Open MRI in Jackson Mississippi

Open MRI in Jackson Mississippi

Capitol Imaging Services proudly houses the only true open MRI in Jackson, Mississippi. But what makes a true open MRI…open? In today’s post, we’ll discuss the benefits of open MRI versus those of a traditional MRI– as well as why patients prefer open MRI by Capitol Imaging Services. Independent imaging centers, like Capitol Imaging Services (CIS), on average feature lower-priced … Read More

Why is an MRI so loud

Why is an MRI so Loud?

In today’s post, find the answer to a very common question asked here at Capitol Imaging Services, “Why is an MRI so Loud?”

MRI & Identifying Causes of Pain

Imagine the following scenario: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides enough detail that the radiologist and orthopedic doctor diagnosed a 50% tear in a tendon of the right ankle. Without the results from the MRI, the college freshman gymnast would have hurt herself even more. After finishing a dose of steroids to reduce swelling and using an extra-strength pain relieving cream, … Read More

Medical Provider Prefers CIS

Most would initially conclude that the above statement comes from a satisfied person who came to Capitol Imaging Services for an imaging exam. Actually, that statement came from a nurse that works in a referring office in New Orleans, LA. This nurse from an orthopedic practice had referred someone to a facility other than Capitol Imaging Services (a hospital imaging … Read More

How to Discuss Medical Costs

The headline is from a published article in Consumer Reports and written by a physician. She offers sound advice on what to say and what to ask, given the health care climate of continual rising deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. The insight is valuable and people should feel comfortable and confident in bringing up the subject of medical cost. You’re not … Read More

Patient Saves $600 on MRI

Hey, we think the image to the right is exactly how the man felt when he was told by a Capitol Imaging Services associate that with his health insurance coverage and deductible, we were going to save him several hundred dollars on an MRI exam. Unfortunately, his physician referred him to a local hospital. Upon conferring with the hospital, he … Read More

MRI Sticker Shock

Even though this is not a story from our area, it still holds relevance not only in the greater New Orleans area, but in the southeastern United States as well as the entire country. This story is from a public radio news reporter in Boston, Massachusetts who needed to undergo an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. The reporter did call … Read More

Four Questions to Ask Medical Providers

If you want information about saving money DIRECTLY from a person who works in the health care field, this presentation is for you! It really isn’t that difficult. There are a few key words she gives to guide you to where you want to be. Step 1: Find out what type of test you are ordered to have. In this … Read More

2D VS 3D Mammography

Every year, hundreds of thousands of women in the United States are told by their medical provider that they have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Every year, breast cancer takes the lives of tens of thousands of women. When breast cancer is detected early – before it has spread – it is easier to treat. Women have a much better chance … Read More

Imaging for headaches or Head Injury

What diagnostic test is usually prescribed for headaches or an injury to the head area? Sometimes, when a person experiences some sort of impact to the head or head area, and they are exhibiting symptoms from such impact, a medical provider may recommend a Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the head and/or brain. What is CT? CT scans at Capitol … Read More

Large Bore MRI in Columbus, MS

In the continuing mission for Capitol Imaging Services to implement the latest imaging technologies while identifying ways to make diagnostic testing more comfortable and calm for people, we are pleased to announce the latest addition in MRI to those ends: the Toshiba Vantage Titan 1.5T High Field MRI. Installed at the Imaging Center of Columbus, The Vantage Titan system offers … Read More

Transparent Pricing for Services

Effective January 1, 2021, a federal rule says hospitals have to list the costs of at least some of their services in accessible, consumer-friendly language. The hope has been that equipped with this information, potential patients can shop around and make a better-informed decision before setting foot in a hospital. It may not always be easy to find these costs, … Read More

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

The month of November is designated as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The Lung Cancer Awareness Month Coalition is a group of leading international research and advocacy organizations that partner each November in an effort to improve outcomes for lung cancer patients across the world. Unlike many other diseases, with lung cancer, there is a shocking lack of knowledge among both … Read More

Know Your CPT Codes

Capitol Imaging Services (CIS) has long touted the encouragement for people to inquire and know about the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code that pertains to a medical exam, procedure or service that they are recommended to have. However, other national resources are also recommending this to people as healthcare consumers. You have the right to know this code and with … Read More

Know your rights

When you visit your doctor and he recommends you have a radiological scan (MRI, CT, PET, X-Ray, Ultrasound etc), you will receive a script.  Your doctor will often make a recommendation where you should go for the scan. In some cases, your physician may belong to a medical group or hospital that owns the imaging center to where you are being referred and … Read More

CT screenings cut lung cancer deaths

According to a study conducted in the Netherlands and published in the January 2020 New England Journal of Medicine, annual Computed Tomography (CT) screenings of former and current long-time smokers have been proven to reduce deaths from lung cancer. “Wonderful News” Dr. Debra Dyer, a spokeswoman for the American College of Radiology and chair of radiology at National Jewish Health … Read More

