Why Have a Breast MRI?

Guidelines from the American Cancer Society do include screening MRI with mammography for certain high-risk women. This option should be considered for the following: Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation (BRCA1 is a gene, which, when altered, indicates an inherited susceptibility to cancer. BRCA2 is a gene, which, when altered, indicates an inherited susceptibility to breast and/or ovarian cancer.) Women … Read More

Financing for Imaging Exams

DIS is pleased to introduce our participation in the CareCredit Healthcare Credit Card program. For over 30 years, CareCredit has been providing a valuable financing option for treatments and procedures that typically are not covered by insurance, or for times when insurance doesn’t cover the full amount. CareCredit is also used by cardholders to pay for deductibles and co-payments. CareCredit … Read More

What is a radiologist?

Radiologists are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques, such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound. Radiologists graduate from accredited medical schools, pass a licensing examination, and then go on to complete a residency … Read More

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

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

Diagnostic Imaging Services earns ACR accreditation in Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

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

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

I can’t fight this feeling

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

Diagnostic Imaging Services joins the Capitol Imaging Services affiliate network

As Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS) approaches its fifth decade of service to the greater New Orleans and southeast Louisiana regions, change often is inevitable. The only thing that stays the same is change. Over the past year, DIS has undergone its own changes in going from its own imaging organization into one that is larger and stronger. We’ve done that … Read More

What are three options offered for breast biopsy?

A Capitol Imaging Services network affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS), offers three different options for undergoing a breast biopsy. These options are best determined by a qualified medical provider and often a consultation with a women’s health radiologist. The three options are: Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy Stereotactic breast biopsy MRI-guided breast biopsy What are the biopsy differences? Image-guided biopsy is performed … Read More

Why a doctor would order a CT of the abdomen and pelvis

Capitol Imaging Services answers the question, “Why would a doctor recommend a CT of the abdomen and pelvis?” This type of CT (Computed Tomography) scan is typically used to help diagnose the cause of abdominal or pelvic pain and diseases of the internal organs, small bowel and colon. According to the American College of Radiology, possible diagnoses include: infections such … Read More

Diagnostic Imaging Services named Top Winner for fifth year in a row

CityBusiness New Orleans has released the results of their “best of” issue for 2021, covering many different business and service sectors throughout the greater New Orleans and southeast Louisiana areas. One area was medical imaging and a Capitol Imaging Services network affiliate was recognized for the fifth straight year! We are proud to announce that once again, Diagnostic Imaging Services … Read More

Shades of prostate cancer?

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares an informative presentation by the Prostate Cancer Research Institute regarding the different types of prostate cancer that often can result in confusion for the man receiving the diagnosis as well as his family and friends. Types of prostate cancer range from low-grade to advanced, and call for different types of treatment plans. Learn more about these … Read More

What is 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

Your health insurance benefits: things you should know to save money

IF YOUR EXAM IS COVERED BY PRIVATE INSURANCE: To control costs, your insurer negotiates with imaging providers on your behalf for a “contracted rate.” The contracted rate is the maximum amount that an imaging provider can collect for a covered service, and is usually less than the standard charge. What is not widely known is that the contracted rate is … Read More

Scientists solve a 30-year breast cancer puzzle

In a new study published in Cell Reports, scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center demonstrate that mice lacking one copy of a gene called CTCF have abnormal DNA methylation and are markedly predisposed to cancer. CTCF is a very well-studied DNA binding protein that exerts a major influence on the architecture of the human genome, but had not been previously … Read More

Cancer center ads focus on emotions more than facts, study finds

TUESDAY, May 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) — TV and magazine ads for U.S. cancer centers are heavy on emotional appeal, but light on the facts that patients need to know, a new study finds. In an analysis of more than 400 ads that ran nationwide, researchers found that few gave objective information on cancer treatment benefits or risks. Instead, the … Read More

