Advanced Medical Imaging

Mom needed a MRI — she was referred here by her specialist. Unfortunately, the machine was having some problems that day, having to push back the appointment by 30 — 45 minutes. Only complaint from my mother — noisy (Duh! Could have told you that lady!). Wear some headphones to drown the music. At the end of her visit, she was given a bag of trail mix. What a nice touch: o)

It seems every time you turn around, you hear about someone you know who has cancer or is in cancer treatment. Just in the last year alone, I know 3 individuals who got cancer. Once that occurs, the sad news of the cancer diagnosis can be such a life changing event. Since cancer is not only potentially deadly and can manifest in many forms, the scariest part about cancer is the speed it has. This fact alone should serve as a reminder and call to action for regular check-​ups and exams. Early detection is one’s best defense. For women, getting regular mammograms is key to good health maintenance.
So after receiving my annual check-​up reminder from my doctor, I contacted AMI for an appointment after a friend recommended AMI. I secured a Saturday morning appointment. Finding the place was very easy; it’s located behind the Outback Steakhouse in the Waipio Shopping Center and directly across the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park. I didn’t have to struggle to find parking as they’ve more than enough in this strip mall.
Upon entering the office, the place looked clinically clean and new. The receptionist greeted me; she was courteous and helpful. After signing in and completing the proper new-​patient paperwork and insurance verification process, I sat comfortably in the chair reading a magazine and watched TV simultaneously LOL! I was not bored sitting there but I didn’t need to wait that long either. Approximately 15 minutes later, I was called and shown to the locker room by a really «caring» technician. Reason I say she’s caring is because I felt she was genuine. She explained the process and made sure I would feel comfortable before we proceed. Having been to other places in town, I felt I was rushed through the exam in the past. This lady was not like that at all; she took the time to assure me I can stop her anytime if I have any questions. From my arrival and departure time, it took less than 40 minutes and I was out of there to start my weekend fun!
In summary, I was glad I went to AMI and they made it easy and convenient for me to take care of this important check-​up. I’d recommend AMI because I think they give you better service than some of the other places in town. On top of that, I scored a really cute lavender robe and notebook during their promotion. It was through their annual check-​ups that my friends discovered their conditions and I truly believe they’re extremely lucky since they’ve time on their side due to early detection. All the $$$$$ in the world means NOTHING if you have no «health wealth». Your greatest asset is your health.

It’s best to live without regrets. This means that one should take care and be in charge of one’s health, including getting annual exams and tests.
While I previously went to a facility in town, I thought I would make a change and try AMI, which has Saturday appointments available. Walk-​ins are available, but it’s probably prudent to call ahead, in case doctor’s orders are needed. AMI will follow-​up with this on your behalf.
AMI is located in the Waipio Shopping Center, which is located near the Costco Waipio and the Waikele Premium Outlets. Look for Foodland, Big City Diner, and Outback Steakhouse and you’ll know you’re in the right place. There’s lots of free parking, which is a real plus.
From town, I took the Waipahu exit, since it seemed to be a more direct route.
The reception area is aesthetically pleasing, clean, and very comfortable, with flat screen TV and an array of magazines to choose from.
The receptionist was very professional, helpful, and attentive. She even asked me if I wanted to seated in the back waiting area, since there were several people in the front.
I was led to the dressing room to change into a pretty ½ length purple robe, which was sufficient for the purpose. There was even a locker for my belongings — nice touch!
The technician was very professional and patient. She made me feel very comfortable for what is normally a pretty uncomfortable screening test.
This experience was so pleasant, so different from the normal cattle-​call feeling you get at other facilities. It was definitely worth the drive for me. I’m ready to schedule my appointment for next year!

There were so many times in my life when I wished that I was a guy. This is one of those times…
When I was 21 years old (many decades ago), my girlfriend and I were chatting and all of a sudden, she (like a good Chinese girl) kind of scolded me (with good intention) to do a breast self-​exam. I’m quite sure guys do not talk about this topic, and I don’t remember how it came about, but that guilt trip thing happened and so I obeyed her.
Gosh darn it — turns out that on my first go round, I found a lump the size of a pea. I was thinking, «No way!» and went to the doctor right away. To make a long story short, the lump was removed. It was tested and found to be benign.
Over the years, technology has greatly improved and with it, the quality of mammograms, The lumps that I have not found on my own, were discovered via this annual screening exam. One lump was so deep that I have had to undergo anesthesia to have it removed. All other procedures were done with a local while I was fully awake — yikes! I am glad that after all of the cyst aspirations, lumpectomies, scar tissue removals, and clip placements, I have dodged «the bullet» so far.
Yes, mammograms are not pleasant, but Advanced Medical Imaging helped to make my experience a better one. First off, they are located in the Waipio Gentry area near Foodland and Jack in the Box. The benefit here is the free parking. Another benefit is the new, modern, clean environment. The reception area is bright and spacious with a water dispenser and hand sanitizer in one corner. There are toys in the other corner for children to play with while they wait. The staff are very friendly and organized as they handed me a clipbord with some forms to complete. When the clipboard is returned, the staff will offered me bottled water and snacks!
I looked around and realized that I was the only patient here. No wonder I had individualized attention (unlike town where I feel like I’m just a number)! Soon, I was called to the «back» to the dressing room. I changed into a purple bathrobe with the «Bird of Paradise» logo and led to the machine…
The machine has a quick-​release function. As soon as the image is obtained, the plates separated and I was encouraged to breathe! Yes, during each compression, I was reminded to hold my breath so as to prevent movement and thus allowing for a clearer image. Joan, the technician, was very professional and caring. She even showed me my films and pointed out the dense areas and locations of the metal clips.
As a reward for good behavior, I was presented with a brand new purple bathrobe in a cellophane package! What a nice gift that will last a long time. It is a practical reminder of a necessary, temporarily uncomfortable, but important exam. If I could help just one person get a mammogram, all of this «torture» would be worth it!