Should Physicians Order MRI Scans for Personal Injury Litigation?

November 8, 2017
Should Physicians Order MRI Scans for Personal Injury Litigation?

 

Physicians are rightfully reluctant to order MRI scans on patients they can confidently diagnose using other means. The clarity of the MRI image is, paradoxically, the reason why many physicians use them sparingly; MRI scans reveal asymptomatic abnormalities that can lead to false positives if doctors are overzealous in their diagnosis.

 

However, there are compelling reasons why physicians should still bow to attorney requests for MRI scans in personal injury cases. In fact, according to a 2005 argument published in the British Columbia Medical Journal, MRI scans were remarkably common in U.S. personal injury cases. This is no time for that to change. Here's why:

 

  1. False positives can be controlled by the reporting radiologist's scrutiny and the health care team's other diagnostic efforts.  


 

MRI scans alone might result in inaccuracies, but physicians don't see these results in a vacuum. Medically, the MRI scan is one part of a larger diagnostic whole. Meanwhile, legally, the scan images can convince the court of the claim's validity.   

 

  1. MRI scans can provide clear, convincing evidence of injury in many cases.


 

There's no clearer way to show soft tissue damage than an MRI image, which can be colored to highlight areas of interest, and even displayed in three dimensions.

 

 

  • The use of MRI protects physicians from later claims of negligent care in the unfortunate case that a more serious injury is revealed in the future.


 

 

If an MRI scan could have revealed an injury, and the physician fails to order one, that could leave the doctor vulnerable to legal action.

 

  1. It's easy to schedule quick, accurate, and affordable MRI scans.


 

Legal cases happen on a strict schedule, which is why Precise Imaging ensures a quick turnaround on reports, same-day scheduling, and fair pricing.   

 

  1. The costs of MRI are often recoverable in personal injury cases.


 

All Precise Imaging locations accept payments via personal injury lien and letters of protection, so if the patient wins the case, the procedure is covered.   

 

The Value of MRI Images in Personal Injury Cases

 

MRI technology is a crucial tool for diagnosing problems with the brain, spinal discs, nerves, joints, and muscles that may not be detected using other methods. These soft tissues are often associated with personal injury cases stemming from car accidents or slips and falls. Once the medical team makes the diagnosis, recovery can begin — and the case can play out.  

 

From a legal perspective, the images produced by an MRI scan can help win cases and might even increase the value of the claim, which ultimately benefits patients, doctors, and attorneys. MRI results are objective and can be used as a helpful “final word” in a legal setting. By using MRI scans in mediation or at trial, lawyers can fight for what patients need to cover their health care, now and in the future. That's a worthwhile goal for physicians as well.  

 

To learn more, or to make a referral, call Precise Imaging at 800-558-2223.

5 Ways Radiology Technologists Reduce Patient Claustrophobia During MRI Scans

November 2, 2017
5 Ways Radiology Technologists Reduce Patient Claustrophobia During MRI Scans

 

Physicians strive to prevent distress in patients at every turn, but between 4 and 30 percent of patients who undergo MRI scans still report some level of anxiety. This isn't just a problem for patients; claustrophobic reactions can add considerable time to MRI scans, and can even adversely affect clinical findings through lower-quality images.

 

Even worse, according to a 2007 article published in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, claustrophobic patients abort around 2 million MRI scans around the world every year. That deprives physicians of much-needed diagnostic images.  

 

The good news is that radiologists and technologists have developed interventions that can help to reduce claustrophobic reactions leading up to and during the procedure. As the first point of contact with patients, referring physicians can help lay the groundwork for a comfortable, anxiety-free patient experience by explaining how technologists can help alleviate their fears as soon as a patient expresses trepidation about the upcoming imaging exam.

 

To that effect, here are some of the latest techniques and strategies physicians can explain to nervous patients when they refer them for an MRI scan:

 

  1. The first step to treating anxiety is to recognize that it is occurring, and technologists are trained to look for signs of discomfort throughout the entire patient interaction.


 

A 2013 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine used both subjective self-reports before and after the procedure to gauge patient anxiety. The researchers also measured electro-physiological reactions during the entirety of the study scan. Their findings suggest that patients tend to be most anxious at the beginning of the scan, as they enter the MRI bore. Then their distress usually diminishes throughout the course of the procedure.

 

Physicians can explain that patients might feel nervous or unable to complete the MRI scan at the beginning, but that once they're through that portion of the scan, they'll likely begin to feel more calm.

