Diagnostic Achievements

2020
~ Contrast Enhanced Mammography

Contrast Enhanced Mammography
Alaska Radiology Associates introduces contrast enhanced digital mammography to improve detection of breast cancers (particularly in dense breast tissue) and provide alternative diagnostic approaches to breast ultrasound and MRI.

2019
~ Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI)
~ Dual Energy CT Evaluation of Gout Crystals and Kidney Stones
~ 3D Printing

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI)
Neuro-expertise expanded with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to guide surgical planning and radiation therapy, assess effects of stroke, trauma, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s and to better diagnose behavioral issues like depression, addiction, and schizophrenia.
Dual Energy CT Evaluation of Gout Crystals and Kidney Stones
First and only practice in the state to offer quantitative and qualitative evaluation of crystal/stone pathologies using dual energy CT technology.
3D Printing
Alaska Radiology Associates, through Imaging Associates, becomes the first diagnostic imaging center to offer 3D printing, visual models of a patient’s heart, brain, and other vital organs that can be used for patient education and to aid surgeons in planning complex surgical operations.

2017
~ MR Elastography
~ Allied Brain Injury Network

MR Elastography
The first and only in Alaska to offer MR Elastography (MRE), giving AK physicians a powerful new comprehensive tool for liver assessment, lessening the need for invasive liver biopsy and concern of sampling variability.
Allied Brain Injury Network
ARA Neuroradiologist Dr. Gerald York began serving as board member for Alaska Brain Injury Network (ABIN) – an organization dedicated to coordination and advocacy of comprehensive services to survivors of brain injury and their families.

2016
Specialty Alliance with VA and DoD
MRI/Ultrasound Fusion
Traumatic Brain Injury Partnership

Specialty Alliance with VA and DoD
ARA began providing neuroradiology support to VA and DoD beneficiaries through the Multicenter Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium (CENC).
MRI/Ultrasound Fusion
ARA collaborated with local Urologists to provide the detailed digital tools they need to pioneer state of the art MRI / Ultrasound Fusion Prostate Biopsies.
Traumatic Brain Injury Partnership
ARA’s Neuroradiologists organized multiple presentations in the community to educate providers and the public about the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and in the proper use of diagnostic imaging to better assess these patients.

2015
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging
- Quantitative Lesional and Volumetric Neuroimaging
- High Resolution Rectal MRI
- 24/7/365 In-Hospital Radiologists
- High-Field Open MRI
- Quantitative CT Bone Densitometry
- 3T MRI to the MatSu Valley

Diffusion Tensor Imaging
ARA Implemented a new MRI scanning protocol using diffusion tensor imaging to allow better depiction of white matter changes in demyelinating diseases and central neurological injury.
Quantitative Lesional and Volumetric Neuroimaging
ARA Introduced quantitative volumetric neuroimaging to assess patients with history of concussion/traumatic brain injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and other neurological diseases.
High Resolution Rectal MRI
In partnership with Imaging Associates and Providence Imaging Center, ARA introduced high resolution rectal MRI for rectal cancer staging in Alaska.
24/7/365 In-Hospital Radiologists
ARA became the first and only radiology practice in Alaska to provide 24/7/365 in-hospital Radiologist coverage, at its primary inpatient hospital, Providence Alaska Medical Center.
High-Field Open MRI
In partnership with Imaging Associates, ARA introduced the first high-field Open MRI to Alaska through its Providence partnership with Imaging.
Quantitative CT Bone Densitometry
ARA and Imaging Associates established QCT to more accurately measure bone density and determine patients’ risk of fracture.
3T MRI to the MatSu Valley
In partnership with Imaging Associates, ARA introduced the first 3 Tesla MRI to the MatSu Valley.

2014
- Breast Tomosynthesis Guided Biopsies
- 3D Mammography

Breast Tomosynthesis Guided Biopsies
ARA’s womens’ imagers were the first radiologists in Alaska performing Breast Tomosynthesis guided biopsies (at PIC).
3D Mammography
ARA’s was the first in the state to support Breast Tomosynthesis. ARA provides interpretations for these state of the art 3D mammograms at Alaska Neighborhood Health, Providence Imaging Center and Imaging Associates.

2013
- Employed a Vascular Surgeon
- Metal Suppression MRI
- Multi-parametric Prostate MRI
- Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block For Treatment of Migraines

Employed a Vascular Surgeon
In response to statewide shortage of vascular surgeons, ARA became a multi-specialty practice by recruiting Dr. Allen Rubin, a double-boarded Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon.
Metal Suppression MRI
Introduced Alaska’s first dedicated Metal Suppression MRI service for imaging orthopedic implants.
Multi-parametric Prostate MRI
Introduced Alaska’s first non-invasive multi-parametric Prostate MRI program to aid in diagnosing and localizing prostate cancer for Urology services.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block For Treatment of Migraines
Alaska Radiology Associates, through Imaging Associates, initiated noninvasive fluoroscopically guided method of treating migraines via lidocaine administration into the sphenopalatine fossa.
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2012
- Musculoskeletal CT and MRI subspecialization

Musculoskeletal CT and MRI subspecialization
Introduced 100% sub-specialty interpretations of Musculoskeletal CT and MRI.

2010
- Breast Center of Excellence in MatSu
- Breast MRI to the MatSu Valley
- Dynamic Pelvic MRI
- Fetal MRI Program

Breast Center of Excellence in MatSu
In partnership with Imaging Associates, ARA established the first and only ACR certified Breast Center of Excellence in the MatSu-Valley.
Breast MRI to the MatSu Valley
Introduced Breast MRI to the Matsu-Valley. ARA was the first to offer the only source of Breast MRI in Anchorage and the MatSu valley.
Dynamic Pelvic MRI
Introduced Alaska’s first Dynamic Pelvic MRI program for noninvasive diagnosis of pelvic floor disorders.
Fetal MRI Program
Introduced Fetal MRI program to Alaska. Prior to this, pregnant mothers had to travel to Seattle or Cincinnati for these examinations.

2006
- 3T MRI and MR Spectroscopy

3T MRI and MR Spectroscopy
Introduced the first 3Tesla MRI and MR Spectroscopy in Alaska.

2005
- First Digital Mammography

First Digital Mammography
Introduced Alaska’s first Digital Mammography service.

2004
- First Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
- Breast Imaging Center of Excellence

First Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
In partnership with ARA, Providence Imaging Center received the ACR’s FIRST Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Accreditation Certificate.
Breast Imaging Center of Excellence
In partnership with Providence Imaging Center, provided the first ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence in the state of Alaska.

2003
- Launched Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Conference

Launched Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Conference
In partnership with Providence Imaging Center, ARA initiated the ongoing Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Conference.

1999
- Breast Biopsy Program

Breast Biopsy Program
Launched the first Percutaneous Breast Biopsy program in the region.

1998
- Breast Cancer Support Group

Breast Cancer Support Group
Launched the Anchorage Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group.

1986
- First Outpatient Imaging Center in Alaska

First Outpatient Imaging Center in Alaska
Providence Imaging Center began dedicated outpatient imaging in Alaska and featured the first dedicated Womens’ Imaging Center and whole body MRI in the state.

1978
- First Whole Body CT Scanning in Pacific Northwest

First Whole Body CT Scanning in Pacific Northwest

1976
- First Gray Scale Ultrasound in Alaska

First Gray Scale Ultrasound in Alaska

1974
- First Mammography Service in Alaska

First Mammography Service in Alaska