Advanced Imaging Center, Inc. (AIC) is a multi-million
dollar, state-of-the-art, diagnostic medical imaging center located in
Lancaster, Palmdale, Valencia, and Ridgecrest, California, specializing in magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) scanning (OPEN MRI and high-field MRI), 4D ultrasound,
helical CT scanning, coronary calcium scoring, DEXA bone density testing,
as well as x-rays. AIC in Palmdale has our new 3T MRI as well as our new 40-slice PET-CT
ADVANCED IMAGING CENTER (AIC) was founded in January 1998 by Dr. Ray H.
Hashemi, M.D., Ph.D. (Dr. Ray). Dr. Ray received a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.
in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of California. He
later completed his Medical Degree (M.D.) from the University of Miami
School of Medicine. Subsequently, he completed five years of diagnostic
radiology residency program and one year of MRI fellowship training in the
Los Angeles area. He is the author of the book “MRI:
The Basics,” a 353-page book with over 400 illustrations and
images on the physics and basics of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging),
whose 2nd edition was recently published. It has been
translated to Japanese. He is board certified by the American Board of
Radiology and an expert in the field of MRI.
AIC has been a pioneer in advanced medical imaging equipment in the
Antelope and Santa Clarita Valleys and has set a precedence on how
outpatient imaging should be practiced. AIC has definitely set the
standards in state-of-the-art high-tech medical imaging in the valley with
over $7 million dollars in medical and computer equipment. These include
the valley’s first OPEN MRI, the first high-field, short-bore MRI, the
first 3D ultrasound, the first PET scanner, and more recently the first
16-slice CT scanner and the only 4D ultrasound. Our new 16-slice CT
scanner is the fastest and the highest- resolution CT in the world.
AIC is the only independent, freestanding outpatient imaging facility in
the Antelope Valley. It has no affiliations with any hospitals or medical
groups. It is purely physician-owned and operated. The patients and their
doctors always come first at AIC. The caring staff at AIC is extremely
patient-friendly and service-oriented.
Many local doctors come to AIC when it comes to imaging themselves or
their family members. This is the best compliment for AIC that their
physician radiologists could be considered the “doctors’ doctors” when it
comes to radiology and medical imaging.
AIC will continue to remain at the forefront of medical imaging in the
Antelope and Santa Clarita Valleys and will continue to provide the
community with the best imaging services possible. At AIC “the patient
always comes first!” We brought practice of good old medicine back to
the valley when it comes to diagnostic imaging.
OPEN MRI
AIC provides the first and only high-quality OPEN MRI
in the Antelope and Santa Clarita Valleys designed for all patients,
including claustrophobic and large patients. The MRI equipment is open on
all four sides so there is no more problem with claustrophobia and there
is no weight limit. All MRI procedures, including spine works, brain
scans, body imaging and MR Angiography can be performed within a
comfortable open MRI machine without going through a closed tunnel MRI.
Due to recent advances in technology, the high image quality of the open
MRI at AIC is comparable to that of closed tunnel MRI's, so there is
absolutely no compromise in quality of care where there is significant
added patient comfort.
Most people wouldn't think about the services offered
by AIC until their physician orders specific testing to be done to confirm
or assist in a diagnosis. Only then do they realize it might be necessary
to lie in a tightly confined tube while a scan is being performed. This is
especially disturbing (if not impossible) for claustrophobic or large
sized individuals. Advanced Imaging Center has remedied the problem by
offering an MRI system that is open on all four sides. There is no other
system comparable in the Antelope Valley.
Due to recent technological advances, images produced
by the open MRI system are exquisite. This means the person being scanned
does not have to sacrifice quality for comfort.
High-field MRI
AIC also provides state-of-the-art high-field (1.5
Tesla) MRI on a new-generation short-bore, flared scanner, the first of
its kind in the valley. This scanner represents cutting-edge technology at
its best, capable of performing the most advanced and complicated MRI
studies not available on conventional MRI systems.
Multi-Slice CT scanning
AIC also provides state-of-the-art CT scan (CAT scan)
using a state-of-the-art multi-detector, multi-slice ultrafast helical CT
scanner, the first of its kind in the Antelope Valley. Our Toshiba
16-slice CT is capable of obtaining one slice every 400 msec (or 40 slices
per second) as well as 0.5 mm resolution (the fastest and highest
resolution in the valley). Complete range of CT scanning including CT
Angiography and 4D imaging is available at AIC. Computer axial tomography
scanning, generally referred to as a CT or CAT Scan is a simple,
non-invasive procedure that gives physicians the ability to safely obtain
sophisticated diagnostic information about the brain, chest, abdomen,
pelvis, spine and extremities.
A CT Scan is up to 100 times more sensitive than a
conventional x-ray, yet it requires an extremely low dose of radiation.
This means the benefits of a CT scan far outweigh any risk to the patient.
4D Ultrasound and Doppler (on a
DVD with Music)
AIC also offers the Antelope Valley's first 4D
Ultrasound (Sonography) with color Doppler. Complete range of ultrasound
services including pregnancy sonograms and vascular studies are available
at AIC. 4D ultrasound allows visualization of an unborn baby's face in 4D.
A CD or DVD with music is provided for the pregnant mothers. Some
insurances may cover this procedure.
The amazing, new GE 4-D ultrasound machine produces
realistic, recognizable images. The new technology is particularly useful
with OB patients. Imagine being able to clearly see the face of your
unborn child and be able to count all the fingers and toes! The 3-D
ultrasound is also used for diagnosing medical conditions in the abdomen,
head, neck and other parts of the body. Regardless of what is scanned, the
results are the same…incredible!
DEXA
Bone density testing (bone densitometry) for diagnosis
of osteoporosis is performed at AIC with a state-of-the-art whole body
central (axial) DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scanner. The test
is quick, safe, and noninvasive. It provides physicians information
regarding potential osteoporosis that can be medically treated. It also
allows physicians to monitor their treatment plans.
X-ray
Routine x-rays are also performed at AIC.
Dr. Ray
Dr. Ray Hashemi, MD,
PhD ("Dr. Ray") is the Director of AIC. He is a graduate of the
University of Miami School of Medicine with five years post-graduate
residency training in Diagnostic Radiology and one year of MRI Fellowship
training. Prior to this, he obtained his BS, MS and Ph.D. in Electrical
and Computer Engineering from the University of California and wrote his
thesis on signal/imaging processing and control.
Dr. Ray is an expert in the field of radiology in
general and MRI in particular. He is the author of a book called "MRI:
The Basics," that contains 353 pages with more than 400 illustrations
on the basics of MRI. His book has been one of the best sellers in MRI and
has been translated into Japanese. He as also published numerous journal
articles in radiology and MRI and in signal/image processing.
Dr. Ray is a board-certified radiologist and has
been in private practice since 1995. He opened AIC in January of 1998 in
Lancaster. He is an independent radiologist and now practices full time in
Lancaster and is available for immediate interpretation of studies. This
means that films are not carried out of area to be read, allowing
physicians and patients can have same day results. Dr. Ray practices full
time at AIC and is available for immediate interpretation of studies.
AIC accepts all major insurances and is contracted with
most PPO's and accepts Workers' Compensation and personal injury cases.
Dr. Ray and his dedicated staff have created a relaxing
and patient friendly environment to make your MRI examination as
comfortable as possible. Advanced Imaging Center is in the old Mervyns
Shopping Center in Lancaster at 43731 N. 15th Street West, next to Heidi's
Children's Dental Center. AIC is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to
7 p.m. and Saturday by appointment. For more information or to make an
appointment, call 661-949-8111.
