Study shows value of calcium scan in predicting heart attack and stroke

A November 2018 study showed that coronary artery calcium (CAC) screening, an assessment tool that is not currently recommended for people considered at low risk, is a better predictor of blocked coronary arteries at risk for a heart attack and the need for revascularization than standard risk-assessment equations used in medical practice today. CAC screening provides a direct measure of … Read More

The Skyra’s the limit

Would you be interested in having your MRI in a 3T ultra-high field system (a system most often demanded by medical subspecialists) in which the MRI’s shorter design (five feet, eight inches long) means that most exams can be done with your head OUTSIDE the system? If your answer is a resounding “YES!”, then our Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic … Read More

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

One in every seven of our fathers, husbands, brothers or sons will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. One in 36 will die of this disease. Prostate cancer is a formidable opponent. Second only to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in the U.S. In 2011, the most recent year on record, … Read More

A continued increasing role for MRI in prostate cancer

Much attention paid to multiparametric prostate MRI (mp-MRI) has focused on its ability to improve prostate cancer detection and diagnosis. However, prostate MRI has the potential to improve other aspects of prostate cancer care. Beyond guiding biopsy needles, prostate MRI can also aid prostate cancer staging, inform treatment planning and to monitor patients following treatment. At the Capitol Imaging Services … Read More

Breast density: why it is important to know

Capitol Imaging Services shares a few questions and answers regarding the topic of breast density and its importance to women. Q.  I had a mammogram recently and was told that I have dense breast tissue. What does that mean? A.  Breasts are made up of fat and non-fatty glandular and connective breast tissue. Some women have more fat than breast tissue, … Read More

Diagnostic Imaging Services joins You Night Empowering Events

Diagnostic Imaging Services is proud to be participating in upcoming July and October events held by You Night Empowering Events. There are over 16 million cancer survivors in the United States. In New Orleans, it is estimated that this year alone – over 24,000 new cases will be diagnosed. The good news about cancer care is that thanks to advances … Read More

You Night New Orleans 2017: groovy baby

Thursday, July 27, 2017 was a night for celebration on the victories won over cancer. They were celebrated by beautiful women, their families and friends who cheered them on with thunderous applause at the You Night New Orleans 2017 Runway Fashion Show. With a 1960’s British invasion theme, it was indeed “groovy baby!” From the hosts, Dr. Evil, Austin Powers … Read More

You Night Northshore celebrates life with breast cancer survivors

Thursday, October 26, 2017 was a night for celebration on the victories won over cancer. They were celebrated by beautiful women, their families and friends who cheered them on with thunderous applause at the You Night Northshore 2017 Runway Fashion Show. With a 1960’s British invasion theme, it was indeed “groovy baby!” From the hosts, Austin Powers and the gorgeous … Read More

You Night New Orleans 2019: Turn the Beat Around

A great night with beautiful runway models and a loud supportive crowd of family, friends and healthcare professionals gathered for the You Night New Orleans 2019 “Turn the Beat Around” event. Diagnostic Imaging Services was a proud sponsor of the July 27 celebration of life, health and happiness. What is You Night? You Night is an alternative to traditional support … Read More

DIS makes donation in the fight against breast cancer

Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS) was pleased to present a check for $6,226 to the American Cancer Society, in support of their efforts to find a cure for breast cancer. DIS was the Flagship Sponsor for the 2012 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in New Orleans on October 7. Thank you to our employees and to the women who place … Read More

Diagnostic Imaging Services makes annual donation to the American Cancer Society

For several years, Capitol Imaging Services has been a proud supporter of the American Cancer Society of New Orleans, fighting to end all cancers. Our affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS) has participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events and also added Relay For Life Multi-Parishes to our participation list for 2019. We invited Whitney from the American Cancer … Read More

American Cancer cancer statistics: a drop in cancer death rates by 29%

Capitol Imaging Services is proud of our continued support of the American Cancer Society. While we know dollars work locally, they also contribute to the ongoing fight against cancer in regional and national scopes, including research, housing, transportation and more. We share this recent message from Gary M. Reedy of the American Cancer Society regarding their news to start the … Read More

Diagnostic Imaging Services renews Image Wisely Pledge

In 2011, Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services, became the first independently-owned imaging organization to join the national Image Wisely campaign that promotes patient safety in medical imaging. This year, we renew that pledge. This pledge addresses concerns about medical facilities providing maximum patient safety when undergoing a test that involves ionizing radiation. Most often, this involved Computed Tomography … Read More

Would red wine cut heart disease risk?