 

However, patients should know that technologists are aware of the patient's experience, and are committed to keeping them comfortable. Imaging staff listen for verbal cues of patient anxiety — from an explicit admission of fear to a tremor in the voice — and will move quickly to help a patient through a moment of panic.

 

Technologists also watch their patients' eyes; people with claustrophobia might glance nervously at the scanner's bore or else avoid looking at the machinery altogether. Other indications of anxiety that technologists watch for include blanching or flushing in the patient's face; reluctance to follow simple instructions; sweating; or reports of tachycardia.

 

Physicians can help to prepare nervous patients for a better experience at the imaging center by assuring them that the imaging staff is aware of, and responsive to, any discomfort they might feel, and that they will pause the procedure at the patient's request.  

 

  1. Patients should know that the choice to go through with an MRI scan is entirely within their power; technologists will never try to coerce them to go through with a procedure they decide to delay.


 

Ultimately, health care choices belong to the patient. If patients express anxiety about an upcoming MRI scan, physicians can assure them of this fact. They can explain that the patient can choose to forego a scan at any point during the treatment process.

 

By including this comforting information in an explanation of the health benefits of the MR images, physicians both place the nexus of control within the patient while also gently encouraging them to undergo the procedure for the sake of their health.   

 

  1. Technologists provide detailed, thorough explanations to patients before entering the examination room.


 

Patients who know what to expect are less likely to become anxious. But technologists also use their pre-scan conversations to build healthy clinical relationships with patients. It's important for patients to know that their technologists are friendly, understanding, competent, and utterly trustworthy. Early conversations help to create this welcoming atmosphere.

 

Physicians can lay the groundwork for a successful imaging procedure by assuring their patients of the technologist's positive attributes. That's why it's so valuable for physicians to work with preferred imaging providers, building relationships and trust that they use to help reassure patients who might be uncomfortable with the procedure. It's all part of the patient-centered approach that Precise Imaging practices.

 

  1. There are multiple distraction-based interventions that have documented history of helping patients through their anxiety when they enter the scanner bore.


 

The authors of Pinpointing Moments of High Anxiety During an MRI Examination, the study from the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, seem hopeful about in-bore audiovisual systems that could distract patients during moments of anxiety — perhaps by allowing them to experience favorite TV shows or movies during the exam. The researchers also point to the use of prism glasses, which provide mirrors that allow patients to see outside of the bore, even as they lay flat for the procedure.

 

However, even something as simple as placing a soft cloth over the patient's eyes can help alleviate claustrophobia, writes technologist Thomas Rotunda, BSMI, BSHA, R.T.(R)(MR)(QM), in a recent edition of the journal Radiologic Technology.

 

This practice "is a basic way to combat claustrophobia because it helps patients ignore how close the inside of the scanner is to their faces, which likely makes them feel less confined," Rotunda writes.

 

  1. Newer scanning technology can be incredibly effective in reducing claustrophobia among patients.


 

One of the most powerful changes that imaging centers can make is to update their equipment, and that's been true for a decade. A seminal 2007 study in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging found that the latest MRI scanners, which reduced noise in-bore noise by 97 percent while also featuring a shorter bore than previous models, could reduce the incidence rate of claustrophobia by three times.

 

Physicians can reduce the expectation of anxiety in their patients by explaining the changes that have taken place since the old days of narrow bores and loud machines. Managing patient expectation will go a long way toward reducing claustrophobia and anxiety, which will lead to greater outcomes for patients.

 

Call Precise Imaging at 800-558-2223 to discuss advanced imaging equipment available and anxiety-reduction options, or to make a referral.

 

References:

 

Dewey M, Schink T, Dewey C. Claustrophobia During Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Cohort Study in Over 55,000 Patients. Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. November 2007; 26(5):1322-1327. Available from: Wiley Online Library. Accessed November 2, 2017.

 

Melendez J, McCrank E. Anxiety-related reactions associated with magnetic resonance imaging examinations. JAMA, The Journal Of The American Medical Association [serial online]. 1993;(6):745. Available from: General OneFile, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 2, 2017.

 

Minde D, Klaming L, Weda H. Pinpointing Moments of High Anxiety During an MRI Examination. International Journal Of Behavioral Medicine [serial online]. June 2014;21(3):487-495. Available from: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 2, 2017.

 

Rotunda T. Reducing Occurrences of MR-related Claustrophobia in Patients With PTSD. Radiologic Technology [serial online]. September 2017;89(1):97-99. Available from: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 2, 2017.

