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 a bone spur and how are they diagnosed?
If you or someone you know has had knee pain and after their diagnostic testing, they received a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis, you may be more familiar with the term “osteophytes” or as their more common name, “bone spurs.” Bone spurs have been defined as “abnormal bony lumps that appear on the surface of joints that have suffered some degree of … 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
How Much Does an MRI Cost?
You Choose Where to have Your MRIMany patients think when the doctor says, “you need an MRI”, they have to use a hospital’s imaging department. That is simply not true. The patient always has the right to choose where he or she goes for their imaging, or any medical service for that matter. In choosing where to go, you may … Read More
Learn more about MRCP
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam that produces detailed images of the hepatobiliary and pancreatic systems, including the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas and pancreatic duct. Physicians use MRCP to: examine diseases of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas and pancreatic duct, including tumors, stones, inflammation or infection evaluate patients with pancreatitis … Read More
What happens when an engaged consumer tries to help control costs?
In an article, “What happens when an engaged consumer tries to help control costs?“, the author suggests the following results: As costs keep rising, and more and more people decide “I’m not going to take it anymore,” more of us will start asking “What are my options?” As word gets out that prices vary this much, it’s going to get … Read More
Why do we sometimes ask if you are diabetic or have kidney disease?
Some imaging exams, like CT or MRI scans, may require that you be given an injection of contrast medium into a vein. It is typically administered in your arm like when you have blood drawn, and it looks like IV fluid. Imaging is then taken of the area of concern. The contrast medium makes the vascular structures in your body … Read More
Is MRI helpful in identifying causes of pain?
Imagine the following scenario: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides enough detail that the radiologist and orthopedic doctor diagnosed a 50% tear in a tendon of the right ankle. Without the results from the MRI, the college freshman gymnast would have hurt herself even more. After finishing a dose of steroids to reduce swelling and using an extra-strength pain relieving cream, … Read More
Ankle joint effusion
An ankle joint effusion, or swollen ankle, is typically the result of excess fluids gathering in the soft tissues surrounding the ankle joint.
Open MRI Near Me
If you’ve asking, “Does Capitol Imaging Services has an Open MRI near me?” With multiple locations across the gulf south, chances are we do!
Possible ruptured breast implant?
Breast implants are one of the more commonly performed plastic surgery procedures in the United States. Nearly 200,000 women received breast implants in 2020. 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. A … Read More
Wait three weeks for an MRI? Just say no!
Capitol Imaging Services was contacted via our online appointment request form in order to schedule an MRI. The reason? In their own words, “I need to have my MRI done next week, and the last time I had to wait three weeks, mainly because the doctor sent to an MRI center where he had business interests. Please help me get … Read More
MRI Scan
MRI ScanAn MRI scan is a noninvasive, safe way for healthcare professionals to examine a patient’s organs, tissues, and skeletal system. MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is diagnostic technology that uses a powerful magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed, 3D images of the organs and tissues of the body that can be viewed from many different angles. … Read More
Comparing hospital Medicare provider charge data with Capitol Imaging Services
On the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, there is data posted on hospital-specific charges for 30 Ambulatory Payment Classification Groups (APC) paid under the Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System for calendar year 2011. One APC code reported is 0336 – Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head and neck without a contrast dye. Here … Read More
Better MRI comfort in place at Capitol Imaging Services in Mississippi
In the continuing mission for Capitol Imaging Services to implement the latest imaging technologies while identifying ways to make diagnostic testing more comfortable and calm for people, we are pleased to announce the latest addition in MRI to those ends: the Toshiba Vantage Titan 1.5T High Field MRI. Installed at the Imaging Center of Columbus, The Vantage Titan system offers … Read More
What do people visiting Capitol Imaging Servicces for the first time think of their experience?
Here are comments from people who came to Capitol Imaging Services for the very first time, describing their overall experience: “Everything was great. I will definitely return, if I have to have any further testing. I have had plenty of CT scans and this was the best yet. Thank you.” “I was very nervous about getting an MRI done because … Read More
What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?
