Access to high-quality medical imaging just became easier, and far more comfortable, with the opening of East Memphis Imaging Center and the East Memphis Breast Center (collectively known as EMI), a comprehensive, state-of-the-art facility designed with both precision and patient experience in mind. Offering a full suite of screening and diagnostic services, the center’s emphasis on advanced mammography technology and sub-specialized radiologists sets a new standard for care in the region.
Many patients don't realize that their health insurance allows them to choose where to receive their annual screening mammograms as well as further diagnostic imaging or biopsies, if required. Instead of the hassle and headache often associated with the hospital, which might only be convenient for the doctors themselves, EMI brings the specialists to the heart of East Memphis at Poplar and Perkins.
Convenience is only one plus. The easy-access parking and covered drop-off front entrance is especially meaningful for patients arriving with limited mobility. Both floors of the center feature a serene, thoughtfully designed spa-like interior that aims to ease the anxiety often associated with medical appointments. From the lobby seating, private changing areas and robes for the Breast Center patients, everything was chosen with comfort at the forefront.
Still, the true hallmark of EMI lies behind the scenes. The center is staffed by Midsouth Imaging's sub-specialized radiologists whose extensive training focuses on specific areas of the body, ensuring greater accuracy in both screening and diagnostic interpretation. Cutting-edge equipment, including Breast MRI, contrast enhanced mammography and DEXA scans enhance early detection and reduce unnecessary callbacks.
One radiologist patients visiting EMI have access to is Dr. Heidi Umphrey. Dr. Umphrey graduated from the University of Alabama’s medical school, where she also completed residency training in anatomical pathology and radiology, developing a special interest in breast MRI and improved breast cancer detection. While on staff at UAB, she served as Chief of the Breast Imaging Section. Since moving to Memphis to join the radiologists at Midsouth Imaging, she has continued to be a leader in the field, and the East Memphis Breast Center has received the coveted Breast Center of Excellence accreditation from the American College of Radiology. Dr. Umphrey says the best part of her job is simply helping people, "It is a blessing to assist patients in their journey."
Mammography appointments are available to all women and can be made via self-referrals or physician referrals. In addition to mammography, the center provides ultrasound, X-ray, CT, MRI and is the only free-standing site to offer coronary CTA imagining, making it a comprehensive and cost-competitive option for both routine screenings and more complex diagnostic needs. Same-week appointments and efficient scheduling help minimize waiting times, reflecting a broader commitment to accessible, patient-centered care. “Our goal is to offer the highest level of diagnostic confidence while ensuring patients feel cared for from the moment they walk in,” says Dr. Umphrey. “We didn’t just build a new imaging center, we built an environment designed to support patient wellbeing at every step." With its blend of medical expertise, cutting-edge technology and comfortable setting, EMI brings a refreshing new approach to imaging; one where accuracy meets comfort, and where patients can expect excellence in both.
“Our goal is to offer the highest level of diagnostic confidence while ensuring patients feel cared for from the moment they walk in. "