 

Medical Imaging for Personal Injury Claims Involving Car Accidents

October 13, 2017
Medical Imaging for Personal Injury Claims Involving Car Accidents

 

Personal injury claims require a serious burden of proof, and medical imaging can be the case-deciding factor. Even when doctors decline to order MRI scans, lawyers themselves can sometimes schedule a diagnostic imaging procedure for their clients.

 

Here's what attorneys should know about pursuing medical imaging procedures for their patients who have been injured in at-fault car accidents:

 

 
Some MRI scans do not require a physician's referral.

 

 

You can divide MRI scans into two general categories: those that require an intravenous contrast agent, typically a harmless element called gadolinium, and those that don't. The former do require a doctor's order, but a simple MRI scan, without the use of contrast agent, may not require an initial doctor’s referral

 

 
Most other medical imaging procedures do require a doctor's recommendation.

 

 

Many of the leading technologies radiologists use to diagnose injuries and illnesses expose patients to a small dose of ionizing radiation. It's small, but over a patient's lifespan, the exposure accumulates. That's why radiologists generally do require a physician's referral before proceeding with tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and arthrograms.

 
 

Doctors often order MRI scans in cases of suspected cases of spinal injury and soft tissues.

 

 

MRI scans are particularly well-suited to imaging soft tissues, such as ligaments, muscles, and nerves. Injuries associated with car accidents — including whiplash and herniated discs — often involve these soft tissues. So this imaging modality is particularly well suited to common injuries that result from car accidents.

 

 
Rear-end collisions frequently lead to whiplash and spinal cord injuries.

 

 

When one driver rear-ends another, causing injury, half of the attorney's job is already done: It's usually simpler to assign fault in rear-end collision cases.

 

However, they still have to convince the judge that the patient was truly injured. Because this type of wreck often leads to soft-tissue injuries, MRI scans might be the ideal imaging modality to show to prove the negative effect of the accident on the plaintiff's health.

 

 
Precise Imaging can provide MRI scans on a tight deadline.

 

 

Some personal injury attorneys spend hours calling around to diagnostic imaging providers, looking for a quick MRI before a case goes to court. The better solution would be to rely on a consistent resource with an imaging provider that understands the role of diagnostic imaging in legal cases — a provider like Precise Imaging.

 

Precise Imaging has experience serving attorneys and their clients in the Los Angeles area and beyond. We offer specialized resources just for attorneys, and accept personal injury liens as well as letters of protection. There's even a dedicated web portal just for attorneys, complete with 24/7 IT support.

 

We also understand that, in law, timing is of the essence. That's why Precise Imaging's locations offer expedited, 24-hour service on radiology reports with tight deadlines.    

 

The next time you file a personal injury claim for a client who was injured in a car accident, remember the value of diagnostic MRI scans. Call Precise Imaging at 800-558-2223 to learn more.

  

 
sports medicine diagnostic imaging

Diagnostic Imaging for Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) Specialists

October 2, 2017
Diagnostic Imaging for Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) Specialists

 

Sports physicians and radiologists work together to quickly diagnose and treat the musculoskeletal injuries associated with frequent physical exertion. Still, sport and exercise medicine (SEM) remains a young specialty — it wasn't until 2005 that the United Kingdom's Department of Health granted SEM official specialty status.

 

So it's a good time to ask the question, both of sports physicians and radiologists themselves: How can this close working relationship improve as both specialties develop? What exactly do sports physicians need from their diagnostic imaging providers, and how can those providers tweak their processes to work better with SEM specialists and their patients?

 

Here are a few thoughts, culled from the extant literature:

  1. Help provide actionable images to help decide when it's safe for athletes to return to the field

  2. Assist with screening efforts and pre-play assessments;

  3. And they can provide "technical assistance with certain procedures.


 
Diagnostic imaging providers have much more to offer SEM physicians than confirmation of a given diagnosis.

 

 

According to I. McCurdie, FRCP, FFSEM(UK), writing in the British Journal of Radiology in 2012, "confirmation of accurate diagnosis" is only the first area in which radiologists can support sports physicians. They can also:

 

Sports physicians, in other words, need access to imaging providers who can respond to a wide range of needs. It makes sense for an SEM specialist to create relationships with established, trustworthy networks of imaging providers like Precise Imaging. With the range of expertise, simple systems for billing and referral, and an online portal just for physicians, Precise Imaging can respond to the immediate needs of SEM specialists and their patients.

 
Elite athletes often need incredibly quick turnaround on radiology reports.

 

When high-level athletes get injured, their managers want them back on the field as soon as it's safe. Team physicians typically don't have time to wait for a several-day turnaround to get their radiology reports.