February is American Heart Month. In continued recognition of this, Capitol Imaging Services shares a blog post by Ng Peng Hock posted to the Heart Disease Prevention blog: Being responsible for about 88,000 deaths in the United States, excessive alcohol consumption could lead to development of chronic diseases including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and liver disease. This is … Read More

March is designated as Colon Cancer Awareness Month

As part of national health observances that are spread out throughout the year, the month of March has been designated as Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is responsible for an estimated 50,000 deaths each year. But thanks to increased colon cancer awareness efforts, the death rate has been dropping steadily since the 1980s. Screening for colon and colorectal cancer … Read More

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer to hold 2020 event November 7

As with many events in the unusual year of 2020, this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer will be a virtual event. Yet, with that development, Capitol Imaging Services and our affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services, pledges its continued support of the American Cancer Society in its efforts at stamping out not only breast cancer, but all cancer. We fully support … Read More

Open MRI: don’t be fooled by misleading information

Closed magnets have a large horizontal tube or “bore” and are open at both ends. Since the patient is completely encircled inside the magnet, these magnets are not patient-friendly for claustrophobic or large patients. Some imaging centers refer to their short-bore magnets as “open” so be sure to ask if they have a true open magnet. Look for yourself — does this look … Read More

The difference in mammogram types?

Capitol Imaging Services helps to answer the question, “what is the difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram?” While screening mammograms are routinely administered to detect breast cancer in women who have no apparent symptoms, diagnostic mammograms are used after suspicious results on a screening mammogram or after some signs of breast cancer alert the physician to check … Read More

Learn more about breast ultrasound

Capitol Imaging Services provides information about an exam commonly performed as part of our women’s imaging portfolio: breast ultrasound. Ultrasound is safe and painless, and produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves. During a breast ultrasound examination the sonographer performing the test may use Doppler techniques to evaluate blood flow or lack of flow in any … Read More

Study reveals new patient insights about radiation therapy tattoos

© The Breast Journal, Vol 26 No 5 September/October 2019 Radiation therapy tattoos have been used for decades to set up and position patients for treatment, but did you know that new evidence suggests that as much as 78% of patients strongly prefer not to have tattoos or marks? In a quantitative study published in an issue of The Breast … Read More

Four money saving questions to ask every medical service provider

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

What can you do to be prepared for your imaging exam?

Screening and diagnostic testing has become a very important component in health care, thanks to the advances in technology and how test results often dictate a diagnosis or treatment of various conditions and diseases. Testing can cause confusion and anxiety in a number of people. Much of the time, it is because of the “fear of the unknown.” The better … Read More

X-rays effective as diagnostic tool for knee pain in patients over 40

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

Colon cancer screening rates surge with younger start age

In a radiology industry journal article, participation has more than doubled in colorectal cancer screening exams — including CT colonography — among individuals in their 40s, according to an article published online on December 18, 2019 in Cancer. The growth has occurred since various cancer societies recommended lowering the age to begin screening from 50 to 45 in early 2018. … Read More

Health insurance terms explained

Capitol Imaging Services shares a very informative article that “simply” explains terms we hear or come across in regards to our health insurance.Insurance can be confusing and sometimes frustrating thing to understand, and often people throw up their hands in frustration. Use this article to become a bit better informed. Capitol Imaging Services associates are experienced, knowledgeable professionals who can assist … Read More

What is the difference between MRI and MRA?

The difference between an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and an MRA is that an MRA is used specifically to examine blood vessels. An MRI is performed to examine other parts of the body including the abdomen, chest, pelvis and internal organs. If you or someone you love has suffered from a blood clot, stroke, heart disease, or similar health problem, a … Read More

Many patients aren’t sure what radiologists do

According to an online article found on www.diagnosticimaging.com, researchers surveyed 307 hospital patients (with a 50/50 split between education levels of high-school or lower versus some college or higher). Of these respondents, 8.8 percent admitted to having no clue what radiologists do; 55.4 percent felt confused, and only 35.8 percent said they knew. Only 53.5 percent believed radiologists are physicians, … Read More

DIS provides updated patient information brochure

DIS has updated our patient information brochure, reflecting additions and revisions to information such as specialized technology and services. To access our new brochure, click here, or visit capitolimagingservices.com and click on the DIS PATIENT INFORMATION BROCHURE link found under “Quick Links”. This brochure is very useful for people who are choosing to visit a DIS location for the very … Read More

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DIS website works smoothly on your mobile device

When you are on the go, or just have a preference, for using a mobile device to peruse the World Wide Web, the DIS website is easy to access and simple to navigate. The image to the right was taken as a screen shot on an I-Phone, showing the DIS home page. Take DIS with you when you on the … Read More

What did people think of their visit to D.I.S.?