Benefits of Independent imaging

Many people do not realize that there is a choice when you are told by your medical provider that you need an imaging exam, from an ultrasound to a PET/CT study. There are really three main choices: The hospital imaging center An imaging center owned by the hospital An independent imaging center First, let’s clarify. What does it mean by independent? … Read More

Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy

Lumps or abnormalities in the breast are often detected by physical examination, mammography, or other imaging studies. However, it is not always possible to tell from these imaging tests whether a growth is benign or cancerous. A breast biopsy is performed to remove some cells—either surgically or through a less invasive procedure involving a hollow needle—from a suspicious area in the breast … Read More

Annual Mammogram

Annual Mammogram | Get on Track

Patients delaying their annual mammogram means thousands of cases of breast cancer are going undetected; resulting in higher mortality rates.

X-rays for knee pain

Knee pain is common among Americans age 40 and up. Nearly 1 in 17 people visit doctor offices each year for knee pain or injuries for osteoarthritis – a progressive “wear and tear” diseases of the joints. Those odds increase as the U.S. population continues to age and becomes even more overweight. While an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam is … Read More

Benefits of 3D Mammography

Why should women take advantage of this 3D mammography technology? Some reasons are provided below. The better to see you! A 3D mammogram allows the radiologist to see masses and distortions associated with cancers much more clearly. A good analogy is to think of the pages in a book. If you look down at the cover, you can’t see all … Read More

Mammogram Standing Order

This question is often asked of a woman contacting Capitol Imaging Services to arrange a visit for a screening mammogram. Most everyone understands that a referral order is needed in order to complete a screening mammogram or any imaging test performed by our organization. But, what is a standing order? Defining a standing order Simply, if a health care provider … Read More

Understanding an Arthrogram

Capitol Imaging Services is a freestanding independent outpatient imaging provider that performs a specialty procedure called an arthrogram at select affiliate centers. An arthrogram uses imaging equipment to evaluate a joint like the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee or ankle. It is a two-step procedure consisting of a contrast injection into the joint, followed by an MRI or CT scan … Read More

Deductible, Coinsurance, and Copay

Many people are confused about the differences between an insurance deductible, co-pay and coinsurance. In short, all three represent the portion of the medical bill that you are responsible for in case you get sick or injured. Another term used is out-of-pocket expense. However, there are some very unique differences between each one. Deductible An insurance deductible is usually a … Read More

Bones and Osteoporosis

May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. In conjunction with the observance, here are some interesting facts to consider and understand: Bone is living, growing tissue that is both flexible and strong.  Throughout life, you are constantly losing old bone and forming new bone.  Osteoporosis happens when you lose too much bone, make too little of it or both.  … Read More

Learn more about MRCP

Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam that produces detailed images of the hepatobiliary and pancreatic systems, including the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas and pancreatic duct. Physicians use MRCP to: examine diseases of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas and pancreatic duct, including tumors, stones, inflammation or infection evaluate patients with pancreatitis … Read More

Outpatient vs Hospital Imaging

That’s a common question asked by both people who are patients themselves and medical providers such as physicians, podiatrists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. The prevailing attitude is that there is no difference so it doesn’t matter where you go for your MRI, CT or ultrasound. That simply is not true. It can make a BIG difference when a person … Read More

Positioning Inside an MRI

This is an inquiry Capitol Imaging Services associates and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologists get asked frequently. We thought we would provide a brief answer. Center of the MRI The part of the body that is scanned must be in the center of the scanner tunnel. If the body part being scanned is from the waist down, you will be … Read More

Understanding Bone Spurs

If you or someone you know has had knee pain and after their diagnostic testing, they received a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis, you may be more familiar with the term “osteophytes” or as their more common name, “bone spurs.” Bone spurs have been defined as “abnormal bony lumps that appear on the surface of joints that have suffered some degree of … Read More

MRI Claustrophobia

If you have ever felt nervous, anxious or on edge when in tight spaces such as an elevator, closet or even a small car, chances are you show signs of clinical claustrophobia. Claustrophobia is defined as “a fear of being in closed or small spaces” and “an unhappy or uncomfortable feeling caused by being in a situation that limits or … Read More

Shopping for Imaging Studies

Become an educated consumer. Take ownership in your health care dollar and understand why you were referred to one place over another. Ask your doctor if he or she is required by his or her employer or financially incentivized to send you to a particular medical facility for testing. Look up your imaging study. There are numerous websites that provide estimates … Read More

Movement During MRI

Movement During MRI

FREEZE! Hold still during your Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam. Did you know that even the slightest movement during your exam can compromise your MRI picture? Motion can affect nearly every modality of radiology, but none so much as MRI. This is because the machine is taking images of your body in such detail, that when a patient moves even … Read More

Breast Biopsy Accreditation

Our Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS), and their Women’s & Advanced Imaging Center in Metairie, LA has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in stereotactic breast biopsy as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). A breast biopsy is performed to remove tissue — either surgically or through a less … Read More

Understanding Ultrasounds

Bellies and tummies are where we keep things, including laughs, gumbo and babies. But this area holds more than that. The anatomically correct name for that part of the body is the abdomen. The abdomen is home to important organs including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and towards the back, the kidneys. So when radiologists are asked to look into someone’s belly/tummy/abdomen, … Read More

Why Measure Bone Density?

