Community Medical Center-Oakhurst has added diagnostic ultrasound to its services for the mountain communities near Yosemite National Park. The urgent care center, open seven days a week, now has the latest in ultrasound technology and an experienced sonographer available by appointment.

“This will save local people the time, money and expense of driving to Fresno or Clovis for their ultrasound tests,” said Dr. Daniel Schaffner, medical director of the Oakhurst facility. He added that the ultrasound equipment is the same as the newly upgraded technology at Clovis Community Medical Center. Radiologists at the hospital will read and interpret all tests since the two facilities are on the same electronic medical record system.

Those living in Oakhurst and the surrounding communities can get needed diagnostic tests much quicker now, adds Oakhurst’s new sonographer Julie Cruz, RDMS, RVT, RT. “I’ve had elderly patients who had to wait three weeks to get a crucial ultrasound test because they had to wait for a family member to take a day off and drive them 50 miles down to Fresno. Now, even if your doctor is down the hill, you can get your diagnostic ultrasound here and you don’t have to drive so far. This is another convenience for the Oakhurst community.”

Cruz, an Oakhurst resident herself, has 14 years of experience as a sonographer and has expertise in vascular ultrasound, obstetric ultrasound and ultrasound diagnostics on the abdomen. “We can use ultrasound to look at any solid organ and any blood vessel,” she said. “It’s especially useful for looking for gallbladder or kidney stones.”

Dr. Schaffner said there’s no reason now for mountain area residents to make the drive down the hill for this medical care. “We have new state-of-the-art equipment, a well-trained technician and a comfortable environment. We’ve brought ultrasound technology to Oakhurst as part of expanding our role as the healthcare provider for this community. We’re committed to this community.”

Erin Kennedy reported this story. She can be reached at MedWatchToday@CommunityMedical.org.