What is the role of a radiologist within health care?

Radiologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis of disease through interpreting imaging exams. Many patients would be surprised to know that after they get an imaging study, there is a physician behind the scenes who carefully reviews all of their images, and uses the provided clinical history to form a diagnosis! Radiologists interpret radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound, nuclear medicine exams, … 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

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

The sounds of MRI

Those of us who work at Capitol Imaging Services are often asked by people, particularly those who have never had an MRI before, “I’ve heard that lots of different sounds are made by the machine. Is that true?” Yes, that is true. The sounds are made by the banging is the vibration of metal coils in the machine caused by … Read More

CPT Codes and why you need to know what they are

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

DIS Northshore “ice buckets” its operations manager!

Diagnostic Imaging Services salutes our Northshore operations manager, Tim, for accepting the Ice Bucket Challenge gauntlet that was thrown down last week. Not a bad way to cool off after a busy day and all for a very worthy cause!

DIS Northshore centers receive FDA approval in mammography

DIS is pleased to announce that our Covington and Slidell, LA facilities passed all inspections by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Twenty years ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) staff helped create an environment where nearly all mammography facilities operate according to national standards, free from major inspection violations. These standards have also helped optimize radiation doses, and … Read More

DIS Metairie Breast MRI received three-year ACR accreditation renewal

Diagnostic Imaging Services has announced that our breast MRI service in Metairie has been awarded another three-year accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Lead by a DIS MRI technologist, Brandi, DIS met or exceeded standards set by the ACR for quality, patient safety, reporting, technology and expertise. DIS performs breast MRI in Metairie on our high field open … Read More

The fee for not having health insurance “soars” in 2015

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a news report on the significant increase in the penalty that will be levied on those people who do not have health insurance. According to the report, the maximum penalty per family in 2014 looks like a bargain now at $285, a hike of nearly 250%. The fee will continue to get stiffer in 2015 when it … Read More

Ultrasound — it’s just not for pregnant women!

Has your doctor prescribed and ultrasound and you are wondering what it is? Do you think the only time ultrasound is used is during pregnancy? According to the Mayo Clinic, “an ultrasound is an imaging method that uses high frequency sound waves to produce relatively precise images of the structure within your body.” Ultrasound is non-invasive and provides valuable information … Read More

Hmmmm… interesting

Recently, a person living in the greater New Orleans area used our online appointment request tool to send us an email to have us contact her to schedule an ultrasound. The interesting thing? This person works for a local hospital. Even hospital employees know the advantages of visiting Diagnostic Imaging Services. Say YES. Spend LESS.

Prices for over 70 medical procedures are now online

Buying health care in America is like shopping blindfolded at Macy’s and getting the bill months after you leave the store, Princeton economist Uwe Reinhardt likes to say. But an online tool that went live in February is supposed to help change that, giving patients in most parts of the country a small peek at the prices of medical tests and … Read More

DIS offers May screening mammogram special in recognition of Mother’s Day

DIS performs screening (and diagnostic) mammograms at all four of our facilities. During the month of May, we offer a special screening mammogram price of only $99. This price special is valid May 1 – May 31, 2015. Our Women’s Center in Metairie will be open each Saturday during May to offer weekend screenings. If you have about 20 minutes, come see … Read More

WSJ: Should MRI to detect prostate cancer become standard of care?

A growing body of evidence proves MRI can effectively identify suspicious lesions prior to biopsy. MRI generally does not detect indolent tumors that do not require treatment and can guide biopsy needles for more precise targeting. This reduces the necessity for repeat biopsies while increasing detection rates for high-risk, high-grade prostate cancers. However, the practice of using MRI to detect … Read More

Medical scans and radiation: be informed and know before you go

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a Reuters news story about medical scans. This topic is visited nearly annually, discussing the “increased risks” of getting scans that involve ionizing radiation, such as x-rays or Computed Tomography (CT) scans. The important point is this. The medical community needs to, and has in our opinion, been much better at understanding the appropriate use of imaging … Read More

Does diet affect the risk of developing breast cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, “A healthy diet can also help you get to and stay at a healthy weight. Overweight and obesity increase the risk for getting breast cancer. What’s less clear is the link between breast cancer risk and any one food type. Many studies about foods and breast cancer risk have had different results, but no … Read More

Fewer men get prostate PSA cancer test

Fewer American men are receiving prostate cancer screening in the wake of a national panel’s conclusion that the test does men more harm than good, a new study finds. What’s more, primary care doctors appear to have broadly accepted the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s (USPSTF) ruling that the harms of prostate screening outweigh the benefits, according to a second … Read More

