Most would initially conclude that the above statement comes from a satisfied person who came to Capitol Imaging Services for an imaging exam. Actually, that statement came from a nurse that works in a referring office in New Orleans, LA. This nurse from an orthopedic practice had referred someone to a facility other than Capitol Imaging Services (a hospital imaging … Read More
MRI Sticker Shock
Even though this is not a story from our area, it still holds relevance not only in the greater New Orleans area, but in the southeastern United States as well as the entire country. This story is from a public radio news reporter in Boston, Massachusetts who needed to undergo an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. The reporter did call … Read More
2D VS 3D Mammography
Every year, hundreds of thousands of women in the United States are told by their medical provider that they have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Every year, breast cancer takes the lives of tens of thousands of women. When breast cancer is detected early – before it has spread – it is easier to treat. Women have a much better chance … Read More
Know Your CPT Codes
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
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
Shopping for Imaging Studies
Become an educated consumer. Take ownership in your health care dollar and understand why you were referred to one place over another. Ask your doctor if he or she is required by his or her employer or financially incentivized to send you to a particular medical facility for testing. Look up your imaging study. There are numerous websites that provide estimates … Read More
Stitching and Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine and backbone that if left untreated could lead to further health complications. Scoliosis affects about 3% of the U.S. population. Scoliosis is commonly developed in children between ages 10 and 15 and is about two times more common in girls than boys. Diagnosing and treating scoliosis in its … Read More
Breast Lumps Need Evaluation
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
Understanding Computed Tomography
A CT scan uses a computer that takes data from several X-ray images of structures inside a human body and converts them into pictures on a monitor. CT stands for computerized tomography. Tomography is the process of generating a 2-dimensional image of a slice or section through a 3-dimensional object. Similar to looking at one slice of bread within the … Read More
Breast MRI Imaging
Capitol Imaging Services shares information about an advanced imaging exam we perform as part of our portfolio of women’s imaging services: breast MRI. MRI of the breast is not a replacement for mammography or ultrasound imaging but rather a supplemental tool that has many important uses, including: Screening in women at high risk for breast cancer. Determining the extent of … Read More
Utilize your HSA or FSA funds
Capitol Imaging Services provides a reminder that in virtually all cases, monies from a qualified high deductible health plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can be used for imaging exam fees that are not covered 100 percent by insurance. This also includes certain cancer screenings such as breast (mammogram), lung (CT low-dose lung cancer … Read More
CareCredit Healthcare Credit Card
Capitol Imaging Services has produced a short presentation that highlights the important points of the CareCredit healthcare financing program. With CareCredit, people can have assistance in paying for healthcare expenses, such as imaging exams, and spread those payments over six months with no interest being charged. CareCredit can also be used to pay for deductibles and co-payments. View our video … Read More
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
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
The difference between CT and MRI
CT (Computed Tomography) scans and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans both provide diagnostic images of the inside of your body. However, they accomplish this important task in very different ways. Here are a few key differences between CT and MRI scans. The use of radiation CT uses x-ray technology to produce diagnostic images. These x-rays require a small dose of … Read More
What is a PI-RADS score?
The tremendous interest in 3T multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), not only here in the U.S. but around the world, brought with it the challenge of how to standardize the reporting of prostate image analysis among radiologists around the globe. The European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) proposed a numeric system called the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System, or PI-RADS, for … Read More
What is a Pars fracture?
A person visited Capitol Imaging Services due to experiencing low back and right leg pain. They also had a previous medical history of lumbar spine surgery. In this particular instance, the medical provider recommended a Computerized Tomography (CT) scan that was part of a specialty nuclear medicine Image Merge study in which the two imaging techniques, CT and nuclear medicine, … Read More
Be a smart shopper on health care
The bane of any purchaser is not knowing enough about the purchase opportunity. We try hard to understand the relationship between price and what we’re getting. Nowhere is this bane more pronounced than in our relationship with our health care system. There are many ways we interface with it: Emergencies — where we ask no questions and simply plead to … Read More
What is radiculopathy?
If anyone has ever heard of this term in their discussion with their physician or health care provider, or has been examined/treated by a neurologist, Capitol Imaging Services would like to shed some light on what this condition is about. Radiculopathy is a disorder or disease of nerve roots that enter or leave the spine. Nerve roots are the lowest … Read More
How Does MRI Work?
MRI is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a procedure used in imaging centers to scan patients and determine the severity of certain injuries. An MRI machine uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. Common reasons people go in to get an MRI are for a sprained ankle or back pain. What should I do … Read More
Breast cancer: symptoms and treatment
Capitol Imaging Services shares an informative three-minute presentation on the most common forms of cancer in women. In this video, an explanation of what cancer is and how it can develop in the breasts is provided. A description of different symptoms that are possible signs for breast cancer and the risk factors associated with this disease are also included. Capitol Imaging Services offers … 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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
Like music to my ears – literally
That’s what some MRI patients may tell you after their MRI experience at Diagnostic Imaging Services. Music is often referred to by many as life. It’s been referred to as “what feelings are like,” the shorthand of emotion” and “what makes the world go round.” We’ll add to that by saying it’s what makes undergoing a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) … Read More
Visit DIS and “Pink up the Pace”
Diagnostic Imaging Services will be hosting our first ever “PINK UP THE PACE” event on Wednesday morning, October 26, 2016. This event gives women an opportunity to learn more about mammography and women’s health, as well as make appointments for breast cancer screenings. And, while visiting DIS, take advantage of our free 10-minute chair massage, courtesy of Balance Massage! Come … Read More
The eye popping cost of cancer drugs
While Diagnostic Imaging Services is not an organization that provides oncology services, we do screen and perform exams on people who may receive a new diagnosis of cancer, a notification that a previous cancer has returned or is/has received treatment for cancer. For those people, this story from CBS news may ring very true. For those who have not themselves … Read More
Ways to save on health care costs
As health care consumers endure higher deductibles and reduced insurance benefits, it is becoming more important to understand and even negotiate prices before receiving medical treatment. Dr. Kathryn Stewart, medical director of care management at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago, believes that patients can and should be more proactive about seeking the best prices for their services. “Hospital costs are … Read More