WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital patients now have access to some of the most advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities available anywhere in the country. Utilized by WellSpan radiologists, the state-of-the-art GE Revolution APEX 16 CT scanner at WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital demonstrates the health system’s commitment and expertise in delivering high-quality care with state-of-the-art technology.

“This technology represents a transformative moment for WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital’s heart and vascular program to reinforce the hospital’s growing reputation for excellence,” said Dr. Ron Jacob, medical director, Cardiovascular Imaging, WellSpan Health.

“Through a single heartbeat, the precision and clarity of the new CT scanner allows us to identify coronary artery more accurately, giving them faster answers and better outcomes, right here at home,” said Dr. Saquib Siddiqi, non-invasive cardiologist and North region site director, WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital.

Raising the bar in rural health diagnostics

The scanner provides high resolution images, scanning a large area of the body in a single rotation that improves diagnostic certainty in the images generated and leads to better patient care. The scanner is considered a volume scanner utilizing 512 slices per scan at a rotation speed of 23 milliseconds and has dual-energy capabilities that allows for diagnostic certainty even in challenging clinical scenarios. 

Transformational impact across multiple specialties

The new system expands capabilities across heart and vascular care, neurology, oncology and lung health:

• Cardiac Imaging in One Heartbeat - The APEX scanner’s ability to capture the entire heart in a single heartbeat supports motion‑free coronary CT angiography at a low radiation dose. Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) is now the best test to evaluate appropriate patients without known coronary artery disease who present with chest pain. This is particularly valuable when evaluating coronary artery disease—still the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for nearly one in five deaths. The scanner enables physicians and advanced practice providers to visualize plaque buildup and vessel blockages with high accuracy even in very early stages of the disease.
• Stroke and Neurovascular Emergencies - In stroke care, where every second counts, the scanner’s speed and high-resolution vascular imaging allow clinicians to assess brain conditions quickly and accurately, improving decision making in time critical situations.
• Low‑Dose Lung Screening - The enhanced sensitivity and reduced radiation dose make lung cancer screening more effective—particularly important for patients with a history of smoking.
• Oncology Precision - Oncology teams benefit from sharper detail in tumor visualization and monitoring, helping tailor treatment plans and track therapeutic response.

Ensuring rural communities have access to innovative technologies

This latest investment aligns with WellSpan’s broader strategy to reimagine health care, expanding access to innovative technologies that improve both outcomes and convenience for patients across Central Pennsylvania. Strategic partnerships, shared expertise and investments in technology as part of the WellSpan system strengthens patient access to care available close to home. The hospital has already achieved multiple recognitions across neurosciences, pulmonary care, and outpatient services — evidence of its commitment to clinical excellence.

“With this scanner, WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital is not simply upgrading equipment—it is redefining what’s possible in rural medicine,” added Dr. Siddiqi. “Advanced imaging isn’t just about sharper pictures — it’s about saving time, improving safety and empowering our expert cardiac clinicians to make confident decisions for the patients who depend on us.”

To learn more about the imaging services available at WellSpan Health, visit www.wellspan.org/imaging.