An overview of what people are recommended to know about ACA rollout

President Barack Obama says no one is more upset than he is with the glitches that have hampered open-enrollment in the Affordable Care Act — but some Americans who have tried time after time to sign up might disagree. Three weeks into a six-month signup period, the federal website created to allow the uninsured to comparison shop for coverage has … Read More

Screening vs. Diagnostic?

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. 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 the tissue. Such signs may include: A lump Breast pain Nipple discharge … Read More

Doctor-owned hospitals prosper under health law

Kaiser Health News — Doctor-owned hospitals are earning many of the largest bonuses from the federal health law’s new quality programs, even as the law halts their growth. The hospitals, many of which specialize in heart or orthopedic surgeries, have long drawn the ire of federal lawmakers and competitors. They say physicians often direct the best-insured and more lucrative cases to … Read More

Capitol Imaging Services affiliate voted best medical testing facility

For the third year in a row, a Capitol Imaging Services affiliate has been designate as the best of the best! Our Southeast Louisiana network member, Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS), was chosen by the readers of EDGE Magazine published in St. Tammany Parish. Diagnostic Imaging Services has been serving the greater New Orleans metropolitan market, the state of Louisiana and … Read More

Even medical professionals may not understand healthcare pricing

Capitol Imaging Services shares a short story about the misunderstanding that even doctors have about healthcare pricing and costs for patients. On this particular occasion, two physicians told our staff that a local hospital was less expensive than a Capitol Imaging Services affiliate for a particular procedure, a procedure often not covered by insurance. When fully explained by our associates, … Read More

Blank stares often the answer to cost question

According to an article once published in Consumer Reports, a woman paid $9,038 for a CT scan in an ER that ran $318 in an outpatient imaging clinic. If gas stations worked like health care, you wouldn’t find out until the pump switched off whether you paid $3 or $30 a gallon. If clothes shopping worked like health care, you … Read More

Pelvic and obstetrical ultrasounds: why do we make you have a full bladder?

We are sure that most women out there have had the pleasure of experiencing an extremely full bladder during a pelvic or obstetrical ultrasound examination!  The usual question that we get regarding this is “why do you need to torture us with an overly full bladder while you press on our pelvis making it worse?” Well, there are two very … Read More

A New Year’s resolution suggestion: ask how much that test will cost!

Would you be upset if you received a medical bill for what most would consider to be an outrageous amount of money for a simple test? That’s what one person experienced with a charge of nearly $12,500 for lab work! This story, published by National Public Radio in December 2020, illustrates the continuing issue in healthcare: exorbitant fees charged by … Read More

Why a physician refers all her patients to Capitol Imaging Services

Why does a physician in Florida refer all of her patients to Capitol Imaging Services? Because, in her opinion, it is due to the excellent patient care and attention from our associates to people she sends to one of our network affiliates for their imaging exam. How excellent and personal? Florida-based Homosassa Open MRI had a person arrive in front … Read More

Thyroid disease awareness: give yourself a “neck check”

January is National Thyroid Awareness Month. Thyroid disease affects as many as 30 million Americans, according to the American College of Endocrinology. What is the thyroid? The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in front of the neck, below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland produces hormones that control how the body functions – including heart rate, cholesterol level, body … Read More

Have a High Deductible Health Insurance plan?

According to the website, www.valuepenguin.com, “high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) were created for consumers to have a health insurance option with lower premiums and high deductibles. These plans can be linked to health savings accounts (HSAs) to pay for qualified medical expenses in a tax-advantaged way.” As we have made our way through the first two decades of the 21st century, … Read More

Neither rain nor sn….well rain doesn’t stop participants

A Saturday morning that is rainy and overcast is the perfect morning to sleep in, relax and be lazy. But, this doesn’t apply for those who came to the lakefront for the 2013 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Saturday, October 19. While Mother Nature did not do anyone any favors, by the time the walk commenced at 9:00 … Read More

DIS sponsors third annual BreastFest celebration in New Orleans

The BreastFest Exclusive Patron Party will be held at Acme Oyster House, 724 Iberville Street, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Sample delicious appetizers prepared by their highly skilled kitchen staff and enjoy some fantastic champagne with spirit while enjoying a very special guest entertainer, Susan Cowsill. Then join everyone in front of Acme Oyster House at 7:00 p.m. as … Read More

Innovative, highly-trained radiology group named exclusive provider for Diagnostic Imaging Services