 

Radiologists must be physically present, at imaging facilities or even on the field, in order to produce accurate reports a quickly as possible. Precise Imaging radiologists always work on-site at their facilities, and they average a turnaround of 24 hours, with available same-day referral service.

 

 
Sports physicians require access to multiple imaging modalities from the same provider.

 

 

"The range of pathologies and different tissues injured during sport and exercise determine the imaging modalities used," writes McCurdie. "With soft-tissue injuries being common, the opportunity to image with ultrasound during functional movements (often as an extension of the clinical examination) and avoid any exposure to irradiation makes this a very useful tool."

 

At the same time, MRI scans reveal soft-tissue injuries and have been successfully used to diagnose muscle damage accurately. Still, many physicians prefer to begin diagnostic imaging efforts with radiography.

 

"Plain X-ray should still generally be the first imaging technique," wrote John Orchard et. al in the Medical Journal of Australia in 2005. In that article, "The use of diagnostic imaging in sports medicine," Orchard and the other authors pointed out a few exceptions to the guideline of defaulting to X-ray.

 

"Exceptions include some forms of superficial tendinopathy, in which ultrasound may be more appropriate, and situations where radiation exposure is contraindicated, such as in a pregnant patient," they wrote.

 

Precise Imaging locations offer multiple imaging modalities, often with a full range of options for each. So patients with musculoskeletal injuries associated with sports and exercise can visit a single outpatient clinic for ultrasound, X-ray, MRI, and/or CT scans, all with simple, convenient scheduling.

 

 
While all imaging modalities have their uses in sports medicine, MRI scans are sometimes crucial for the diagnosis of one of the most common knee injuries in sports: the ACL tear.

 

 

Klass et al. point out that MRI scans are a central component to care for patients with chronic knee conditions. In their literature review, though, the authors found that MRI was increasingly paying dividends in cases of acute injury, particularly a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).  

Of course, physicians can often diagnose ACL injuries without the use of MRI technology. However, Klass and colleagues conclude, "It should be realised that significant advances are being made, and that there may be an increasing use of MRI in the management of the acutely injured knee which will include rupture of the ACL."

 
Precise Imaging for Patients of SEM Specialists

 

SEM physicians and their patients benefit from diagnostic imaging facilities that:   

 

  1. Are capable of multiple imaging modalities;

  2. Remain available for expanded hours, including weekends and evenings;

  3. Offer quick, simple scheduling, including same-day service and ride assistance;

  4. Employ radiologists with experience in musculoskeletal injuries associated with sports and exercise, who carry full board certification, and who work on-site at the place of testing;

  5. Are able to handle a variety of payment types, including insurance, Medicaid and Medicare, personal injury liens, and even low cash options for uninsured patients;

  6. Operate large networks of outpatient clinics, ensuring availability and flexible scheduling.


 

Patients under the care of an SEM specialist will benefit from the friendly and efficient service of the Precise Imaging team. If you're a referring physician and you're looking for a new imaging partner to help with a sports and exercise medicine practice, contact Precise Imaging at 800-558-2223 today.

 

References:

 

Cullen M, Batt M. Sport and exercise medicine in the United Kingdom comes of age. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2005;39(5):250-251. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2005.019307

 

Gibbs NJ, Cross T, Cameron M, Houang MT. The accuracy of MRI in predicting recovery and recurrence of acute grade one hamstring muscle strains within the same season in Australian Rules football players. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2004;7(2):248-258. [PubMed]  

 

Klass, D et al. MR imaging of acute anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The Knee. 2007;14(5):339-347. doi:10.1016/j.knee.2007.04.008

 

McCrory P. What is sports and exercise medicine? British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2006;40(12):955-957. [PubMed]

 

McCurdie I. Imaging in sport and exercise medicine: “a sports physician’s outlook and needs.” The British Journal of Radiology. 2012;85(1016):1198-1200. doi:10.1259/bjr/14729770

 

Orchard, J, Read J, Anderson I(J)F. The use of diagnostic imaging in sports medicine. The Medical Journal of Australia. 2005;183(9):482-486. Available from: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2005/183/9/2-use-diagnostic-imaging-sports-medicine
No health Insurance

Diagnostic Imaging Referrals for Uninsured Patients

September 29, 2017
What should physicians do when they suspect a patient needs an expensive diagnostic imaging procedure, but they also know that patient lacks health insurance, or has an inadequate plan? How do they weigh financial considerations against crucial diagnostic information?