TV personality battling breast cancer, urges women to be screened

Popular TV chef and author Sandra Lee has breast cancer, she revealed in a tearful interview that aired on “Good Morning America”. Lee, 48, told “GMA” co-anchor Robin Roberts, who is herself a breast cancer survivor, about the moment she got the news. She said she was doing a photo shoot for the Most Beautiful issue of People magazine on … Read More

What is ICD-10 and why should you care

People may have heard over the years that health care in America has started and stopped, started and stopped, on the road to ICD-10. What exactly is that? ICD-10 is the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), a medical classification list by the World Health Organization (WHO). It contains codes for diseases, … Read More

Diagnostic Imaging Services hosts boy scout troop leader CPR training

Diagnostic Imaging Services was happy to play host to leaders of Boy Scout Troop 611 for a Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid training session on Saturday, May 30. The training was held at our Covington facility. Crucial life assisting and life saving techniques were taught and demonstrated. We were glad we could have the opportunity to give back to the community … Read More

Data shows large rise in list prices at hospitals

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a news report showing that list prices at hospitals across the United States have risen at a pace that outpaces inflation. Most people with health insurance, including those receiving Medicare, won’t ever a see a bill for the hospital’s list price because the insurer negotiates a lower rate. But these rising charges are a growing concern … Read More

Fusion/Image Merge studies added to DIS suite of services

Over the past few months, Diagnostic Imaging Services has performed numerous fusion/image merge studies. What does that mean exactly? Typically, DIS performs a nuclear medicine bone scan and a Computed Tomography (CT)  or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. Then, through post processing via computer software, images from the nuclear medicine test and either the CT or MRI are merged together … Read More

When would my doctor recommend a 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 … Read More

Have you spoken with your benefits value advisor?

Do you know if you have one? For many health insurance carriers, members (i.e. policy holders) can usually call or email an advisor that will assist in identifying benefits information, cost estimates and information on in-network providers for health care services. For services including surgeries, specialty procedures AND medical imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans, advisors can be … Read More

Attention all savers!

Diagnostic Imaging Services believes we will save people money on their imaging exams while providing the same, if not better, quality of care. How is that possible? Click on the picture to find out more.  

What is arthropathy?

Have you ever been told by a doctor or health care provider that you have arthropathy? Let’s make a little sense of this medical term. Arthropathy means any disease of the joints. A joint is a place where two bones contact each other. The main form of joint disease is arthritis, which is joint inflammation. There are different forms of arthritis … Read More

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a two-minute brief explanation that answers the question regarding prostate cancer symptoms. Prostate cancer may cause no signs or symptoms in its early stages. Prostate cancer that is more advanced may cause signs and symptoms. Learn more by viewing the video below, courtesy of the Prostate Cancer Live channel on YouTube.  

Don’t believe “your insurance will pay for it”

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares the experience of one woman who wrote an October 2014 piece for Forbes magazine. As many discover — and DIS has warned — trying to find the TRUE cost of an imaging exam such as an MRI is much more time-consuming that it should be. Because of the convolution of prices that DIS refers to as … Read More

DIS sponsors Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kickoff breakfast

Diagnostic Imaging Services participated in the 2015 New Orleans area American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kickoff breakfast held on August 5 at the Audubon Tea Room. Hundreds of supporters, volunteers, staff and survivors came together to hear inspirational stories and to generate a new level of enthusiasm for this year’s event. The New Orleans Making Strides walk … Read More

DIS recognizes National Health Center Week

Throughout the week of August 9-15, 2015, Community Health Centers across Louisiana will celebrate National Health Center Week.  The theme for this year’s celebration is “America’s Health Centers:  Celebrating Our Legacy, Shaping Our Future.” This week-long observance allows Louisiana’s Community Health Centers the opportunity to raise awareness about the crucial role they play in our state’s healthcare system and showcase their facilities to … Read More

Another example of the higher cost of hospital imaging exams

Diagnostic Imaging Services received this copy from a woman who visited a New Orleans area hospital for an ultrasound of the abdomen. DIS performs two ultrasounds of the abdomen: CPT code 76700 abdominal complete CPT code 76705 abdominal limited As you can see from the image, the radiology charge from the hospital was $1,224.00. DIS performs CPT code 76700 with … Read More

Like many — we have come a long way

 As the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, we thought we would share how far Diagnostic Imaging Services has come since late August 2005. Our clinics and administration areas suffered heavy damage due to the storm and its ensuing flooding and post-storm chaos. However, again, like many, we pulled together, persevered and did what we had to do collectively to … Read More

Tips for talking to your doctor about price

Taking an active role in your health and communicating with your doctor is critical to getting good healthcare; that includes discussions around cost. Here are some tips on preparing for discussions with your doctor about price. Get educated. Before you go to your appointment, become familiar with your health plan. Find out about your co-pay, deductible and what procedures are … Read More

What do people think of their DIS visit?