Last month, several people provided us with feedback regarding their visit to D.I.S. The location was easy to park and get to.  All the personnel were very friendly to talk to. The office was very neat. Everything was very nice. I appreciate the late hours. Wonderful, wonderful place. Love it. The service is wonderful. The techs are very friendly and … Read More

The connection between dense breast tissue and a woman’s mammogram report

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares an excellent resource, care of the American Cancer Society, on the above topic of dense breasts and mammogram reports. Breast density can be determined only by mammograms. It is not related to breast size or firmness. A woman may think that because her breasts are firm, they are dense; but breast density is not determined by how … Read More

Can I get access to my medical records?

Numerous times throughout the year, Capitol Imaging Services (CIS) receives requests from both people and medical providers for their medical records. Our crackerjack medical records team works to quickly turn around each request, provided the correct information and paperwork is provided. There is another faster, easier way to access your medical records. That way is by using the Capitol Imaging … Read More

CT screenings can cut lung cancer deaths according to study

According to a new 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 … Read More

What is deep vein thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been defined as a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein located deep inside your body. A blood clot is a clump of blood that’s turned to a solid state. Deep vein blood clots typically form in your thigh or lower leg, but they can also develop in other areas … Read More

What is sinusitis?

Particularly in the early part of the year, flu season is in full swing. Many people will experience nasal congestion, cough and facial pain or pressure. These maladies are often associated with a condition known as sinusitis. According to Medical News Today, sinusitis occurs when mucus builds up and the sinuses become inflamed. It also notes that physicians may refer to … Read More

What is disc desiccation?

In some radiology test results for a diagnostic exam such as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine (i.e. the lower back), one condition that may be diagnosed and reported on by the radiologist is what is known as disc desiccation. Disc desiccation can be very painful. In short, disc desiccation is fluid loss in the cushion-like discs between … Read More

What is the intrinsic value of a radiologist?

Radiologists play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They are medical doctors who are licensed and specially trained to use medical imaging technologies. Your physician or other medical provider, such as a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant, may refer you to a radiologist for testing as straightforward as an x-ray (called a radiograph by a radiologist) … Read More

Why is bone density important to be measured?

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

Wake up and smell the coffee?

Over the years, there have been numerous research studies that have come out highlighting the benefits of drinking coffee. While many understand that too much caffeine is usually not healthy, coffee in some form of moderation can often have pluses in physical health. Now, A recent study found lower levels of caffeine in the blood of people with Parkinson’s disease. … Read More

Don’t ignore possible 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

Multiparametric MRI may prevent unnecessary prostate biopsies

That’s the headline from an article published in the clinical journal Renal & Urology News. It goes on to state “Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) can clarify which men with an elevated PSA (up to 15 ng/mL within 3 months) can safely avoid an immediate prostate biopsy and improve the accuracy of prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, according to a new … Read More

Entertainer and breast cancer survivor urges mammograms

Fourteen years ago, a singer/songwriter/entertainer was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately for this performer, Sheryl Crow, it was detected early at stage one — according to Crow all thanks were given to her annual mammogram — and she has made a complete recovery. Recently, People magazine published an article stating that Crow is “concerned” about the decline in breast cancer … Read More

Screening mammogram special: take advantage during the month of October

During the month of October, Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS), offers a special screening mammogram price of only $99. This price special is valid October 1 – October 31, 2020. The Diagnostic Imaging Services Women’s Center in Metairie, LA will be open each Saturday during October to offer weekend screenings. DIS also offers a $75 price special … Read More

Breast biopsy: what to know

If you find a lump or a change in your breast is seen on a mammogram, a biopsy may be needed to know what’s causing it. A biopsy is when a piece of tissue is taken out and tested in the lab. A biopsy is the only way to know if a suspicious breast change is cancer. The American Cancer Society … Read More