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
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
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
What is another benefit to opting for a CT colonography at Capitol Imaging Services?
People who have undergone or have been recommended to undergo an optical colonoscopy may receive up to four bills for the facility, doctor, anesthesiology, and pathology (if a polyp was removed for analysis). Even though the actual exam itself is covered in full by health insurance as part of the Affordable Care Act, other aspects of the screening exam are … 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
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
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: premiums creep up, higher deductibles jump
Diagnostic Imaging Services shares a news report that highlights while insurance premiums creep up slightly, the out-of-pocket costs for deductibles and other elements not covered by insurance plans are set to significantly jump. DIS assists people with deductibles by offering lower prices on exams than area hospitals and their imaging affiliates. Lower prices translate into lower charges that may be … 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
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
What you should know about Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Diagnostic Imaging Services has uploaded a new brochure that will be of great value to people who have been referred for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam, but have never had one before. Our “What you should know” literature is designed to take some of the mystery out of having an MRI. By knowing more information before you visit one … 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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Learn more about ultrasound
Diagnostic Imaging Services has expanded upon information regarding common ultrasound exams we perform at our locations. Ultrasound is safe and painless, and produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves the use of a small transducer (probe) and ultrasound gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves … 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
Average submitted charge for ultrasound? Compare here…
As part of overall health care reform, there is more information being published for public consumption that identifies charges by hospitals across the country for various services, both inpatient and outpatient. Unfortunately, often times this information is convoluted, difficult to find and even more difficult to understand. That’s where we come in. Below is information reported by the Centers for Medicare & … Read More
Average submitted charge for MRI without the use of a dye? Compare here…
As part of overall health care reform, there is more information being published for public consumption that identifies charges by hospitals across the country for various services, both inpatient and outpatient. Unfortunately, often times this information is convoluted, difficult to find and even more difficult to understand. That’s where we come in. Below is information reported by the Centers for Medicare & … 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
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