 

As physicians, you balance a huge number of variables in deciding which diagnostic imaging procedures to order for your patients. You must weigh radiation exposure versus probability of actionable images, for instance, or decide whether a patient needs an X-ray, an MRI, or both.

 

And like it or not, every decision a referring physician makes will have an impact on the patient's final bill — which becomes problematic, both ethically and medically, given the role financial stress plays in negative health outcomes such as depression.

 

Lack of Health Insurance and Frequency of Diagnostic Imaging


 

Here's what we do know, at least as of the 2012 publication of this study from the Journal of the American College of Radiology: Uninsured Americans received fewer imaging procedures in emergency departments than insured patients. In a sense, this is unsurprising; Americans without health insurance generally receive less health care overall.

 

What we don't know is what to do about it. Should we order less imaging for insured patients, or more for uninsured patients? We won't really know until we can measure the outcomes of uninsured patients who receive equal care. To do that, we must find a way to provide truly affordable diagnostic imaging for all patients. That's where Precise Imaging can help.  

 

How Physicians Can Reduce the Financial Impact of Imaging on Patients


 

The ideal situation would be for physicians to have access to imaging centers that offer a full and flexible range of payment options along with the highest-quality service, simple scheduling, and fast results. That's exactly the combination that Precise Imaging offers to referring physicians.

 

Precise Imaging operates 70+ locations with evening and weekend hours, so your patients can always find a time and a place that suits them. If transportation is a problem, Precise Imaging can send a car for free. And with same-day scheduling and a 24-hour average turnaround on reports, you'll have the information you need without delay.

 

But the real issue for uninsured patients is the financial burden. That's why Precise Imaging's experienced billing team is trained and authorized to handle an incredible variety of payment options. For personal injury cases, they can accept liens. If workers' compensation is involved, that's no problem.

 

Precise Imaging even offers special cash prices for uninsured or underinsured patients. Friendly billing staff can also work with payors to establish structured payment plans. These options can create powerful discounts for patients in need, and might be just the assurance that you need to order a procedure you're on the fence about.

 

Financial considerations shouldn't have any place in patient care, but, unfortunately, they are real, and must be considered. Next time you're weighing the options for an uninsured patient, remember that Precise Imaging can help. Call Precise Imaging at 800-558-2223 to learn more about cash prices for uninsured patients.    

 

References:

 

Moser, James and Kimberly Applegate. "Imaging and Insurance: Do the Uninsured Get Less Imaging in Emergency Departments?" JACR. Journal of the American College of Radiology, Jan. 2012. Web. 29 Sept. 2017.

 

Galea, Sandro et. al. "Urban Neighborhood Poverty and the Incidence of Depression in a Population-Based Cohort Study." ScienceDirect. Annals of Epidemiology, Mar. 2007. Web. 29 Sept. 2017.

 

Personal Injury Attorneys and Diagnostic Imaging: A Patient-Centered Approach

September 22, 2017
Personal injury cases often hinge on great diagnostic imaging, and attorneys can benefit from referring their patients to a provider with experience in the field. While injured patients are free to schedule an MRI or X-ray at a hospital or random imaging center, cases flow much more smoothly when attorneys and their clients choose providers that know how to best assist in the case, while providing excellent, patient-centered care. Here are a few reasons personal injury attorneys should stick to a single preferred provider for diagnostic imaging:

 
Patients might need to pay for diagnostic imaging with a personal injury lien.

 

Many medical providers aren't equipped to handle lien payments. When attorneys and clients agree on an imaging provider prior to injury, they can choose a company that has long years of experience handling personal injury cases, including lien payments — that is, a company like Precise Imaging.

 
Attorneys often need diagnostic imaging results quickly.

 

Hospitals sometimes experience lengthy delays before they can schedule a diagnostic imaging procedure. Then, when the procedure is complete, staff radiologists might take days to complete the radiology report. Meanwhile, case deadlines can come and go.

 

Precise Imaging offers same-day scheduling and quick turnaround times for reports. Radiologists file their reports within 48 hours of the procedure, and usually much sooner, often within just 24 hours.

Not all imaging centers are prepared for letters of protection.

 

For personal injury cases involving a letter of protection, it's important to choose an imaging provider that has experience with this legal tool. Precise Imaging has partnered with patients and their attorneys for thousands of personal injury cases, and accepts every type of remuneration, including workers' compensation, liens, and deferred payment based on a letter of protection.    

 
Attorneys can simplify client care with a preferred diagnostic imaging provider.

