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

Capitol Imaging Services has 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

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

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

Singer-songwriter promotes mammography technology found at Capitol Imaging Services

Our Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS) is the only independent radiology practice in the greater New Orleans area to offer women the superiority of 3D mammography. DIS began in 2013 with their first 3D installation in Metairie, LA. Then, 3D mammography was expanded to centers in Covington, Marrero and Slidell, LA. Entertainer Sheryl Crow has partnered with Hologic, … Read More

FDA approves the only mammogram superior for women with dense breasts

Our Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS), the only independently-owned radiology practice of its type in the greater New Orleans area to offer Genius 3D mammography shares an announcement released by the Genius manufacturer, Hologic, Inc. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Genius 3D as superior to standard 2D mammography for routine breast cancer screening of women … Read More

Trying to put 3D mammography dose in understandable terms

One of the questions often posed by women and by medical providers regarding 3D mammography is about overall safety. Numerous reports, studies and research came out regarding what we call ionizing radiation, which is defined as radiation consisting of particles, x-rays, or gamma rays with sufficient energy to cause ionization in the medium through which it passes. While that may … Read More

What is BI-RADS?

BI–RADS stands for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System and was established by the American College of Radiology. BI-RADS is a system that was developed by radiologists for reporting mammogram results using a common language. The radiologist assigns a single digit BI-RADS score (ranging from 0 to 5) when the report of your mammogram is created. What does BI-RADS 0 … Read More

Medicare and Managed Medicare health insurance now cover 3D mammography

Women with Medicare and Managed Medicare plans (i.e. Humana Gold, Choices 65, etc.) can choose the 3D mammography option for their screening without any additional fees. For nearly four years, these plans also cover 3D in addition to the traditional portion of their mammogram. 3D mammography is also known as breast tomosynthesis. There are several additional health insurance plan types … Read More

DIS Women’s Center awarded Breast Center of Excellence designation

In the greater New Orleans and southeastern Louisiana region, the Diagnostic Imaging Services Women’s Center, part of our Metairie, LA Women’s and Advanced Imaging facility, has been awarded the Breast Imaging Center of Excellence designation by the American College of Radiology (ACR). According to the ACR, “The Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE) designation is awarded to breast imaging centers … Read More

Women benefit from Affordable Care Act ban on mammography co-pays

In a study published in the Journal of Women’s Health, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) elimination of co-pays for screening mammography in 2010 has had a positive benefit for commercially insured women across a variety of racial and income groups. According to the research team, racial disparities in screening mammography have narrowed, particularly among African American women. … Read More

Three reasons why mammography is the best option

Mammography screening performed annually is the best option for women age 40 to 49, according to a review published online in the Journal of Breast Imaging. Annual screening is recommended for three main reasons, not least of which is a reduction in breast cancer mortality between 29% and 49%. Benefits will continue to improve While the article is highly clinical … Read More

American Society of Breast Surgeons releases position statement on screening mammography

The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) released a position statement that includes four main points for women and their medical providers to consider regarding screening mammogram guidelines and overall assessment for breast health. Below are the four points drawn up by the ASBrS: Women over the age of 25 should undergo an formal risk assessment for breast cancer. Women … Read More

Should women under the age of 40 get a baseline screening mammogram?

What is a baseline screening mammogram? The answer is simple. it’s a woman’s first mammogram. The question regarding age is often posed to medical providers and also the frequent subject of medical provider commentary or published studies and papers. The general consensus is that in general, regular mammograms are not recommended for women who are at average risk for breast … 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

The connection between dense breast tissue and a woman’s mammogram report

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares an excellent resource, care of the American Cancer Society, on the above topic of dense breasts and mammogram reports. Breast density can be determined only by mammograms. It is not related to breast size or firmness. A woman may think that because her breasts are firm, they are dense; but breast density is not determined by how … Read More

Exposing the myths and urban legends surrounding what causes breast cancer

Capitol Imaging Services (CIS) shares a news story that “exposes the myths, urban legends, and old wives’ tales surrounding what causes breast cancer.” Note that one of the myths is having a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI. Yes, you’ll be exposed to radiation during a mammogram, but the amount from this screening test is negligible. Meanwhile, multiple studies have shown that … Read More

Blue jeans Friday — here we come!

