CDI

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When you enter Central Diagnostic Imaging (CDI) in Norwich you are immediately struck by how different it is from any other medical facility you have ever been in. The locally crafted shaker-style furniture, laminate oak floors, vibrant colonial paint colors and decorations of antique toys, farm implements and artisan’s work all create a distinctly homey ambience. And yet, what transpires at CDI is anything but “down-home.”

CDI is an independent state-of- the-art medical imaging center offering the full array of radiology services from x-ray to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It was founded in 1985 by radiologist Lawrence Rosenblum who believed that living in a rural environment need not necessitate having less than state-of-the-art medical imaging. Rosenblum had moved from an urban academic practice to Norwich two years earlier seeking a practice setting which allowed personal contact with patients and physicians and which offered the benefits of a rural lifestyle including the opportunity to make a difference in peoples’ lives and the well being of the community. CDI is the embodiment of Dr.Rosenblum’s belief and aspirations.

Dr. Rosenblum first focused on introducing computed tomography (CT) services to the Chenango Valley. For ten years, CDI operated as a mobile CT service for three area hospitals until each was able to acquire its own CT. Next, in1995, Rosenblum transformed CDI into a free standing independent imaging center which housed the area’s first state-of-the-art, patient-friendly “wide body” MRI and bone densitometry services. In 1998, CDI was reconfigured into a multimodality imaging center, adding x-ray and fluoroscopy, mammography, and two additional regional firsts – imaging-guided breast biopsy and 3-D color Doppler ultrasound.

Between 1999 and 2005 CDI established a full vascular laboratory with the addition of plethysmography so that patients would no longer have to travel to Syracuse and other cities for these services; acquired a spiral CT, the first in the area capable of doing 3-D volume rendering and virtual colonoscopy; replaced its mid-field MR with a more robust high-field MR; initiated the use of “Mammopads” for greater comfort and better images during mammography; acquired 4-D ultrasound, the only one in the region, to enable enhanced obstetric, gynecologic and musculoskeletal imaging; and, added a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system for mammography to enhance accuracy.

Despite the challenging healthcare environment, Rosenblum states that CDI remains focused on providing state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging with a personalized approach. At CDI, the year 2007 was one of investing in improved technology. In June, CDI undertook major upgrades to its CT and MRI services. It acquired a new state-of-the-art 16 slice GE Brightspeed helical CT scanner whose advantages include ultra high resolution images and ultra high speed examinations, decreased radiation dose, decreased requirements for the volume of contrast required per examination, and a new full array of software packages which allow such advanced imaging as CT angiography, virtual endoscopy and dental planning.

On the heels of the installation of its new CT, CDI upgraded its already high resolution GE 1.5 Tesla high field MR scanner to a state-of-the-art GE HD (high definition) Excite 8 Channel Technology. According to Rosenblum, this new configuration offers improved image quality; a 30% average decrease in the time of each examination which is a major improvement in terms of patient comfort and image quality; expanded imaging capabilities including MR angiography; software packages to significantly reduce patient motion; fast scanning of the liver allowing the entire liver to be scanned with a single breath hold reducing motion artifacts and improving diagnostic confidence; and, the most advanced breast MRI technology available.

“We now have the most advanced MRI in the Southern Tier. Unlike other breast MRI’s in the region, our advanced breast MRI technology allows evaluation of both breasts within 30 minutes. Breast MRI is now accepted as a routine imaging modality for the screening of high risk patients. It is also valuable in following patients after breast cancer treatment and in clarifying areas of uncertainty identified on mammogram or sonograms”, Rosenblum stated.

CDI ended the year by replacing its densitometry and ultrasound units with the latest versions of these machines with the added benefit of improved capability and applications.

Beyond the investment in state-of-the-art equipment and the exquisite facility, there is something at CDI that remains absolutely unique. “CDI is like a high tech Mom and Pop shop” says Dr. Leslie Dopkeen, Director of Operations and Dr. Rosenblum’s wife. “The technology is eye-popping but that is only part of what distinguishes us. At CDI care is personalized and delivered with professionalism, friendliness and respect. When the “8:30 abdomen” walks through the door the entire staff knows and acts on the basis that that abdomen is a person with time-constraints and needs, who is likely to be in pain or discomfort and anxious. I think this approach to patient care is a good part what makes CDI successful” stated Dopkeen.

Throughout CDI’s history, partners Dr. Rosenblum and Dr. Janet Martin have emphasized the importance of respect to patients and prompt, courteous and professional service to referring physicians and practitioners. Rosenblum commented about CDI’s many expansions and growth, “As we continue to grow and add sophisticated technology at CDI, we must never forget that the welfare of our patients is our primary focus. This is who we are and what we do. We are at home in Chenango County, making a difference where it counts most.”

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