The Kootenai Outpatient Imaging Center, in Post Falls, has installed a new, $800,000 computed-tomography (CT) scanner, says Paula Davenport, a spokeswoman for Kootenai Health.

The imaging center, located at 1300 E. Mullan, is a joint venture of Kootenai Health and Radiology Associates of North Idaho Inc., both of Coeur d'Alene, which also has a Coeur d'Alene location.

The scanner captures detailed images of the inside of the body and is used to diagnose cardiovascular problems, as well as to assess acute-care, oncology, and neurology patients, Davenport says.

Kootenai Health is the umbrella organization that operates Kootenai Medical Center, in Coeur d'Alene, and other North Idaho health-care facilities, including the Kootenai Cancer Center, in Post Falls. Radiology Associates of North Idaho is a group of radiologists that provides diagnostic medical imaging services.

The new scanner's "availability in Post Falls makes it more convenient for Post Falls cancer center patients to undergo scans before their often same-day treatments," Davenport says. "Other patients in the Post Falls area whose physicians order scans (now) can have the tests closer to home," she says.

Following a CT scan, a radiologist's report is typically available within about two hours through a secure, digital network to which physicians can link, she says.

"Elsewhere, it may take up to two days to receive the radiology report," Davenport says.

Davenport says the scanner was put into use late last year. It is similar to other CT scanners in use in the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene area, she says.

The scanner features a large "gantry" opening through which patients lying on their backs are gradually moved into the scanner.

Because of that feature, the machine can accommodate obese patients weighing up to 480 pounds, she says.

Siemens Medical Solutions USA Inc., of Malvern, Pa., manufactured the scanner, Davenport says.