DIS hosts CereScan open house

Dr. Gregory Hipskind, M.D. conducted an educational and clinical discussion regarding brain SPECT imaging completed at DIS, and analyzed by both DIS radiologists and Dr. Hipskind at CereScan. CereScan is CereScan is one of the country’s leading providers of SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) brain imaging for patients and physicians. Unlike an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or a CT … Read More

Three large insurers join forces for health care price transparency

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) Inc., the largest U.S. health insurer, will lead an industry effort to throw a spotlight on the prices paid for health-care services, making their costs available to consumers on the Internet. The effort, organized by a nonprofit called the Health Care Cost Institute, builds on steps the Obama administration has taken to shed light on prices charged … Read More

DIS Metairie joins in the ALS ice bucket challenge

Two more DIS employees accept the ALS ice bucket challenge. Fellow employees were more than happy to assist in providing the dousing! Kathy and Lisa challenged additional people to take the bucket blast — including one of our radiologists!    

Five unpleasant ways employers are cutting back on healthcare costs

The Affordable Care Act, perhaps better known as Obamacare, set in motion a series of changes that are drastically altering the health-services landscape. The law itself was designed for a few purposes. Primarily, it was enacted in order to reduce the amount of uninsured citizens in this country, and to help spread the cost of medical care across a greater … 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!

An explanation of MRI during pregnancy

Courtesy of the American College of Radiology, Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a four-minute presentation that is especially pertinent to women who are pregnant and are recommended to undergo an MRI. In general, doctors try to delay treating a medical problem, if possible, until after pregnancy. Therefore, if your doctor orders an MRI during your pregnancy, he/she is trying to address … Read More

How to figure out the cost of a medical procedure before it happens

DIS shares an article regarding tips to help people figure out the cost of medical care BEFORE having anything done. It’s a well-written and easy-to-understand guideline that divides healthcare into two distinguished groups:   Routine care Emergency care The first group is fairly easy; the big-ticket stuff, less so, though you can do some things to help yourself. In the … Read More

Did you know we perform thyroid therapy?

Courtesy of the American College of Radiology, Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a three and one-half minute presentation about therapy offered at DIS for the treatment of hyperthyroidism, Grave’s disease or toxic goiter. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces two hormones that regulate all aspects of the body’s metabolism, the chemical process of converting food into energy. … Read More

Sample sounds of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive way to obtain very detailed images of organs and tissues in the body. In this case, we are looking at images of the brain. This technique appears to be relatively safe and is used in both clinical and research applications. MRI is unlike x-rays or CT scans in that it uses powerful magnetic … Read More

Study: 3D mammography increases cancer detection

A groundbreaking study was published that found 3D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, significantly increased cancer detection while simultaneously reducing the number of false positives. According to the study’s results, 3D mammography finds significantly more invasive or lethal cancers than a traditional mammogram. It also reduces the number of women called back for unnecessary screenings due to false alarms. … Read More

A sophisticated new diagnostic process to help people who are suffering from the effects of brain-based disorders

Considered perhaps the most complex component of the human body often misdiagnosed and mistreated, Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS) has become only the third center in the United States to offer a state-of-the-art brain study designed to provide a clearer picture of disorders from traumatic brain injury to clinical depression. In partnering with CereScan®, a Denver, CO based provider of Single … Read More

More information available about nuclear medicine studies completed at DIS

Say YES and spend LESS at DIS.Diagnostic Imaging Services has improved our website’s information and content regarding nuclear medicine. Medical imaging has transformed the way physicians are able to diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of diseases. Moving beyond static anatomical images of the organs that only show structure, nuclear medicine and molecular imaging give physicians access to unique information … Read More

Hear their stories. Share yours.

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a powerful message courtesy of the Estee Lauder Companies. We recommend having a tissue or handkerchief nearby. The dialogue is emotional and compelling.

DIS women’s imaging: quality of care in an efficient environment

As the largest independently-owned outpatient imaging organization in Lousiana, DIS provides a short overview of the depth and breadth of our women’s health imaging portfolio. While one local health system once touted that they performed over 2,500 mammograms in one year, DIS often performs that many IN ONE MONTH! From mammography to tomosynthesis to breast biopsy, no other outpatient provider … Read More

Keeping up with DIS

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares our latest newsletter for October 2014.

