Prisma Health’s Imaging Centers offer the latest technology, ensuring that patients always have access to the most innovative tools available. | Photo by Prisma Health
In case you missed it, Prisma Health recently opened a new retail imaging center on Sunset Boulevard. Read: You can now make appointments at this convenient location for high-quality + lower-cost MRI scans and CT scans with a doctor’s order.
For this round of Prisma Health On Call, we asked you, our readers, to send us your questions about radiology. Here with the answers are Prisma Health imaging experts Drs. Matthew Taffoni, Jacob Hamm, Richard Leach, and Lee Madeline.
What does a radiologist do?
A radiologist is a medical doctor trained to interpret imaging. Radiologists view the images and create a report, based on the imaging findings, that helps diagnose and treat the patient.
How does imaging help diagnose patients?
Imaging is an extremely valuable tool for physicians today and will continue to be in the future. Various forms of imaging can provide a very detailed look inside the body. The pictures help physicians thoroughly evaluate patients for a suspected disease or injury.
What is retail imaging and how is it different from hospital imaging?
Retail imaging is performed outside of hospitals at lower costs to patients (pro tip: you can request an estimate before your procedure). Plus, these centers are often in convenient locations.
Prisma Health’s Imaging Centers can help provide a detailed picture of your health. | Photo by Prisma Health
Is imaging radiation harmful?
While there are risks associated with imaging radiation, they are generally outweighed by the significant benefits when imaging is used appropriately. Imaging can provide critical information for diagnosing and treating health conditions, potentially avoiding more invasive procedures.
Medical imaging procedures are regulated to ensure they use the lowest possible dose of radiation necessary to achieve a good-quality image. Prisma Health’s medical physicists and radiation safety officers make sure regulations are followed and procedures are as safe as possible.
What options are available for an MRI? Which is best for claustrophobia?
Our new wide-bore MRIs provide an optimal blend of image clarity and patient comfort. These scanners can be the best option for patients with claustrophobia as they offer more room between the patient and the scanner. Wide-bore scanners provide fine, detailed images of all parts of the body while also being comfortable for patients of all sizes.
Richland School District One Board Candidate Forum | 4-6 p.m. | Cathy Novinger Leadership Development Center | Free | Hear candidates discuss topics such as student achievement, teacher pay, and school funding.
USC Visitor Center Ghost Tours | 7-9 p.m. | McKissick Museum | Free | Join in for a spine-tingling journey and discover eerie tales and haunted secrets that linger around USC’s campus.
A Pizza Party with Annie DiRusso | 7-10 p.m. | Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC | $35 | Enjoy fresh Paulie Gee’s wood-fired pizza and an intimate concert at this VIP live music series from The Wild Honey Pie.
The War and Treaty | 7:30 p.m. | Harbison Theatre, Irmo | $40+ | Sing along to this GRAMMY-nominated duo for only one night at Harbison Theatre.
8th Annual Fall Back Fest | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | 100-300 State St., West Columbia | Free | The free event welcomes the community and visitors to celebrate the fall season with live music, art, food, and drinks.
Customer Appreciation Day | Fri., Nov. 1 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | Hawthorne Sunset Pharmacy, 2854 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia | Free | Hawthorne Sunset Pharmacy is celebrating Customer Appreciation Day on Friday, Nov. 1 — drop by to celebrate their 75th anniversary.*
Lexington County proposed a $30 vehicle registration fee to raise $8 million annually for road improvements, but many residents opposed it at a public hearing. Final council approval pending, the fee would start January 1, affecting 300,000 vehicles. (The State)
Concert
Darius Rucker will perform at “Southern State of Mind,” a concert benefiting Gamecock NIL initiatives, on Friday, Dec. 6, at the Township Auditorium. Ticket sales begin Thursday, with priority access for Garnet Society and Gamecock Club members.
Eat
Experience Columbia SC launched an updated Pimento Cheese Passport featuring six new dishes and restaurants. Participants can nominate a dish to fill the 20th spot starting this week.
Outdoors
Congaree National Park will replace sections of its Boardwalk Loop Trail later this year, with completion expected by summer 2026. The upgrade will include 3,800-ft of elevated boardwalk and two new overlooks at Weston Lake.
Award
Team Lake Murray Country returns to the World Food Championships, Friday, Nov. 8 to Monday, Nov. 11 in Indianapolis, IN. Local chefs Wade Penland (from The Bistro) and Chris Williams (from Roy’s Grille) will represent the Palmetto State, competing for top culinary honors and $100,000.
Environmental
Richland School District One students at Heyward Career and Technology Center are building 60 birdhouses for screech owls, wood ducks, and eastern bluebirds. This hands-on project will help combat habitat loss and boost bird populations at Congaree National Park. (WLTX)
Sports
Are the Charlotte Hornets already in a must-win against the Raptors? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Job
We’re looking for a rising star media seller to be our Sales Executive in charge of National Brand Partnerships with a primary focus on sports newsletters. Apply to join the 6AM City team.
Rates just dropped — now could be the time to tap into your home equity. Calculate your payment.*
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Category
Festival
đź“š Book it
Bookmark this date in March 28-30, 2025. | Photo by Richland Library
Richland Library will host the inaugural Read Freely Fest from Friday to Sunday, March 28-30, at its Main location in downtown Cola. This free event celebrates storytelling, offering a mix of author talks, panels, book signings, and live performances.
What’s in store for the fest
The festival will feature a mix of bestselling and emerging authors, including a yet-to-be-announced bestselling musical mystery writer, a New York Times bestseller, and a Reese’s Book Club pick.
Attendees will have the opportunity to attend author talks, book signings, panels, and live cultural performances. All Good Books will serve as the official festival bookseller, offering most titles for purchase with authors available for signings.
Get involved
Exhibitors: Apply to be one of the exhibitors, including publishers, booksellers, artisans specializing in book-themed crafts, and nonprofits focusing on readers.
Local photographer and Cola champion Jared Lee Johnson caught me in action at Jam Room Music Festival last Saturday. It was great seeing so many folks out. Here are a few smiling faces from the festival.
