GRAND MEADOW, Minnesota (STPNS) -- Patients who have a broken bone or other injuries that may require an X-ray in the Grand Meadow and LeRoy area will now get their X-rays performed in either Adams or Austin as X-ray services are no longer being performed at the Grand Meadow Clinic or LeRoy Clinic - both part of Austin Medical Center.

Joseph Accurso, M.D., radiologist and radiology medical director at Austin Medical Center, says rising costs and increased regulations and safety issues are the reasons for the discontinuation of X-ray services at Grand Meadow and LeRoy. "Rule changes by the Minnesota Department of Health have significantly increased the requirements for X-ray equipment maintenance and training for the people who take the X-rays," says Dr. Accurso. "These changes, along with patient safety and satisfaction concerns, have led to Austin Medical Center's decision to discontinue X-ray services at both clinics."



Adams Clinic - part of Austin Medical Center - has newly installed X-ray equipment, much like what is used at Austin Medical Center, which allows the providers to view the X-rays on the computer instead of using film. This allows patients to receive final X-ray results much quicker than the previous film-based system that was used at Grand Meadow and LeRoy Clinics.

Grand Meadow Clinic and LeRoy Clinic patients can still be seen at each location for injuries or accidents that may require an X-ray - the only change is patients will need to go to Adams or Austin for their X-rays. Blooming Prairie Clinic - part of Austin Medical Center - X-ray services will remain the same.