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

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

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

DIS Marrero ice buckets its manager!

Diagnostic Imaging Services is proud of one of our operations managers, Craig, for accepting the ALS ice bucket challenge.  As you can see, his employees at our Marrero facility GLADLY assisted in his dousing! Click here to view Craig being cooled off for a great cause.    

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

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

DIS “strides” in November to support the fight against breast cancer

Diagnostic Imaging Services was proud to join the thousands of men and women who braved cold, windy temperatures on Saturday, November 1 for the 2014 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in New Orleans. Originating and finishing in Champions Square, thousands gathered tohonor survivors, walk in memory of those no longer with us and to continue the fight to work … 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

The American Cancer Society says thank you

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares this inspirational and heart-felt message from the American Cancer Society (ACS). This year, countless people lent a hand in the fight against cancer by volunteering, raising money, and speaking out. We wouldn’t be where we are without them. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, the ACS put together a quick video to thank everyone – and … 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

DIS shares FDA warning

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a news story regarding the association between body mass index (BMI) and breast cancer. A study of predominantly white women finds a larger waist circumference is associated with higher risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, but not beyond its contribution to BMI. The study, by American Cancer Society researchers, fails to confirm previous findings that body shape … Read More

Tomosynthesis classifies breast lesions more accurately

In a recent national conference held in Chicago, IL for radiology and medical professionals, research presented concluded that adding digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, to digital mammography for screening appears to have many benefits, including greater sensitivity in dense breast tissue and fewer recalls. But the technology also classifies non-calcified breast lesions more accurately in the diagnostic … Read More

DIS donates nearly $7,000 to the American Cancer Society

Diagnostic Imaging Services is proud to continue our commitment to the New Orleans chapter of the American Cancer Society (ACS). Through a tally of screening and diagnostic mammograms performed in October, 2014, DIS presented a check to the ACS for $6,890. DIS was the sponsor of the 2014 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kickoff breakfast in August. We also gathered … 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

Published research shows hospital-owned physician groups have 20% higher medical costs

As hospital systems nationwide acquire more physician practices, everybody may be getting hurt. A new study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association shows that hospital ownership of physician groups in California led to up to 20% overall higher costs for patient care. Employers and workers have to pay for these increased costs in the form of higher premiums, and … Read More

What are the benefits of MR Enterography performed at DIS?

MR enterography is a special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed with a contrast material to produce detailed images of the small intestine. Physicians use MR enterography to identify and locate: the presence of and complications from Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases inflammation bleeding sources and vascular abnormalities tumors abscesses and fistulas bowel obstructions The benefits of … Read More

Prostate Cancer treatment: surgery or radiation?

DIS shares an article regarding the common options presented to men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Both of these treatment options are associated with a variety of potential complications and side effects. The most common complications of surgery include leakage of urine or stool, impotence and shortening of the penis, according to the National Cancer Institute. Other than skin … Read More

We have improved our mobile presence for users who are “on the go”

Diagnostic Imaging Services significantly improved the look and feel of our website for people who prefer to use their smart phone, tablet or note pad to peruse the World Wide Web. Mobile users who log onto capitolimagingservices.com are greeted with our latest blog post. All of our pages, including our contact forms, are available. Our mobile presence provides the option to … Read More

Pfizer’s breast cancer drug approved two months early by FDA

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a news story regarding early approval by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for promising breast cancer drug. Pfizer Inc.’s drug Ibrance was approved for advanced breast cancer by U.S. regulators more than two months ahead of schedule, letting the drugmaker proceed with one of its most promising new blockbusters. Pfizer estimated Ibrance could be an … Read More

How does a man know if he is being referred for a “multi-parametric” MRI?

That question can be daunting for anyone who is not medically trained or has extensive experience in medical imaging. But, specific to a man being referred for an MRI in order to evaluate his prostate gland, there are two simple questions to ask:   Is the imaging center using a computer that does the post processing (the work done with … Read More

What is a radiology subspecialist?

Often, Diagnostic Imaging Services is asked the question regarding radiology subspecialist. What does this exactly mean? A radiologist is a physician who uses imaging methodologies to diagnose and manage patients and provide therapeutic options. Like other physicians, a radiologist must first graduate from an accredited medical school, earn an MD degree, pass a licensing examination, perform a year of internship, and complete … Read More

Mammogram rates declined 3 years after unadopted task force recommendations

A Harvard study found that fewer women ages 40 to 64 got screening mammograms 3 years after the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended that screening mammograms start at age 50 instead of 40 and that screening mammograms be done every 2 years instead of every year. Compared to the predicted rate, actual mammogram rates were 9.9% lower for women … Read More

Network news personality meets cancer survivor

Amy Robach underwent her first-ever mammogram last year, live on “Good Morning America” for breast cancer awareness month, but never imagined she’d hear the words: “You have breast cancer.” Deb Greig was watching from her home in Charleston, South Carolina. The former news director at ABC News’ Charleston affiliate, WCIV, knew of Robach early on in her career, and was … Read More