Blue Ridge is committed to providing our patients with care that is backed by the latest advances in medical technology. The following are just some of the latest technologies benefiting our patients today.

CT Scan

Blue Ridge uses advanced, 16-slice CT scanning technology to image and assess internal structures of the body, including bones, tissues, organs, muscles and tumors. Computer tomography (CT) scanning, which is also known as a CAT scan, creates a three-dimensional image that is clearer and easier to read than traditional x-rays. CT scanning works by taking a series of two-dimensional x-rays, referred to as slices, from many different angles, then combining them to form a cross-section image. CT scanning allows us to gain a more accurate picture of what is really going on in the body.

Electronic Medical Records

Blue Ridge has implemented the latest system for maintaining patient information: electronic medical records (or EMR). Each patient room in the new hospital wing is equipped with a computer terminal that allows physicians to access patients’ complete medical records from the patient room. Physicians can enter notes from the visit directly into the patient’s EMR. The system is fully HIPAA compliant, and records are stored on a centralized server, not on the computer terminals. Only physicians and authorized medical personnel have access to a patient’s medical information, which they can only access using a secure login and password. Benefits of electronic medical records include greater efficiency and accuracy; EMRs are faster and easier to share information between different doctors on your care team.

Mammography

Blue Ridge now offers a mammography over read system capable of providing digital over reads. A digital CAD (computer-aided detection) system assists the radiologist by localizing points of interest in the breast tissue. As a result, we are better able to see any potential abnormalities, which can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.

Medication Authorization

Each patient room is equipped with a scanner that is capable of monitoring patient medications. Patients are given coded wristbands so that when the wristband is scanned, the computer automatically pulls up the patient’s medication records, helping to prevent overdosing and harmful drug interactions.

MRI

BRRH offers an open MRI to ensure patient comfort during studies. The open MRI is designed for the comfort of the patient including a two way intercom system, and in-bore lighting. The high-performance system has enhanced imaging to allow for better diagnostic readings.

Pneumatic Tube System

The Blue Ridge pneumatic tube system is much like the tube system your bank may use. It allows our staff to transfer paper work, samples, and lab work more quickly throughout our hospital system, which results in a quicker turnaround for our patients.

Wi-Fi^® Internet Access -- NOW AVAILABLE!

It is an Internet age, and Blue Ridge is doing everything we can to accommodate the needs of our patients and families. We understand that many people depend on the Internet as a way to relay messages and gather information. That’s why we are offering free wireless Internet access in our facilities. Patients and their families will be alble to log online using their own personal devices, and in the future, we hope to provide computer terminals in common areas so that everyone can have access.