Luke expedites patient results with network-approved CT scanner

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aspen Reid
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz --  


Over the past two years, Luke’s radiology personnel have saved the Air Force time and money since they began using the first secured network-approved computed tomography scanner.

The CT scanner allows the 56th Medical Group personnel to process scans here instead of sending patients off-base to have scans accomplished, effectively cutting out the middle man.

“Having this CT scanner here at Luke, we’re saving the patients travel time and expenses of going to hospitals on the other side of town,” said Daniel Hunt, 56th MDG computed tomography technologist. “We’re able to get the patients results up to two weeks faster than at off-base medical facilities.”

The CT scanner also cuts the time of conducting scans in half compared to older models, which reduces the patients’ overall exposure to radiation.
With the machine connected to an Air Force secure network, scans can be accessed Air Force wide, said Hunt.

Radiology technicians have completed more than 6,000 scans, saving upwards of $3,000 per scan, since the 56th MDG began using the CT scanner.

“I can’t even tell you the thousands of dollars we’ve saved the by having this unit here,” said Staff Sgt. April Grant, 56th MDG X-ray technician.

Having CT scanners connected to the secure network is one way the Air Force is ensuring it provides high-quality healthcare to today’s Airmen to increase overall Airmen health and improve mission readiness.