Bartlett Regional | House Calls | Fall 2020

COVID-19 screening criteria New onset of the following symptoms: ☐ Cough. ☐ Shortness of breath. ☐ Difficulty breathing. OR New onset of two or more of the following: ☐ Chills. ☐ Diminished sense of taste or smell. ☐ Diarrhea. ☐ Fatigue. ☐ Headache. ☐ Fever (subjective or measured). ☐ Muscle/joint aches. ☐ Nausea. ☐ Rigors. ☐ Runny nose. ☐ Sore throat. ☐ Sputum production. AND Exposure risk, such as the following: ☐ Close contact, which is defined as: A. Being within approximately 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time, including caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or room with a person with COVID-19. B. Having direct contact with infectious secretions of a person who has COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed on). ☐ Recent visit or incarceration in Lemon Creek Correctional Center. ☐ Recent travel—where to? ☐ Homeless status. Bartlett gets DXA technology The Diagnostic Imaging Department at Bartlett Regional Hospital has installed a new low-dose x-ray machine that measures bone density, body fat and lean mass. The technology, known as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can help detect osteoporosis and osteopenia by assessing bone density based on age, gender and ethnicity. Osteoporosis occurs when the body loses bone, doesn’t make enough bone or a combination of the two. The condition can lead to easily broken bones in later life. “One in four men and one in two women will have some sort of osteoporotic fracture after age 50,” says Radiologic Technologist Whitney Rose. “It is a huge health care concern and cost.” Getting a bone density scan can help diagnose and monitor treatment for osteoporosis and osteopenia. Bartlett’s DXA machine also has the capability of measuring advanced body composition. This is an elective exam that does not require a doctor’s order and is available to anyone. “This will analyze your total body fat percentage, versus lean muscle mass, and is more accurate than the standard BMI measurement,” notes Rose. “This is a great tool for those starting a new diet or exercise program because it allows a person to track their progress, either from gaining muscle mass, losing body fat or both. It can even show the difference between right and left limbs, which can be helpful while rehabbing from an injury.” In addition to surface or subcutaneous fat, the machine measures the visceral fat in between organs that could lead to chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. “We’re very excited to have this technology available to the public and expect it to be a great resource for dietitians, physical therapists and personal trainers,” says Rose. TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT for a bone density only scan, please see your provider for a referral. Bone density scans are covered by most insur- ance. Self-pay packages for advanced body composition are available starting around $100 per exam. For questions or to schedule appointments, please contact the BRH Diagnostic Imaging department at 907-796-8800 . 4 House Calls Fall 2020