Outpatient Diagnostic Services at Skyline

Offering some of the most sophisticated diagnostic equipment in Tennessee, the Outpatient Diagnostic Center at Skyline was designed with the comfort and convenience of patients as its top priority.  The Center provides patients with flexible scheduling, easy access, free parking, and prompt courteous service by experienced employees and physicians.  And, our same-day report turn-around means that physicians receive results promptly.

Located at Skyline Medical Center, at the intersection of Briley Parkway and Dickerson Pike, the Center is easily accessed by citizens from throughout northern middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky.

Our highly trained and experienced staff strive to make the entire experience pleasant and worry-free for both patients and their families.

Today, most diagnostic testing and many therapeutic treatments can be accomplished without an overnight stay in the hospital.  The Outpatient Diagnostic Center at Skyline provides our patients a convenient, comfortable and centralized location, with the same level of competence and care that our inpatients receive.

Professional and Precise

Imaging Services - The region’s leader with state-of-the-art equipment, our Imaging staff provides diagnostic/fluoroscopic radiology, ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine, in addition to interventional special procedures and other specialized services.  Among the imaging procedures that are available are:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – 1.5T high-field, open bore magnet
• CT Scanning (Lightspeed CT)
• Cardiac Catheterization and Diagnostic Cardiology
• Electrophysiology (EP) testing (for heart rhythm disorders)
• Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
• Diagnostic Radiology (x-rays)
• Digital Mammography
• Bone Densitometry
• Ultrasound
• Nuclear Medicine

Laboratory - Accredited by the College of American Pathologists and the American Association of Blood Banks, the Lab performs hundreds of thousands of clinical inpatient and outpatient lab tests each year from the routine to the very complex.  The Outpatient Lab is conveniently located near the front lobby.

Cardiac Services – From angiography (x-rays of the blood vessels) to nuclear medicine scans, a full array of cardiac diagnostic procedures is available.  A new state-of-the-art Electrophysiology (EP) lab allows physicians to diagnose heart rhythm disorders.

Endoscopy Lab – From testing to diagnose and treat heartburn/GERD to colonoscopies for diagnosing and preventing colon cancer, the Endoscopy Lab helps patients prevent disease by diagnosing disease at its earliest stages.

Sleep Disorders Center – Accurate diagnosis of sleep disorders is key to returning patients to the high quality of life they deserve.  Our center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which assures patients of receiving the highest quality of care.

Technology

From filmless imaging to electronic medication administration records (eMAR), Skyline provides technology that keeps patients safe and provides the most precise diagnostic tools available.  For example, our flat panel, digital cardiac catheterization lab provides new technology that generates a lower dose of radiation to the patient, physician and staff.  And the images are sharper, allowing physicians to see clearer images than ever before.

Our Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) allows physicians to view imaging study results through a computer within minutes of the completion of an exam.  In addition, the technology allows physicians to access images from their office or home.  The cumbersome transporting of films is no longer required.

Convenient Hours and Parking

The Outpatient Diagnostic Center at Skyline offers flexible hours, accommodating scheduling and free convenient parking.  We’re open Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.  Plenty of free parking is available at the front of the hospital.  Additionally, free valet parking is also available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Skyline Medical Plaza entrance.   

For Your Family

Most imaging and lab procedures take minutes rather than hours, but for the families of patients who may be having a lengthier outpatient procedure, such a surgical or endoscopic procedure, an in-house pager is available for family members.  This allows them to go to the Food Court, chapel, gift shop or patio garden while their loved one being cared for.  When the patient is ready for visitors or is ready to go home, the receptionist can page the visitor to return.  All of the features and amenities of our center were designed to improve access, convenience, comfort and privacy for both patients and their families.

Physician Orders and Insurance

All outpatient tests require a written order from your physician.  This note or “script” specifically names the tests to be done, as well as the diagnosis or “complaint.”  If you have a managed care insurance plan (HMO), a referral may also be required.  A referral does NOT replace the need for a physician’s order.  If your insurance company requires you to have a referral, this must be taken care of BEFORE your arrival at the Outpatient Diagnostic Center.  Some referrals are sent electronically and can be retrieved at the center.  Others rely on paper documentation. 

The registration clerk will ask you for your insurance cards at each visit, as well as your driver’s license of other form of identification, even if you have been here recently.  This is necessary to provide us with the most accurate billing information for your services.  We thank you for your patience and understanding in providing us with this important information. 

If your insurance specifies that a co-pay is your responsibility, we request this payment at the time of service.  This helps keep our costs down.  You can pay for this by check, credit card or cash.