Brie poses for a family photo with her husband and two children.
Two years ago, Outpatient Radiology Scottsbluff opened its doors with the hope of making a significant impact in their largely rural community. Located in the panhandle of Nebraska, the facility began offering advanced, professional medical imaging to provide patients with greater access to high-level, personalized care. Since 2024, OPR Scottsbluff has supported thousands of patients by providing imaging that delivers quick, accurate diagnoses. One patient shared how OPR Scottsbluff was there when she needed it most.
In June 2023, Brie was diagnosed with stage 3A melanoma after receiving a skin biopsy on her arm, followed by a successful surgery at UCHealth in Colorado to remove the melanoma and the sentinel lymph node in her left arm. The lymph node was also biopsied and came back positive, meaning the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, resulting in a stage 3A diagnosis.
“Because the melanoma had reached my lymph node, my oncologist recommended CT scans every three months to closely monitor for any recurrence,” Brie said. “Initially, I had imaging done in Colorado before transitioning closer to home. As I went through my cancer journey, I realized something important: I had a choice in where I received my imaging.”
Brie heard that a new imaging center was opening in Scottsbluff and stopped by Outpatient Radiology Scottsbluff inside the Elite Health Center before the facility officially opened. She met Jessica Aratani, the clinical radiology manager, shared her story, and explained that she would need ongoing CT scans. Within the community, Brie had also heard wonderful things about OPR radiologist Dr. Michael Yung and knew she wanted a facility that offered personalized patient care and could communicate seamlessly with her oncologist at UCHealth.
“Since 2024, I’ve had all of my CT scans at Outpatient Radiology Scottsbluff every three months,” said Brie. “I’ve also had ultrasounds, lymph node biopsies and an MRI of my brain there, and I’m incredibly grateful for the care they’ve provided. My oncologist was very impressed with the quality of the images, and the communication between Outpatient Radiology and my oncology team has been seamless. As a patient, you’re already waiting for answers — you don’t want to wonder if your images are sitting somewhere waiting to be reviewed. I never had to worry about that.”
Then, this spring, Brie’s family faced another unexpected challenge. Her 6-year-old daughter was seen by her pediatrician for persistent sinus issues, which led to a CT scan to evaluate her sinuses.
“I didn’t hesitate for a second about where I wanted to take her,” said Brie. “Outpatient Radiology got her in the very same day.”
The scan revealed sinusitis and orbital cellulitis, and shortly afterward, her family traveled to Denver, where her daughter was hospitalized for treatment. After returning home, she had a follow-up CT scan with Dr. Yung and the OPR Scottsbluff team.
“As a parent, that first imaging appointment was incredibly important to me. She had already had a rough day with blood draws in both arms, and because her CT required contrast, she needed an IV. Jessica and Josie were phenomenal. They kept her calm, explained everything in a way she could understand and even called the CT scanner ‘the donut,’ telling her she was going for ‘a ride through the donut,’” Brie said.
Brie appreciated that she and her husband could stay with their daughter during the scan, which made the process easier for her. By the time she returned for her follow-up CT, her daughter was confident she could do it all by herself, thanks to a positive first experience with the Outpatient Radiology Scottsbluff team that eliminated any fear she might have had.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned through this experience is that patients have the right to choose where they receive imaging,” said Brie. “Many people assume they have to go wherever they’re referred, but that’s not the case. Having the ability to choose a team you trust makes an enormous difference. For me, Outpatient Radiology Scottsbluff opened at the perfect time and, in my opinion, they have been nothing but a huge blessing to have in our community. They combine state-of-the-art technology, exceptional patient care, outstanding providers and excellent patient communication for the best patient experience.”
For many patients in rural communities, having trusted, advanced care means they can stay close to home when it matters most. Whether you’re taking the first step by scheduling an annual screening or need follow-up imaging, Outpatient Radiology Scottsbluff is your partner in cancer care and medical imaging. Call to schedule an appointment today (308.281.9729), or schedule in person at the Elite Health Center (820 W. 42nd St., Suite 1500).