We’ve all heard that bone density is crucial to good health. But at what age should you get tested for bone loss? And what’s the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis, anyway? Osteoporosis and osteopenia, conditions of low bone mass leading to an increased risk of bone fracture, are extremely common in women, especially after menopause when bone loss is accelerated. Low … Read More

Stitching and Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine and backbone that if left untreated could lead to further health complications. Scoliosis affects about 3% of the U.S. population. Scoliosis is commonly developed in children between ages 10 and 15 and is about two times more common in girls than boys. Diagnosing and treating scoliosis in its … Read More

When is a CT Ordered?

CT (Computed Tomography) scanning is useful to get a very detailed 3-D image of certain parts of the body, such as soft tissues, the pelvis, blood vessels, the lungs, the brain, abdomen, and bones.  Documented common reasons for a CT include: It is often the preferred method of diagnosing many cancers, such as liver, lung, and pancreatic cancers. The image allows … Read More

Prepare Your Child for Imaging

Going to the doctor can be scary enough for young children. So the idea of an X-Ray or MRI may prove particularly stressful. You see sophisticated equipment that can help identify risks to your child’s health. Your child, however, may simply see a big machine with laser-like lights strong enough to see through their skin and bones. Their perception of … Read More

Breast Self-Examination

According to many resources, most any private time is the perfect time for women to check their breasts for any changes in size, symmetry or color. We probably would not recommend it while frying bacon or a vegetable stir fry, but plenty of other times in the comfort of your home are opportunities to self-check. So, put that good novel … Read More

Diagnosing Rotator Cuff Injuries

Ahhh…fall is soon here. This season means football, exercise and …shoulder injuries? That’s right, shoulder injuries. While this sport uses different muscles, they all involve repetitive use of the shoulder that can lead to potential shoulder instability (when the shoulder joint is loose and slides around too much in the socket). This repetitive motion can cause the shoulder ligaments to … Read More

Prostate Biopsy Alternatives

Prostate biopsy does answer the question as to whether or not cancer is present. However, the question has arisen as to if there is an alternative. Until recently, there was not. New studies, including multi-parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), can find prostate cancer with very high accuracy. Ultra high field MRI, known as 3T, delivers twice the field strength of … Read More

Paying for Imaging

Millions of diagnostic exams are performed in the United States each year. However, planning and paying for these often-essential procedures can be confusing and sometimes much more expensive than they need to be. If diagnostic exams were like most consumer products, you could simply compare imaging scan prices online, come up with the funds, and make your purchase. Unfortunately, almost nothing … Read More

MRI and Ionizing Radiation

In a report from MD Anderson related to oncology patient perceptions of the use of ionizing radiation in diagnostic imaging, 29 percent said MRI used it. This is incorrect. But, it does show a gap in “health literacy” and one of the reasons Capitol Imaging Services uses this blog, our website and our social media tools to better explain exams … Read More

Why Order a CT Scan?

CT (Computed Tomography) scanning is a noninvasive way to study all parts of your body. The technique itself is painless and can provide extremely accurate images. In many instances, a CT scan can decidedly decrease the need to perform surgery and CT scans have vastly improved the ability of doctors to diagnose many diseases earlier in their course and with … Read More

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Capitol Imaging Services shares an article that identifies five symptoms that should not be ignored and should be brought to the attention of a man’s medical provider. Often times, men have the most difficult time in bringing themselves to a medical professional for health care. They simply put it off, claim they don’t have time for it or that it … Read More

Ten Reasons to Choose CIS

When you visit your doctor and you get a recommendation for an imaging exam, you’ll receive a referral order, also known as a script. Often, a doctor makes a recommendation on where you should go for the scan. Please be aware that you are not mandated to go where your doctor recommends on the script. You have the right to … Read More

Breast Lumps Need Evaluation

Finding a lump in your breast can be a scary thing, but is it something you should worry about? Patients often worry that lumps in their breasts could be early signs of breast cancer. Sometimes a lumpy breast can be mistaken as being cancerous. The important thing is to know you breasts and understand your own normal. No one will … Read More