PPSF Imaging

Creating lasting medical solutions to help you breathe easier.

Today, Pulmonary Physicians of South Florida, LLC, has grown to include 33 physicians who are united in one vision—to lead the way to creating solutions to help you breathe easier. Our mission is also clear: We are using creativity to chart a new direction in patient care by staying one step ahead of your needs. We join people and technology to build a strong healthcare team.

Our parent company, Pulmonary Physicians Diagnostics, LLC, was created to fulfill the mission of Pulmonary Physicians of South Florida, LLC. Since opening in July 2006, we have served more than 1,500 patients who have visited one of our two diagnostics centers for PET/CT scans, PET imaging services or comprehensive sleep studies.

Values of Pulmonary Physicians of South Florida Patient Care Innovation Responsibility Commitment Teamwork

We also are expanding our services to offer research [Olga, check this] in the latest treatments for all types of breathing disorders, sleep disorders and other issues that may be affecting your ability to breathe easier. This, combined with our comprehensive approach of providing the latest in cutting-edge technology and treatment, ensures that you receive only top-notch care.

What is PET/CT?
In one continuous full-body scan, PET captures images of miniscule changes in the body's metabolism caused by the growth of abnormal cells, while CT images simultaneously allow physicians to pinpoint the exact location, size and shape of the diseased tissue or tumor. PET is used to detect small lesions or tumors and then CT images help physicians precisely locate them.

The highly sensitive PET scan detects the metabolic signal of actively growing cancer cells in the body, while the CT scan provides a detailed picture of the internal anatomy, which reveals the location, size and shape of abnormal cancerous growths.

Alone, each imaging test has particular benefits and limitations; but when the results of PET and CT scans are "fused" together, the combined image provides complete information on cancer location and metabolism.

Your PET/CT exam results will have a major impact on your physician's diagnosis of a potential health problem, and, should a disease be detected, how a treatment plan is developed and managed.

What to Expect
Here are some helpful hints to prepare for your scan:

• Dress comfortably and warmly. Scanner rooms can be cool.
• Do not eat for at least six hours before your scan (this includes sugar-free gum, mints, candy as well as beverages other than water).
• Conduct no strenuous exercise the day of your exam (e.g., working out, jogging, etc.).
• Bring a copy of your most recent CT, X-Ray or MRI films with you on the day of your PET scan.
• Be prepared to lie still for 15-75 minutes while the scan is performed.
• When the PET scan is complete, make sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids throughout the day.
• If you are diabetic, eat and take your insulin or oral medication as directed by your physician. If you have been instructed to take your medication with food, eat only a few soda crackers at least six hours prior to your test. Generally, your blood sugar level should be 100-200 mg/dL before your PET/CT scan. Test your blood sugar level before the PET/CT scan, and make sure to inform the PET/CT center staff that you are a diabetic.

How Long Will the Scan Take?
A scan takes approximately 15-90 minutes, depending on the type of scan you are having (i.e., whole body, brain, etc.) The results are then interpreted by a certified nuclear medicine physician or radiologist and sent to your physician.

Scan Results
Your scan results will be reported to your physician within one to two business days. Please contact your physician to discuss your PET scan results.

Common Uses of PET/CT
PET/CT scanning helps doctors better understand the fundamental nature of many diseases. Its ability to locate abnormal metabolic activity in cells with precise anatomical reference is revolutionizing patient care in several key areas. The detection of lung nodules is a primary goal of our pulmonary physicians. In the past, these nodules had to grow to a specific size for a biopsy to be performed. Now the cellular characteristics seen on PET/CT can detect cancer growth much earlier. There are many other uses of PET/CT including to:

• Determine benign from malignant tumors in suspicious areas
• Monitor success of cancer therapy
• Detect recurrent tumors
• Assess tumor aggressiveness
• Survey the whole body for cancer that may have spread The PET/CT also may be used for a number of specialized medical applications such as:
• Oncology Applications—To help differentiate benign from malignant tumors in suspicious areas, survey whole body for cancer that may have spread, and monitor success of therapy and assess tumor aggressiveness.
• Cardiology Applications—To better determine what heart tissue is still alive following a suspected heart attack, predict success of angioplasty (balloon) or bypass surgery, as well as determine if coronary arteries are blocked.
• Neurology Applications—To help diagnose Alzheimer's disease, dementia, stroke and brain tumors, determine the location of epileptic seizures prior to surgery, as well as diagnose movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

For more information on PET, click here.

Imaging Locations

LeJeune PET/CT Imaging Center
242 N.W. LeJeune Road, Second Floor
Miami, Florida 33126
305-567-2080 Main/Central
305-567-2081 Fax

Sunset CT Imaging Center
9035 Sunset Drive, Suite 103
Miami, Florida 33173
305-275-4750 Main/Central
305-275-4751 Fax