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 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

The power and superiority of Genius 3D mammography

Conventional 2D mammograms provide doctors with a 2D image to evaluate the breast. This can be limiting due to overlapping layers of tissue, which can sometimes produce unclear results, false alarms, or worse–cancer being missed. Genius exams deliver a series of detailed breast images, allowing your doctor to better evaluate your breasts layer by layer, and over 100 clinical studies … Read More

An explanation of an exam that is very difficult to pronounce: HSG

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray test that looks at the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes and the area around them. It often is done for women who are having a hard time becoming pregnant. During a hysterosalpingogram, a dye (contrast material) is put through a thin tube that is put through the vagina and into the uterus. … 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

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

What are the differences in MRI exams of the spine?

For non-medical people wondering about specific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams of the spine, it’s pretty simple: When examining the spine in the neck, that is an MRI of the cervical spine For a closer look at the spine in the upper back area, that is an MRI of the thoracic spine To acquire images of the lower spine and back, that is … 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

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

Independent imaging: what’s in it for me?

Many people do not realize that there is a choice when you are told by your medical provider that you need an imaging exam, from an ultrasound to a PET/CT study. There are really three main choices: The hospital imaging center An imaging center owned by the hospital An independent imaging center First, let’s clarify. What does it mean by independent? … 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

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

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 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

Arm yourself and know your CPT code

Arm yourself with an important piece of information for a medical service — the CPT code. CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology, which is used universally across all medical and health providers.  With this code, you can contact multiple providers in order to better compare costs BEFORE you have any service done. Take control. It’s your money. It’s your health … Read More

Doctors shun patients who pay with Medicaid

Most doctors in private practice lose money on Medicaid patients, because the program pays less than commercial health plans or Medicare, the federal insurance program for Americans over 65. Many physicians already don’t accept Medicaid, and millions of new enrollees clamoring for appointments will strain those who do. About 46 percent of physicians accept Medicaid, according to a 15-city survey last … Read More

Health law sign-ups on track to hit 7 million

WASHINGTON (AP) — Beating expectations, President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul was on track to sign up more than 7 million Americans for health insurance on deadline day Monday, government officials told The Associated Press. The 7 million target, thought to be out of reach by most experts, was in sight on a day that saw surging consumer interest as … Read More

Obamacare website fails as deadline arrives

People trying to apply and enroll for private health insurance through Obamacare before Monday’s midnight deadline discovered the website was “currently unavailable.” Healthcare.gov, the online marketplace bedeviled by bugs since its launch last fall, went down for several hours Monday morning, a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services said. It was back online later in the morning … Read More

Drug company says it will stop paying doctors to promote drugs

From the New York Times, published December 17, 2013: December 16, 2013 — The British drug maker GlaxoSmithKline will no longer pay doctors to promote its products and will stop tying compensation of sales representatives to the number of prescriptions doctors write, its chief executive said Monday, effectively ending two common industry practices that critics have long assailed as troublesome … Read More

Caught between the hospital-insurance crossfire

When you’re in recovery from a hospital visit — whether it’s a major surgery, a visit to the emergency room or just a routine procedure — the last thing you want to worry about is paying your medical bills. Although the doctors may have stitched you up, sometimes they don’t quite stick to procedure when it comes to filing your … Read More

What is global billing?

There are many confusing terms surrounding healthcare, healthcare services and health insurance coverage. Numerous different options can often put someone’s head in a spin as they try to grasp with bills and statements from medical provider offices, hospitals and medical centers. One term that Capitol Imaging Services often uses and can be considered to be a major financial benefit to … Read More

Why a physician refers all her patients to Capitol Imaging Services

Why does a physician in Florida refer all of her patients to Capitol Imaging Services? Because, in her opinion, it is due to the excellent patient care and attention from our associates to people she sends to one of our network affiliates for their imaging exam. How excellent and personal? Florida-based Homosassa Open MRI had a person arrive in front … Read More

Have a High Deductible Health Insurance plan?

According to the website, www.valuepenguin.com, “high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) were created for consumers to have a health insurance option with lower premiums and high deductibles. These plans can be linked to health savings accounts (HSAs) to pay for qualified medical expenses in a tax-advantaged way.” As we have made our way through the first two decades of the 21st century, … Read More

Why the link between childhood cancer and CT scans may be overblown

Another study is adding to the growing body of evidence that CT scans in childhood can be linked to cancer later on. The new study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, looked at seven U.S. health care systems and the use of CT scans on the head, abdomen, pelvis, chest and spine in kids under age 15. CT scans are considered one of … 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

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

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

Planning and paying for a diagnostic procedure

Millions of diagnostic exams are performed in the United States each year. However, planning and paying for these often-essential procedures can be confusing and sometimes much more expensive than they need to be. If diagnostic exams were like most consumer products, you could simply compare imaging scan prices online, come up with the funds, and make your purchase. Unfortunately, almost nothing … Read More

It’s called value

In an era of continued healthcare cost reduction, independent medical providers have an edge: It’s called value. As calls from government and private payers continue for hospitals to trim costs and become more transparent in their pricing, some experts believe the pendulum may swing to favor providers delivering quality care at the best price. The notion flies contrary to the … Read More

Customer service stinks

The above is from a quote in an article about television news personality John Stossel, when he revealed that he was diagnosed with lung cancer. The cancer isn’t really what’s bothering him. It’s the service he was receiving this week at a New York hospital. He wrote: “My doctors tell me my growth was caught early and I’ll be fine,” … Read More

Can you trust your doctor with your financial health?

That’s a question posed on a website blog that touts services medical cost savings for consumers. It’s an interesting and poignant question. Of course, the presumption is that a person trusts their doctor or medical provider with their physician health, otherwise they would seek different care. We put our trust in their training and expertise to examine, diagnose and treat properly. … Read More

Shop smart for health care: 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

Learn more about CT scans

A computerized tomography (CT) scan is a type of medical imaging test that combines several different x-rays to produce cross-sectional images. Your physician may advise you to undergo a CT scan for a variety of reasons. CT scans are helpful for evaluating soft tissues and bones, which means they may be used to diagnose bone tumors, fractures, heart disease and … 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

Avoid the surprise of a hospital radiology fee

Consumer frustration with the cost of medical care is at an all-time high as many purchasers of narrow-network, high deductible and high co-pay health plans are finding out that the benefits they get from their monthly insurance premiums are much more limited than they thought. One target of the ire is “surprise” medical bills for services such as radiology that … 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

Insurance deductible, coinsurance, and copay: know the differences

Many people are confused about the differences between an insurance deductible, co-pay and coinsurance. In short, all three represent the portion of the medical bill that you are responsible for in case you get sick or injured. Another term used is out-of-pocket expense. However, there are some very unique differences between each one. Deductible An insurance deductible is usually a … Read More

Federal law allows hospitals to charge facility fees

From a story posted locally comes this excerpt: Federal law allows hospitals to charge facility fees for outpatient services at affiliated clinics, regardless of whether the clinic is anywhere near the hospital. The clinics may have the same equipment, staffing and operating expenses as a private practice, and may look much the same as a private practice, but the simple fact that … 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

The role of the radiologist in 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

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

Spreading the word about the benefits of 3D mammography

The signs you see to the right are new billboards that our Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS) had live during the month of October at different locations in the greater New Orleans area. This was something new for DIS. Many times, people will see billboards for hospitals and other medical practices. This is truly a test for … Read More

The difference between 2D and 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

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 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