By Jenny Peterson
Broken bones, bone infections, bone lesions, blood clots, vascular flow abnormalities, cancer, heart problems, brain abnormalities, lung problems, kidney disease/kidney stones, abdominal and pelvic abnormalities, spine problems, tendon/ligament damage – all of these issues, and more, can be diagnosed by imaging and radiologic specialties.
Palmetto Primary Care Physicians (PPCP) has offered comprehensive imaging services for nearly 30 years. Its combination urgent care and imaging center at its North Charleston location has provided many crucial catches of diagnoses thanks to its state-of-the-art suite of imaging services.
Ultrasound, X-ray and CT services are available during the same hours as urgent care, so when patients come in with health problems, they can get imaging immediately when ordered by a physician. Additional testing may be completed while being seen in urgent care or scheduled for the following business day, if needed.
Even better, these invaluable imaging services can be done for one-third of what they cost in a hospital, with no facility fee. “Patients often know the results before leaving,” said Beth Newton, director of Ancillary Services at PPCP, who oversees the business and operations of the Palmetto Primary Care Physicians Diagnostics Center and Urgent Care in North Charleston.
Newton has more than 35 years of experience in radiology and health care and is celebrating 13 years at PPCP. She remains inspired by the many patient success stories and early diagnoses made thanks to imaging.
“More than a few times, I specifically remember thinking that if it weren’t for the quick intervention of the staff and if the findings had not been realized or conveyed quickly to the ordering provider, the outcome may have been different,” reflected Newton. “I am very proud of the talented staff we have who are always going above and beyond with patient care and being so thorough.”
Over the years, the center has expanded to offer even more services, such as the urgent care clinic and a lab draw station. They utilize state-of-the-art equipment to conduct imaging, including a CT scan, MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, echo and X-ray all in one location.
“Health care is a very rewarding career with a huge variety of options to choose from. Getting into this field was the best decision for me as I set out to learn as much as I could about radiology and health care, cross training in CT and MRI along the way,” stated Newton. “I felt that I was cut out to help people, and I wanted to be of service to others.”
Today’s PPCP model of health care is what Dr. David Castellone, a Summerville-based family physician, and one of the group’s original founders, envisioned: assisting practitioners by offering imaging and ancillary services so that patients can be treated quickly, effectively and appropriately.
“The urgent care expansion provided a great service to the community, patients and providers as a place where patients can receive comprehensive care in one place,” Newton said.
Beth Newton
Director of Ancillary Services
Palmetto Primary Care Physicians
2550 Elms Center Road, North Charleston
843-572-7727
palmettoprimarycare.com