While we know that despite our very best efforts, we will never be perfect. But, as the sports analogy goes, in trying to attain perfection, you can achieve excellence. In being an independently-owned outpatient imaging provider, Diagnostic Imaging Services wants the experience people have at one of our locations to be a memorable one — and for all the right reasons. … Read More

Financial assistance for advanced prostate cancer patients

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a valuable resource for men and their families who are seeking financial assistance in their bout with prostate cancer. ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer is a national nonprofit organization with the mission to end prostate cancer. They lead the fight to end the disease by advancing research, encouraging action, and providing education and support … Read More

Major product improvement software release completed on the DIS high field open MRI

Diagnostic Imaging Services is pleased to announce that our Oasis high field open MRI has received a major product improvement software release — an improvement that only DIS has received within the state of Louisiana. The results are outstanding!   High resolution angiography studies done with MRI that produces stellar images of a patient’s arteries and veins — images that … Read More

Five things women should remember…

If they hear the words, “you have breast cancer.” No doubt, a breast cancer diagnosis is scary. But it’s important to understand that women have more options than ever before and, when it comes to beating breast cancer, knowledge is power. The author, a medical physician, offers five things all women should remember. The good news is that in just … Read More

Breast lumps: something that needs to be evaluated?

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

No contrast injection necessary for angiography performed with MRI

At Diagnostic Imaging Services, angiography exams are commonly ordered by physicians in order to closely examine the body’s blood vessels, utilizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In the  past and in many cases, a contrast was injected in order to complete the radiologic evaluation. Now, that injection is no longer necessary. Without the need for an injection, our MRA exams are approximately … Read More

Computed Tomography: the latest upgrade in technology at DIS

Throughout 2015, Diagnostic Imaging Services has continued to invest in better technology in order to best service the medical community and general public with imaging exams that provide the information needed in order to arrive at a diagnosis. To our knowledge, no other independently-owned imaging organization in southeast Louisiana has invested more in our technical services, with Computed Tomography (CT) … Read More

MRI often valuable for evaluating ruptured breast implant

Breast implants are one of the more commonly performed plastic surgery procedures in the United States. More than 285,000 women received breast implants in 2014. Although it has been clearly demonstrated that ruptured implants do not cause harm, women should consider potential complications when making the personal decision to have breast implants. A ruptured breast implant is one such risk. … Read More

Study: patients prefer familiarity over expertise when learning test results

Patients prefer to receive imaging exam results from their referring physician and not a radiologist, according to a study featured in the Journal of the American College of Radiology. The study , conducted by David M. Naeger, MD, and colleagues, looked at 617 anonymous surveys completed over a 4-week period by adult patients undergoing outpatient CT or MRI exams. Patients were … Read More

Intelli IP advanced CT technology installed at Diagnostic Imaging Services

The first scanner technology of its kind in the United States was installed at Diagnostic Imaging Services this week. Housed at the DIS Women’s & Advanced Imaging Center in Metairie, the Hitachi Supria 16-slice CT system, approved by the FDA last month, combines the latest dose saving technologies in a compact design with enhanced patient access features to comfortably accommodate … Read More

November is American Diabetes Month

Diabetes can strike anyone, from any walk of life. And it does – in numbers that are dramatically increasing. In the last decade, the cases of people living with diabetes jumped almost 50 percent – to more than 29 million Americans. Worldwide, it afflicts more than 380 million people.  And the World Health Organization estimates that by 2030, that number of … Read More

DIS donates nearly $6,000 to the American Cancer Society

Every October, Diagnostic Imaging Services makes a donation to the New Orleans area American Cancer Society for each screening and diagnostic mammogram we perform. This is part of our participation for the month in the Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” event that is held annually. This year, DIS is proud to donate nearly $6,000 to the cause of less … Read More

Louisiana breast density reporting bill signed into law

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed the state’s breast density reporting bill (HB 186) into law this past summer. The bill, known as the Monica Landry Helo Early Detection Act, becomes effective on January 1, 2016. Under the new law, patients in the state will always be sent their mammogram records along with detailed reports, even if no evidence that specifically … Read More

Help recognize World Cancer Day 2016

As some of you may know, this Thursday is World Cancer Day.  DIS wanted to share with you details provided by the American Cancer Society (ACS) about World Cancer Day and how you may play a part in making an impact on the global effort to end the fight against cancer.  The ACS would love to see all of their supporters light … Read More

Go Red For Women and February 5: Red Ahead!

Diagnostic Imaging Services says we are RED AHEAD in participating in the 2016 National Wear Red Day. Why is red the color of the cause? Because it’s the color of hearts. Go Red For Women supports educational programs to increase women’s awareness and critical research to discover scientific knowledge about cardiovascular health. Join us at and Go Red For Women!