Radiology Services at UCSF - UCSF Department of Radiology ...

Radiology Services at UCSF
Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging • www.radiology.ucsf.edu
UCSF Precision Spine and Peripheral Nerve Center
Information for Patients
Address: 185 Berry St., Lobby 6, Suite 190, San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone numbers:
Main: (415) 353-4500
Radiology Central Scheduling: (415) 353-2573 (Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. )
Billing and insurance: (415) 514-8888 (Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Fax: (415) 353-4522
Email: spineimaging@ucsf.edu
Websites:
Imaging Center at China Basin: www.radiology.ucsf.edu/china-basin-imaging
Precision Spine Center: www.ucsfspineimaging.com
Maps and directions: www.ucsfhealth.org/pathway
Overview
Patients from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area are referred to the UCSF Precision Spine and Peripheral
Nerve Center because of our reputation for excellence in addressing complex spine, back and nerve pain issues.
Our renowned neuroradiologists employ the most modern magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and low radiation
dose 64-slice computed tomography (CT) diagnostic and treatment imaging equipment. We are the only facility in
Northern California to integrate these advanced technologies with sophisticated imaging guidance to relieve pain.
Conditions diagnosed and treated
Neuroradiologists at the UCSF Precision Spine and Peripheral Nerve Center diagnose and treat the following
causes of back, neck, arm, leg and hip pain, as well as peripheral nerve disorders:
• Degenerative disc disease
• Disc herniations and osteophytes
• Synovial cysts
• Peripheral neuritis
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal deformity
• Vertebral compression fractures
• Sacral insufficiency fractures
• Spinal tumors
• Piriformis syndrome
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks
• Facet and sacroiliac joint disease
• Tarlov cysts
(over)
6.11-RAD-11-00998

UCSF Precision Spine and Peripheral Nerve Center
Highlights
• The only medical center in Northern California to offer to all patients:
- The most current spine magnetic resonance and computed tomography diagnostic imaging procedures
- CT-guided spinal injection procedures, enabling patients to participate in physical therapy and return to their
daily activities
• The highest-resolution scanners available anywhere, including a latest-generation 64-slice CT scanner dedicated full
time to spine interventions
• Internationally regarded leaders in neuroradiology perform all procedures and interpret all diagnostic studies
• The greatest quality and widest range of diagnostic and therapeutic spine services available in the
San Francisco Bay Area
• The newest techniques to minimize patient radiation exposure
• Highly qualified registered nurses and licensed radiology technologists who are specially trained in spine
treatment services
Innovative spine procedures
In addition to routine CT and MRI procedures, we use the most advanced equipment to perform the latest diagnostic
imaging and innovative image-guided therapeutic pain management services, including:
• Cyst aspirations and drainage
• Discography
• Epidural blood patch
• Epidural injections for pain relief
• Facet injection and medial branch block
• Lumbar puncture
• Myelography
• Radiofrequency ablations for facet and sacroiliac joint pain syndromes
• Sacroiliac joint injection
• Selective nerve blocks
• Spinal biopsy
• Spinal tumor ablation
• Sympathetic ganglion block
• Vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty and sacroplasty
These procedures are intended to allow patients to start or resume physical therapy, more comfortably wait for their
surgery date or, in some cases, avoid surgery altogether.

