IN-DEPTH IMAGING-Radiologist Roy Gottlieb of Simi Valley Medical Imaging examines a high-tech angiogram of the coronary arteries of a patient. The equipment enables diagnosis without catherization. Body image in Simi Valley has taken on a whole new meaning with the opening of Simi Valley Medical Imaging.

Operated by the same team of radiologists who run Rolling Oaks Radiology in Thousand Oaks, the new medical center at 1687 Erringer Road gives Simi Valley residents the opportunity to skip the long lines at hospitals and get medical scans on the same day they visit the doctor.

"Hospitals aren't capable of providing same-day visits because emergency patients are given priority," said Bobbie Fagin, director of marketing for Simi Valley Medical Imaging. "At our facilities, we see the patient immediately and allow them to come in at a time that suits them."

The center is staffed by Robert Princenthal, M.D.; Roy Gottlieb, D.O.; Josephine Lee, M.D.; and Bernard Gero, M.D.

The doctors have been helping patients in the area for nearly 15 years, and they're are all board-certified with fellowship training.

The Simi Valley Medical Imaging center offers MRI and CT scans. MRIs are used primarily for neurological scans and for examining soft tissue, while CT scans are used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including kidney stones, fractures, sinus infections and cerebral bleeds, according to Fagin.

The center also contains a 40 slice CT, a new instrument that provides very detailed scans of examined areas. This technology was featured on "Oprah" because of its unprecedented ability to diagnose coronary artery disease.

"This is a very unique exam which allows us to explore for plaque, especially soft plaque, along the arteries to prevent heart disease and invasive surgery," Fagin said. "We're the only imaging center in Simi Valley doing this type of scan."

Patient comfort is a priority at Simi Valley Medical Imaging.

"Our facilities are very restful and peaceful, we have water and fruit for our guests, and we strive to give the patient a feeling of comfort and ease," Fagin said.

Simi Valley Medical Imaging refers patients who are extremely claustrophobic or are severely obese to their Open Advantage MRI facility in Westlake Village.

The Simi Valley facility, which has been open for two weeks, has already performed a number of MRI scans but few CT scans.

"We need to reeducate the doctors and the residents that the latest technology is now available to them outside of the hospital," Fagin said. "Coming to our facility is a lot easier than going to the hospital and registering for an exam. We make the process quick and comfortable."

For more information, call (805) 527-4MRI.