Residents in the Baldwin County and Lake Oconee region have a new care option that provides access to PET scanning technology closer to home.

A mobile Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner is now providing services to Navicent Health Baldwin each Monday and Diagnostics Cowles Clinic in Greensboro on Tuesdays. PET scans are used for diagnostic cancer imaging, helping doctors to see how body tissue and organs are functioning.

“Atrium Health Navicent is committed to providing care options that are more accessible as part of our mission to improve our community’s health and wellness, elevate hope and advance healing for all,” said Atrium Health Navicent President and CEO Delvecchio Finley. “In addition to being more convenient, this mobile PET scanner puts vital healthcare services within reach for those who may not have the ability to travel an hour or more to have a critical test.”

Prior to the introduction of the mobile PET scanner in January, similar care had been absent in the Baldwin County and Lake Oconee region for three years. It was necessary for patients to travel to Macon or Athens to receive care.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to receive prescribed screenings to remain healthy and manage illnesses.

“As a cancer surgeon, I know it is critical that we make available to our patients this technology that is used in collaboration with other imaging modalities such as CT and MRI scans to offer the highest level of initial cancer staging and also the ability to follow response to cancer treatment,” said Dr. Douglas Brewer, Chief Medical Officer for Navicent Health Baldwin. “Please talk with your treating physician to see if PET scanning could be helpful to you and do not delay seeking that advice or care.”

To schedule a PET scanner appointment at Navicent Health Baldwin call (478) 776-4040, at Diagnostics Cowles Clinic call (706) 454-2660.