CT-guided procedures
The UCSF Precision Spine and Peripheral Nerve Center has invested in the latest generation of CT technology—
the 64-slice scanner. While most centers only offer guidance using fluoroscopic X-rays, we use real-time computed
tomography to visualize the soft tissue anatomy in three dimensions. With this technology our physicians can precisely
deliver spinal injections to maximize effectiveness and patient safety.
Fast, low-radiation CT scan techniques enable our physicians to monitor the precise placement of needles, catheters
and other devices to alleviate back pain. In addition, the use of CT allows us to accurately diagnose causes of spine
disease during the procedure and thereby deliver optimal treatment for the patient. Our 64-slice CT scanners are
equipped with the latest radiation dose reduction software to cut patient radiation exposure by as much as 80 percent.
CT-guided procedures may be particularly helpful for patients who:
• Have had extensive surgery with hardware that obscures or distorts the usual spinal anatomy
• Have significant osteoarthritis that may hinder access to nerves and other spinal structures
• Have soft tissue abnormalities such as disc herniations, cysts or scarring from prior surgery that are not visualized
using conventional fluoroscopic techniques
Fluoroscopically-guided procedures
The UCSF Precision Spine and Peripheral Nerve Center offers conventional fluoroscopically guided diagnostic spine
procedures, such as myelography, discography and lumbar puncture. Additionally, our fluoroscopy system can be used
simultaneously with our CT scanner in an integrated technique that is very effective and safe for procedures such as
tumor ablation, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty and sacroplasty.
Magnetic resonance procedures
Using state-of-the-art MRI scanners, the UCSF Precision Spine and Peripheral Nerve Center provides the best diagnostic
magnetic resonance imaging available for the spine, brain, pelvis and extremities.
• MR neurography (magnetic resonance neurography):
We offer an advanced technique known as magnetic resonance neurography, which was developed by UCSF
neuroradiologists and others. MR neurography is useful for diagnosing disorders of the nerves that lie beyond the
spinal canal. The technique can be performed at any time after nerve injury, as unlike electrodiagnostic studies
which usually require a two- to three-week waiting period after abnormalities can be detected.
Safety
Patient safety is the top priority of UCSF’s Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging. We are committed to
maintaining the highest possible standards of patient care and safety, from the moment a test is requested through to
performance and final reporting of an imaging examination. The department is one of the few nationwide that features
a senior faculty member who devotes a substantial proportion of their time to patient safety.
For the latest insights into the safety and benefits of our advanced imaging techniques, please visit the UCSF
Radiology blog at http://blog.radiology.ucsf.edu.

Comfort and convenience
Your comfort is essential, which is why you will be greeted politely by staff on the phone and at our welcoming reception
area. Our facilities include private changing rooms and a modern preparation area staffed with nurses dedicated to
providing the highest standard of patient care and safety.
Our China Basin location is just minutes from most areas within San Francisco, and our facility is across the street from
AT&T Park, adjacent to the Mission Bay neighborhood. Ample parking is available, and we validate parking in our garage.
The UCSF Precision Spine and Peripheral Nerve Center is only one block from the Caltrain Depot. We are served by the
N-Judah Muni line and by Muni bus lines 10, 30, 45 and 47. Regular UCSF shuttle service is available from other UCSF
locations. In addition, there is a free shuttle service between our building and the Embarcadero BART station, the Ferry
Building and the Financial District.
Billing and insurance
We accept reimbursement from Medicare, Medi-Cal and most major health plans, and we readily process insurance
payments and quickly answer questions about authorizations, coding, billing and payment options. Many insurance plans
(including PPOs) require prior authorization for imaging services. Our Billing Department at (415) 514-8888 is happy to
help with any insurance questions or problems.
Scheduling an appointment
To schedule an appointment, please call Radiology Central Scheduling at (415) 353-2573 (Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. –
5:30 p.m.) Most spine procedures can be scheduled within seven business days. Urgent requests are usually
accommodated within two days. In addition, we can schedule CT, MRI and PET/CT examinations on the same day.
Experienced staff
The neuroradiologists at the UCSF Precision Spine and Peripheral Nerve Center have more than a decade of experience
performing CT-guided spinal injections. They pioneered the use of CT for spine interventions, and are known around the
world for developing MR neurography and other leading-edge MRI techniques.
All of our neuroradiologists are recognized experts in disorders of the spine. They perform all procedures and interpret
results while working closely with referring neurosurgeons, neurologists, internal medicine specialists and orthopedists
to coordinate the care of patients. Visit www.ucsfhealth.org/directory to learn more about the following members
of our staff:
• William P. Dillon, MD
• Cynthia T. Chin, MD
• Christopher P. Hess, MD, PhD
• Esther Yuh, MD
Our professional staff also includes registered nurses who have extensive experience in the safe administration of
moderate sedation during spine procedures.