breast cancer that may have otherwise been hidden by overlying breast tissue. The mammography system was designed with patient comfort in mind, with dedicated functionalities for easier patient positioning during a mammogram.
• Hologic bone densitometry (DEXA)/Osteoporosis scanning unit – This enhanced form of x-ray technology is used to measure bone loss. In addition to detecting early stages of osteoporosis and improving identification of hard-to-capture vertebral and femoral fractures, the unit features IVA-HD technology, which enables clinicians to visualize abdominal aortic calcifications, a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease.
• Henry Schein panorex unit – Jawbone and dental x-rays are taken by a machine that moves around the head, rather than requiring the patient to accommodate the technology. The unit offers digital radiography, which offers reduced x-ray exposure compared to traditional x-ray-processing techniques.
• A Philips ultrasound unit – High-frequency sound waves capture images for a range of healthcare purposes, including ultrasound-guided biopsies.

“This is a significant achievement in the City’s ongoing efforts to better serve the health needs of the community,” Council Member Chaim Deutsch, who provided $130,000 toward the 3D-imaging technology, said.

Council Member Mark Treyger was also in attendance and spoke about how this is a great addition to southern Brooklyn.

“Residents in southern Brooklyn deserve the same high-quality medical care that is available and accessible to New Yorkers in other parts of the city,” Treyger said. “This is welcome news for our community.”