Here is a brief excerpt from an answer to the question posed above, provided by Paul Christo, M.D., Director, Pain Treatment Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System. An MRI, or magnetic resonance image, is a useful tool in evaluating the spine. An MRI is non-invasive, does not use radiation, and provides good visualization of the spinal ligaments, a herniated … Read More
What do people think of their recent patient experiences?
For those who chose to come to a Capitol Imaging Services affiliate recently for their exam, here’s what some said about their experience: “I don’t know her name, but the woman who performed my mammogram this time, as well as last time, was perfect. She was so sweet and kind and understanding. And the doctor that came in to tell … Read More
One hospital charges $8,000 — another, $38,000
Effective January 1, 2021, a federal rule says hospitals have to list the costs of at least some of their services in accessible, consumer-friendly language. The hope has been that equipped with this information, potential patients can shop around and make a better-informed decision before setting foot in a hospital. It may not always be easy to find these costs, … 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
One percent of COVID-19 patients hospitalized will develop brain complications
According to a large international study that was presented at a national radiology conference in Chicago, IL, one in every 100 people who are hospitalized due to COVID-19 will “likely develop” complications of the Central Nervous System (CNS). According to the article on the study, found on the online version of Applied Radiology, “Much has been written about the overall … Read More
Scientists located biomarkers for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
A few years ago, researchers trying to find the key to a mysterious group of digestive ailments located a number of biomarkers for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Their discovery is part of the efforts to lead to earlier diagnoses and intervention for individuals still asymptomatic. A team of scientists from the University of Cincinnati analyzed data from the Department of Defense Serum Repository (DoDSR), a … 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
What is a ganglioglioma?
A ganglioglioma is a rare type of brain tumor. Tumors are issues that grow more rapidly than normal. Gangliogliomas are types of brain tumors that are made of mixed groups of cells. A cell is the smallest, most basic unit of life, that is capable of existing by itself. Gangliogliomas are partly made of abnormal glial cells. Glial cells are … 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
What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI?
Computed Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 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 scans and MRI scans. Radiation CT uses x-ray technology to produce diagnostic images. These x-rays require a small dose of ionizing radiation. … Read More
Don’t pay through the nose!
Capitol Imaging Services says do yourself a favor and breathe easier by choosing us. At one local hospital, according to Medicare, in 2013 the average submitted charge for an MRI without the use of a contrast dye was $3,533.25. The average submitted by Capitol Imaging Services? $1,254 Hospitals and health systems across the country are known for charging exorbitant fees for … Read More
Choosing Capitol Imaging Services from nearly 300 miles away
Capitol Imaging Services was recently contacted by a person who received a recommendation for an MRI. While that is not at all uncommon, it is unique that this individual will be coming to our East Bank facility from nearly 300 miles away. The reason? Our high field open MRI. The person is larger in size and stature, and therefore traditional … Read More
Patient satisfaction results in pizza treat
What did one person decide to do in showing their gratitude for how happy they were with the service and care provided at our Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Homosassa Open MRI? Calling Little Caesars! Four delicious pies and assorted side items were dropped off for our staff as a way of saying “thank you” for a job very well done … Read More
What you need to know about an arthrogram
Capitol Imaging Services is a freestanding independent outpatient imaging provider that performs a specialty procedure called an arthrogram at select affiliate centers. An arthrogram uses imaging equipment to evaluate a joint like the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee or ankle. It is a two-step procedure consisting of a contrast injection into the joint, followed by an MRI or CT scan … Read More
Many hospital-employed physicians refer people to Capitol Imaging Services
Contrary to what some people may be told, Capitol Imaging Services accepts referral orders for imaging exams from any of the following qualified medical providers: Medical doctors (MD, DO) Nurse practitioners Physician assistants Certified nurse midwives Chiropractors Podiatrists In many cases, these medical professionals are employed by local hospitals and healthy systems. These providers understand the value DIS provides to … Read More
Ankle break or a sprain: which is it?