September 2, 2013 (Metairie, La.) – With top priorities being first-rate patient care and positive experiences, Reliant Radiology, LLC (Reliant) has entered into an agreement to be the exclusive provider of radiology services to Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS). Led by Drs. Louis Schruff and Brad Shore, Reliant has formed an innovative and progressive group of physicians who offer numerous radiology … Read More

Hospitals buying more doctors’ practices

The below is an article published online by USA Today, regarding the trend found in the South Carolina area. Another reason hospitals are employing more doctors is to get their referrals, said Lynn Bailey, a health care consultant in Columbia, S.C. Having the physicians as well as home-health agencies, transportation, rehabilitation, medical equipment and other services makes hospitals the dominant … Read More

Diagnostic Imaging Services will go red for women

National Wear Red Day was on Friday, February 5, 2021. Every year, the first Friday of February has been dedicated to National Wear Red Day as an awareness day for American women to understand their number one health threat – heart disease. Affiliate partners of Capitol Imaging Services participated in observing National Wear Red Day. If you visited our clinics, … 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

What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?

Here is a brief excerpt from an answer to the question posed above, provided by Paul Christo, M.D., Director, Pain Treatment Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System. An MRI, or magnetic resonance image, is a useful tool in evaluating the spine. An MRI is non-invasive, does not use radiation, and provides good visualization of the spinal ligaments, a herniated … Read More

Why the link between childhood cancer and CT scans may be overblown

Another study is adding to the growing body of evidence that CT scans in childhood can be linked to cancer later on. The new study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, looked at seven U.S. health care systems and the use of CT scans on the head, abdomen, pelvis, chest and spine in kids under age 15. CT scans are considered one of … Read More

Woman grateful for our High Field Open Sided MRI

Capitol Imaging Services received the following note from a woman who came to our affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services, for her Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam: I went for my first MRI today and the technician in Metairie was wonderful. She helped me tremendously. I’m claustrophobic, but she talked me through it and made me feel comfortable. I couldn’t have done … Read More

DIS participates in “Healthy, Wealthy and Wise” family fair in New Orleans

Providing screening heel ultrasound tests was the reason Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS) was on hand at the “Healthy, Wealthy and Wise” family fair on August 17, 2013. We met many fine people who brought their families to gather information on a variety of services, from health to dental to financial. DIS brought our portable heel ultrasound unit in order to … Read More

Staying Well: Take Steps to Reduce Your Risk or Find Breast Cancer Early

From the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”: Scheduling Your Mammogram Jump-start your New Year resolutions by scheduling your next mammogram now. The American Cancer Society recommends women age 40 and over get one every year, along with a breast exam by your doctor or nurse. You should also tell your doctor right away about any breast changes … Read More

Why do women choose Capitol Imaging Services for their breast cancer screening?

Did you know that you have a choice as to where to go for your screening mammogram? You have a choice for your breast cancer screening just as you have for many different types of healthcare services, including screening and diagnostic testing. For tens of thousands of women annually, that choice has been Capitol Imaging Services (CIS). The reasons vary, … Read More

What do people think of their recent patient experiences?

For those who chose to come to a Capitol Imaging Services affiliate recently for their exam, here’s what some said about their experience: “I don’t know her name, but the woman who performed my mammogram this time, as well as last time, was perfect. She was so sweet and kind and understanding. And the doctor that came in to tell … Read More

One hospital charges $8,000 — another, $38,000

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

Millions can’t afford to go to the doctor

Nearly one-third of Americans skipped needed medical care in the past three months due to cost. Even about 20% of the nation’s highest-income households, those earning more than $120,000 per year, blame cost as the reason for not seeking care, up from 3% over the same timeframe. An estimated 150 million Americans say they are now more worried about the … Read More

Know your rights and choose Capitol Imaging Services

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

One percent of COVID-19 patients hospitalized will develop brain complications

According to a large international study that was presented at a national radiology conference in Chicago, IL, one in every 100 people who are hospitalized due to COVID-19 will “likely develop” complications of the Central Nervous System (CNS). According to the article on the study, found on the online version of Applied Radiology, “Much has been written about the overall … Read More

Scientists located biomarkers for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A few years ago, researchers trying to find the key to a mysterious group of digestive ailments located a number of biomarkers for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Their discovery is part of the efforts to lead to earlier diagnoses and intervention for individuals still asymptomatic. A team of scientists from the University of Cincinnati analyzed data from the Department of Defense Serum Repository (DoDSR), a … Read More

The clear-cut choice for women and physicians when it comes to mammograms

Capitol Imaging Services have served tens of thousands of women with our women’s health examinations in screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, bone density studies, breast MRI and breast biopsy. We implemented 3D mammography several years ago to provide a mammogram technique that is considered superior to conventional 2D mammography in thoroughly evaluating breast tissue to identify any areas of concern. … Read More

What is musculoskeletal radiology?