 

With Precise Imaging for personal injury cases, a single phone call gives attorneys everything they need to win in court. In fact, attorneys never need to pick up the phone to get help for their clients. A specialized attorney web portal provides images, payment information, and case details with full HIPAA compliance. It's available 24/7, and so is the IT support that ensures everything runs smoothly.

 

Clients will appreciate the friendly, professional service they receive at any of Precise Imaging's 70+ locations. They'll also love the simple scheduling, with evening and weekend appointments available. Attorneys, on the other hand, will find a streamlined approach that simplifies personal injury cases while providing medical details that win in court.

 

To learn more about Precise Imaging's commitment to assisting in personal injury cases, or to refer a client today, call 800.558.2223. You can also make an online referral here.
Online Portal

Why Online Radiology Portals are Good for Physicians and Their Patients

September 18, 2017

Online radiology portals are slowly moving into the mainstream. The advantages of these information-sharing platforms are clear. Physician portals allow quick, simple referrals and real-time access to diagnostic images, plus immediate interaction for remote members of health care teams. Patient portals give recipients of diagnostic imaging procedures unprecedented information, control over their own health care decisions, and more direct interaction with radiologists.


 

But are online health portals really working for patients and their physicians? What does the science say about the benefits and/or drawbacks of these tools? A recent surge of studies gives us some idea. Here are a few takeaways from the latest research on radiology portals:


 


  • An early study, published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology in 2015, concluded that "Referring-physician release of radiology reports via the online portal is important to patients, useful to referring physicians, and does not affect referring-physician workloads." However, the study noted, physicians may wish to delay the release of the radiology reports until after they've had the chance to discuss the findings with the patient.




 


  • A more recent study from the American Journal Of Roentgenology suggests that online patient portals create more communication between radiologists and patients themselves. This could be a profound shift; traditionally, radiologists confer with physicians, who then speak face-to-face with patients. Through the use of online radiology portals, patients may benefit from more direct interaction with their radiologists. "Radiologist collaboration with referring physicians is important in providing care in accordance with patient preferences," the study cautions.




 


  • A 2016 article from the Journal of the American College of Radiology picks up this theme of the changing role of the radiologist in an era of online portals. When patients have direct access to radiology reports, they'll likely have questions and/or concerns.




 

"Ultimately, radiologists may have to stop thinking about the radiology report as their final product and, instead, start thinking about the report as a springboard for becoming more active health care partners," concludes Christoph Lee et. al., authors of Implications of Direct Patient Online Access to Radiology Reports Through Patient Web Portals.


 

These changes provide benefits to patients and referring physicians alike, the authors suggest: "The published evidence to date suggests that the potential benefits likely outweigh the risks of providing patients with direct online access to their medical records, including their radiology reports."


 

Online Radiology Portals for Physicians and Patients at Precise Imaging


 

Every Precise Imaging location offers physicians access to a robust online portal. There, doctors can make quick referrals, receive radiology reports, and interact with the radiologists who write those reports. We offer 24/7 IT support and simplified payment modalities.


 

Meanwhile, patients can track their own health care journey through our fully HIPAA-compliant patient web portal. With these digital tools from Precise Imaging, patients, physicians, and radiologists all remain on the same page, striving for better outcomes.


 

Learn more about Precise Imaging's online portals by calling 800-558-2223 today.


 

References:


 

Gefen, Ron, Michael bruno, and Hani Abujudeh. "Online Portals: Gateway to Patient-Centered Radiology." AJROnline. American Journal of Roentgenology, July 2017. Web. 18 Sept. 2017.   


 

Henshaw, D., et. al. "Access to Radiology Reports via an Online Patient Portal: Experiences of Referring Physicians and Patients." PubMed. Journal of the American College of Radiology, June 2015. Web. 18 Sept. 2017.


 

Lee, Christoph, et. al. "Implications of Direct Patient Online Access to Radiology Reports Through Patient Web Portals." JACR. Journal of the American College of Radiology, Dec. 2016. PDF. 18 Sept. 2017.

The Benefits of Large Imaging Networks vs. Small Independent Facilities

September 12, 2017
Precise Imaging operates more than 70 locations in California, Arizona, and Nevada. The size of this network provides benefits to referring doctors and patients alike.

 

Smaller, independent imaging facilities often can't produce the same advantages — they simply don't have the staff, the space, or the infrastructure. The advantages of a large-scale diagnostic imaging organization like Precise Imaging include:

 
More convenient scheduling. 

 

Precise Imaging locations are open late and on weekends, and they're distributed all over major metropolitan areas. This makes it easier and more convenient for patients to schedule an imaging appointment close to them, and at a time they prefer. Referring physicians can even ask for same-day service for cases in which time is of the essence.