Diagnostic Imaging Services will once again participate in Lee National Denim Day, a fundraiser created by Lee® Jeans where participants donate $5 or more in exchange for wearing jeans to work. Since its inception in 1996, Lee National Denim Day participants have raised more than $91 million for the fight against breast cancer and with your help, hope to add … 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

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

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

Courtesy of the ACS: breast cancer and early detection

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a link that gives more details about the American Cancer Society breast cancer screening recommendations. It also tells women more about figuring out their breast cancer risk. Click here to view the document.  

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

Tamoxifen ‘keeps breast cancer at bay’ for 20 years

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a news report that touts research showing that Women who take the drug tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer stand a good chance of keeping the disease at bay for 20 years. Professor Jack Cuzick, from Queen Mary University of London, who led the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study (Ibis-I) trial, said: “Tamoxifen is a well-established and … 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 prepares to add second breast tomosynthesis system to our Women’s & Advanced Imaging Center stable of products

Diagnostic Imaging Services is pleased to announce that our second breast tomosynthesis system arrived today at our Metairie center. We anticipate the system being in full implementation in late February. Breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) is a breakthrough in mammography that provides a clearer, more accurate view compared to digital mammography alone. Conventional digital mammography produces one image of overlapping tissue, making … 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

Many women still unaware of breast density as cancer risk factor

Nearly half of women who are eligible for mammography screening have never heard of breast density, and approximately half are unaware of breast density’s effect on cancer detection and risk, according to a new study published online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. This knowledge gap appears to be influenced by factors such as race, income, and education, making it … Read More

The economic value of 3D breast tomosynthesis

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Despite increasing incident rates, annual mortality rates have declined by approximately 2% per year, which has been attributed to the combination of earlier detection and improvements in treatments. Mammography plays a key role in early breast cancer detection. Two-dimensional digital mammography is the current standard of care in breast cancer screening. … 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

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

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

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

Join us for the New Orleans Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kickoff on August 3

Diagnostic Imaging Services is proud to once again be the sponsor of the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kickoff breakfast on August 3, 2016 at the Audubon Tea Room in New Orleans. DIS joins the ACS in believing that everyone with breast cancer should have support. That’s why the American Cancer Society is so determined to be … 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

DIS makes contribution to the American Cancer Society

Over the past several years, Diagnostic Imaging Services has conducted a campaign during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month in which for every screening and diagnostic mammogram, we make a donation to the New Orleans area of the American Cancer Society (ACS). This year was no different. The ACS saves lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding … Read More

Decreasing false positives with 3D mammography

Diagnostic Imaging Services shares an article from breastcancer.org on 3D mammography improving detection and decreasing false positives. To read the entire piece, visit the link below. A false positive is an abnormal area that looks like a cancer, but turns out to be normal. If you are a woman who has been called back for additional imaging, due to the … Read More

Benefits of 3D mammography

3D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, is making news across the country in the benefits it offers women in the area of breast cancer detection. Prior to 2014, many pundits claimed there was a lack of evidence in the superiority of the technology. However, that is rapidly changing. Visit the link below to read a news report from Virginia regarding … Read More

What is the impact of 3D mammography?

For patients, 3D mammography exams offer women a more accurate, clinically proven breast cancer screening technology.  Studies have shown a 41% better detection of invasive breast cancers. For many, this may translate into an earlier diagnosis. Up to 40% reduction in callbacks. For many, this may mean being spared the emotional, practical, and economic burdens of additional diagnostic evaluations, including biopsies This … Read More

A celebration of health and wellness honoring Mother’s Day

If you are 40 or older, the American Cancer Society encourages you to get a mammogram. In addition, health advocates are urging all mom’s to talk to their health care providers about getting screened for breast cancer and to better understand their personal risk for the disease. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. … Read More