Musculoskeletal radiology is the application of medical imaging using radiation to the study of the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system. It has a number of uses, ranging from a better understanding of human anatomy to the development of diagnostic criteria for evaluating patients with musculoskeletal diseases. Medical schools typically teach a unit on musculoskeletal radiology and students interested in pursuing careers in this field can take additional coursework to learn … Read More

Results were sent to me already???

A Capitol Imaging Services affiliate received a telephone call from a woman who had come to our imaging center in Metairie, LA on a Saturday morning for her screening mammogram. She called because she had received her results in the mail and the date on her correspondence was the Monday following the weekend. She was concerned that the results came … Read More

When medical bills hurt your credit

You may not know about health care bills sent to collections, but they can really hit your credit scores. Capitol Imaging Services shares an article about advice on how to protect yourself and your credit. Click here to learn more. At Capitol Imaging Services, you can identify any potential fees that you may incur as a result of an imaging … Read More

Proposed new guidelines recommend lowering lung cancer screening guidelines

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently recommended an update to lung cancer screening guidelines, with screening being performed through a low-dose Computed Tomography (CT) exam. According to the medical imaging community website, Aunt Minnie, “The move would bring Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement in line with recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which itself lowered … Read More

Capitol Imaging Services debuting new PET/CT center in Southwest Louisiana

Capitol Imaging Services (CIS) is happy to announce that our Louisiana PET/CT Imaging of Lake Charles center is moving into a new location. Our center will be located at 831 Lakeshore Drive in Lake Charles, LA. Finishing touches are currently being completed and patient service is tentatively scheduled to commence soon. According to the American College of Radiology, “Positron Emission … Read More

State-of-the-art MRI coming to our Covington, LA imaging center

Capitol Imaging Services continues our commitment to providing the latest screening and diagnostic testing technology to serve both the people of the Southeastern U.S. and medical and healthcare providers. At our Diagnostic Imaging Services center in Covington, LA, we are pleased to announce the upcoming installation of a General Electric 450w high field MRI. This MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) systems … Read More

An insurer tells a patient his MRI costs less at an outpatient imaging center

Ask Rick Harrison of Columbus, Ohio.  In this story, Mr. Harrison needed a MRI of his knee.  His physician referred him to a hospital imaging center.  That evening, after the physician appointment, his insurance provider “called to tell him that there were other sites where magnetic resonance imaging would cost less. The next day, Harrison switched his appointment to a free-standing … Read More

CT screenings can cut lung cancer deaths according to study

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

November is 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

What is a ganglioglioma?

A ganglioglioma is a rare type of brain tumor. Tumors are issues that grow more rapidly than normal. Gangliogliomas are types of brain tumors that are made of mixed groups of cells. A cell is the smallest, most basic unit of life, that is capable of existing by itself. Gangliogliomas are partly made of abnormal glial cells. Glial cells are … Read More

Lift jump row for Real Men Wear Pink 2021

What better way to raise important funds for the American Cancer Society’s fight against breast cancer than by breaking a sweat and incorporating a morning of fitness! That’s what happened on Saturday, October 16 at Cross Fit in New Orleans, LA. Over 20 men and women joined the Capitol Imaging Services 2021 Real Men Wearing Pink man, Jeff Beach (pictured … Read More

Diagnostic Imaging Services believes real men wear pink

Real Men Wear Pink is a distinguished group of community leaders raising awareness and funds for this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. Together they are making a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Real Men Wear Pink gives men a leadership role in the fight against breast cancer. Community leaders around the nation use the power of … 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

The power and superiority of Genius 3D mammography

Conventional 2D mammograms provide doctors with a 2D image to evaluate the breast. This can be limiting due to overlapping layers of tissue, which can sometimes produce unclear results, false alarms, or worse–cancer being missed. Genius exams deliver a series of detailed breast images, allowing your doctor to better evaluate your breasts layer by layer, and over 100 clinical studies … 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 30, 2021. 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

Planning and paying for a diagnostic procedure

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

What is the value of a DaTscan?

Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological disease affecting balance, movement and agility, affects approximately 1 percent of the population over 60 years of age. Although recent years have brought increased awareness of this disorder, the lack of a test to detect this condition can lead to misdiagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and related syndromes. In many cases, especially early in the course … Read More