What does not cause breast cancer

Over the years, many factors have been studied to see whether or not they increase the risk of breast cancer. Some of these factors have been proven to be unrelated to breast cancer and do not increase (or in some cases, decrease) risk. A full list of these factors is too long to present here. Some, however, deserve mention here … Read More

Confusion and misinformation abounds regarding screening mammograms

In recent weeks, DIS has heard from women who claim that screening mammograms are “free”. This statement may be technically true, but for specific reasons. If a woman has insurance coverage, per the Affordable Care Act, a screening mammogram is covered at 100 percent. However, if a woman is uninsured, in the vast majority of instances, a screening mammogram needs … Read More

What questions should you ask when evaluating health insurance plans?

Soon, if not already, many of you will be selecting your health insurance choice for 2015, a choice that impacts yourself as well as anyone else that will be included in the insurance plan. Insurance can be confusing no doubt about it. But DIs shares a short video that outlines five recommended questions to ask when evaluating plans. The future … Read More

Does DIS perform upper GI exams? Yes…

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a seven minute presentation on an exam we perform called an Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) examination. Upper GI is an x-ray examination of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine (also known as the duodenum). Images are produced using a special form of x-ray called fluoroscopy and an orally ingested contrast material such as … Read More

Introducing the DIS online bill payment tool

Diagnostic Imaging Services is pleased to the implementation of our online bill payment tool for those who wish to pay a DIS invoice via their credit or debit card. DIS has built a secure, protected page and form for users to enjoy further convenience of submitting a payment online. All information is kept private and payment are posted directly to a … Read More

CT lung cancer screenings to be covered by Medicare

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a story about Medicare’s decision to cover annual low-dose CT lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals, albeit with restrictions. The announcement is in contrast to the recommendations of the agency’s advisory panel, which had voted a lack of confidence in sufficient evidence for benefit over harms, citing the high false-positive rate of CT screening, indication creep … Read More

Single energy femur exam exclusively offered at DIS

DIS is the first provider in the New Orleans area to offer single energy (SE) femur exams on a DEXA bone density study platform for the assessment of features associated with atypical femur fractures (AFF). This first-of-its-kind capability assists clinicians in their assessment of potential AFF in patients who have been on anti-resorptive treatments such as bisphosphonates. This quick 15-second SE Femur … Read More

Employer health plan deductibles see big 5-year jump

DIS shares a USA Today news story from September on a report that indicates health insurance deductibles taking a huge jump as we head into 2015. Premiums for employer-paid insurance are up 3% this year, but deductibles are up nearly 50% since 2009, the report by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows. The average deductible this year is $1,217, up from … Read More

What is prostate cancer?

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares an article that offers information on the basics of prostate cancer. Since cancer is the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells in a certain area of the body, prostate cancer is simply the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells in the prostate. DIS in the only outpatient imaging provider in Louisiana and the Gulf South to … Read More

How does an MRI work?

Want a short, concise explanation about the basics of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)? Then, the video link below is for you. All you need is two minutes. Yes, there is much more to the intricacies of MRI and its value in the fiend of medical imaging, but this gives people an excellent baseline for understanding a little bit more about … Read More

Insurance out-of-pocket costs can be reduced by using outpatient imaging!

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a video from a medical doctor who explains the conundrum a patient of his had when the doctor recommended a CT scan. In this example, even with health insurance, the patient had an opportunity to pay nearly 1/3 less to an independent outpatient imaging center, that in the words of the doctor, “does perfectly good CAT scans.” Kudos to … Read More

How much difference in price is there between hospital imaging and DIS?

It can be a complicated and somewhat cumbersome task to try to find and then understand the information published by the federal government regarding reported submitted charges for certain imaging procedures by local hospitals. However, that’s why DIS is here to try to simplify the information so you can make informed choices! If you visit the Centers for Medicare and … Read More