It is estimated that more than one million people visit the emergency room annually with ankle injuries. Of these, the majority are sprains and fractures, and in many cases, it can be hard to tell the difference. While a fracture refers to a break in one or more of the ankle bones, a sprained ankle refers to damage to the … Read More
Our mannequin challenge for MRI patients
Capitol Imaging Services issues this challenge every day to people who visit us for their recommended Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam. Often times, people undergo more than one MRI in one visit as it is more convenient to have the needed tests done all at once versus returning on a separate day. However, with one or more MRI exams, the … Read More
When is it appropriate to shop for healthcare services?
Much is spoken about, written about and bantered about in regard to people becoming much more engaged with healthcare services that they may need. Services have a wide and varied range from lab work to therapy to surgeries. Within that range, of course, is medical imaging. Medical imaging is an important cog in healthcare due to its screening and diagnostic capabilities … Read More
What causes neck pain?
In a recent article, neck pain was cited as being most commonly caused by mechanical stress to the neck, such as strains or sprains to the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Of course, there are many more causes and in the article, the following were highlighted: Poor posture The part of the neck that is particularly vulnerable to forward head posture … Read More
Yes you can save money on healthcare services
Medical imaging is one area of healthcare in which people can truly save money. It’s due to one simple fact. Entities within medical imaging that are not owned by hospitals and health systems offer list prices and fees that are much, much less than behemoth hospitals. Numerous articles have been published on the subject, citing example after example of the … Read More
Non contrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography safe for patients with renal disease and diabetes
The post headline comes from a September 30, 2016 article posted on www.dotmed.com. The article describes the radiologists in the Chicago, Illinois area looking for a better alternative to more risky Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) exams using a contrast dye. In southeast Louisiana, that solution has been here for a number of years. Angiography is an imaging test that uses … Read More
MRI and ionizing radiation: some people say yes
In a report from MD Anderson related to oncology patient perceptions of the use of ionizing radiation in diagnostic imaging, 29 percent said MRI used it. This is incorrect. But, it does show a gap in “health literacy” and one of the reasons Capitol Imaging Services uses this blog, our website and our social media tools to better explain exams … Read More
Be cautious when evaluating imaging centers
When evaluating based on price, that’s the advice given by a physician who works for a university medical center in New York during a radiology conference held in late 2016. We agree with that advice. However, in looking further into the advice the physician provided, his assumptions were often that “nobody really knows” if lower prices can provide the quality … Read More
Health insurance company begins shopper program
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is rolling out a shopper program that “allows members to choose, based on quality and cost, the diagnostic imaging facility where their services are rendered.” Beginning July 1, 2017, the AIM Specialty Care Shopper program introduced to their individual Preferred Care PPO and HMO Louisiana, Inc. members for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and … 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
Insurance company takes aim at hospital outpatient imaging tests
Anthem, often called a “Blues giant,” has taken a strike against healthcare services that are provided in a hospital when the same services could be performed in an independent non-hospital outpatient setting and at lower rates. Anthem is not a health insurance carrier in Louisiana. However, it will be interesting to see how other insurance providers, as well as hospitals … Read More
Breast MRI: an important piece of the imaging puzzle
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
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
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
Ten good reasons why you should choose Capitol Imaging Services
When you visit your doctor and you get a recommendation for an imaging exam, you’ll receive a referral order, also known as a script. Often, a doctor makes a recommendation on where you should go for the scan. Please be aware that you are not mandated to go where your doctor recommends on the script. You have the right to … Read More
Why a prostate exam with 3T MRI and Computer Aided Detection is best
Because the prostate is a small organ located deep in the pelvis, traditional imaging methods have not been very successful in detecting prostate cancer. However, utilizing new generation 3T MRI scanners and special parameters with interpretation of images by an experienced radiologist, greater than 97% accuracy can now be achieved in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer or excluding significant cancer. … 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
What an MRI identifies for confirming and monitoring multiple sclerosis
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) imaging of the brain and spinal cord is the most common diagnostic tool to confirm the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and to monitor disease activity. MRI scans reveal abnormalities in the majority (90% to 95%) of people with MS. Although brain lesions are more common than spinal cord lesions, imaging of both brain and spinal cord … Read More