 
Simplified billing.

 

Medical billing is complex enough. Rather than filing paperwork with many different small-time providers, choosing Precise Imaging gives medical providers a single contact point for all issues of billing. Precise Imaging offers a clear and streamlined billing system. It's so simple that it fits on a single page.

 
Dependability and consistency in radiology reports.  

 

All Precise Imaging radiologists carry board certification and operate in the United States. They work quickly and accurately to return detailed, actionable radiology reports to referring physicians, usually within 24 hours — or even faster for STAT orders.

 

These benefits help to explain why more than 150,000 patient and over 4,000 physicians and attorneys have chosen Precise Imaging over the past 20 years.

 
Multiple Referral Options and Quick, Easy Access to Radiology reports

 

At Precise Imaging, we strive to make the whole diagnostic process easier on physicians. In addition to the benefits listed above, Precise Imaging keeps all avenues of communication open for referring doctors.

 

Doctors may share a referral through fax, via telephone, or with our simple online form. You can even email us the referral.    

 

Once you've referred a patient, sign up for the online doctor's portal for real-time access to images and radiology reports. The portal is completely HIPAA-compliant so physicians and radiologists can easily share patient information — ultimately leading to quicker, more accurate diagnoses and better outcomes.

 

If you ever have trouble with the portal, enjoy qualified IT assistance any time of the day or night. Simply call us at 800-558-2223 for help with Precise Imaging digital tools.

 

If you're a patient, a physician, or an attorney working on a personal injury case (with or without a lien), call Precise Imaging at 800-558-2223 today. Our friendly scheduling staff are ready to help you find the ideal appointment for virtually any diagnostic imaging procedure.

10 MRI Technologists’ Rules for MRI Safety

September 5, 2017
Technologists, radiologists, and facility staff all work hard to ensure MRI safety for every patient they treat. Still, some patients get nervous at the prospect of having their first-ever MRI scan.

 

Really, diagnostic imaging's reputation for risk comes from X-rays, which expose patients to a minimal amount of ionizing radiation. Despite this, X-rays are generally safe — and if a doctor orders an imaging procedure, the patient should always comply. Medical professionals weigh the risk versus the benefit before ordering any intervention.

 

But X-rays are one thing. MRI scans don't expose patients to any radiation at all. They're extremely safe. The machinery can be intimidating — people don't tend to relish the idea of sliding into a narrow tube that looks like something out of a Star Trek episode — but the scan itself is harmless, and the resulting images save lives every day.



 

If you or a loved one are about to get your first MRI scan, and you're feeling nervous about it, we thought a few safety rules that your technologists and radiologists will follow will make you feel better. Health care professionals are trained to keep patients safe above all else, and they make sure to minimize the already-infinitesimal risks involved with MRI scans by observing important safety rules. Here are a few of the practices that imaging professionals will use to keep you safe and comfortable during your MRI scan:

 

  1. They will ensure that you don't have any metal devices or implants on your person.


 

MRI scans create a strong magnetic field around the patient. That's not dangerous in itself, but it does become important to ensure that no ferromagnetic metals enter the scanning room. Even nonmagnetic metals can interfere with the magnetic field, or heat up and cause burns. Facility staff screen patients for any type of metal, including that found in medical implants such as aneurysm clips.

 

  1. If you do have implanted medical devices, they will insure that they are safe for the scan before you get anywhere near the imaging suite.


 

Medical implants are designated as MR Conditional, MR Safe, or MR Unsafe. Your health team will check the rating of any medical implants you have, compare the specs to those of the scanner they'll be using, and determine whether the scan is safe to proceed.

 

  1. They will double-check every object that enters the scan room for MRI safety.


 

The working assumption is that anything imaging staff don't have a record of is MR Unsafe. The screening process can be quite involved, but it's also fairly quick.

 

  1. They will ask you to change out of your clothes and into a facility-provided, MR-safe gown.


 

Even the small amount of metal embedded in many items of clothing can heat up dangerously, or disrupt scans. The safest option is to ask patients to change into an MR-safe gown.

 

  1. They will help you lie in the MRI machine in a way that avoids skin-to-skin contact.


 

MRI scanners use blasts of electromagnetic radiofrequency waves to create images of the body. This energy is generally safe, although if patients maintain skin-to-skin contact during the scan, they could create a conducting circuit at the point of contact. Current might heat up the skin, causing burns. That's why MRI technicians are always careful to help patients find a comfortable posture that doesn't involve any skin-to-skin contact. They may provide insulating pads for this purpose.



 

 

  1. They will route all equipment cables straight outwards from the machine, and won't allow them to touch each other or the patient.


 

Imaging technicians are extremely careful with all electrically conductive materials, including cables that are part of the scanning process. Cables that are too close to another conductor — including the patient's skin — can transfer energy through capacitive coupling, so staff route cables very carefully.

 

  1. They will provide padding and blankets that are certified MRI-safe.


 

Patient comfort is second only to patient safety. Still, it's important to ensure that everything entering the MRI suite is MR-safe. Imaging facilities stock comfortable blankets and nonconductive padding to ensure patient comfort during the scan.  

 

  1. They will always use the lowest amount of radiofrequency power sufficient to obtain a clear image — a measurement known as the Specific Absorption Rate, or SAR.


 

The SAR is a measurement of radiofrequency energy that passes through the patient's body during an MRI scan. Higher levels can cause electrical conduction in the patient's tissues, causing heat. If this goes on long enough, it can lead to burns. However, technologists always use the lowest possible SAR for a given scan, generally preventing dangerous warming.

 

  1. They will remain in constant communication with patients throughout the entire scan.


 

The most powerful tool to prevent injury during MRI scans is patient self-reporting. Technologists keep lines of communication open with patients throughout the entire process. That way, if a patient starts to feel uncomfortable, or feels skin heating up, they can report to the technologist, who will halt the scan until they address the situation.

 

  1. They will monitor patients during the scan with video and audio signals inside the machine's bore.


 

Imaging staff won't just wait for patients to tell them if they experience discomfort. They also carefully monitor their patients, watching for signs of distress. At the first sign of concern, technologists will pause the scan and make sure the patient's safe and comfortable.

 

MRI Safety Along Every Dimension


 

These safety rules come courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists. This ensures that each tip has been tested, retested, and verified before being added to the list of best practices. The FDA and the SMRT both follow evidence-based science to make their recommendations.

 

Of course, there is one hazard to a diagnostic imaging procedure that neither the FDA nor SMRT can prevent: Overcharging. Hospitals often charge exorbitant fees for MRI scans.

 

Luckily, the FDA and SMRT aren't the only ones looking out for patients. Independent imaging centers, such as those in the BestPriceMRI.com network, commit themselves to offering the highest-quality MRI scans at the lowest-possible prices. They are able to do this because they are specialists; hospitals have to create enough revenue to cover enormous facilities, multiple specialized departments, and hundreds or even thousands of employees.

 

The diagnostic imaging centers you'll find on BestPriceMRI.com follow lean business practices to keep prices to an absolute minimum. At the same time, they only employ certified, industry-leading radiologists — the same ones hospitals use — and state-of-the-art equipment. It's a high initial expense, but once the newest, best MRI scanner is installed in a facility, BestPriceMRI.com facilities are able to stay solvent through the steady stream of business that comes from quick, convenient appointments, doctor-preferred results, and excellent patient care.

 

Trust your technicians and radiologists to keep you safe during your next MRI scan. And trust BestPriceMRI.com to get you the lowest price you'll find, along with a convenient location and a time of your choosing — even on evenings and weekends, if you prefer.

 

Contact BestPriceMRI.com at 888-322-7785 to make your appointment today.

 

References:

 

"Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Safety." RadiologyInfo. Radiological Society of North America, Inc., 5 Apr. 2017. Web. 1 Sept. 2017.

 

"Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Tips for Scanning Patients with Implants." FDA. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists, n.d. PDF. 1 Sept. 2017.

 

"MRI Burn Prevention: Tips for Keeping Patients Safe." FDA. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists, n.d. PDF. 1 Sept. 2017.

Precise Imaging Accepts Medicare

July 21, 2017
Precise Imaging Accepts Medicare for Diagnostic Imaging Procedures

 

Refer your Medicare patients to Precise Imaging with full confidence — we accept Medicare payments for diagnostic imaging procedures.

 

When you order an MRI, CT an X-ray, your patients have a right to know if the procedure is covered under Medicare. With Precise Imaging, know that when patients ask about this coverage, the answer is always, "Yes."

 

Every physician encounters Medicare patients. The program is vast, as evidenced by these statistics from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the AARP:

 

  • As of 2015, the last year for which data is available, more than 55 million Americans received Medicare benefits.



  • Medicare beneficiaries make up more than 15 percent of the total U.S. population.


 

  • The AARP estimates that the program will provide benefits for nearly 80 million Americans by 2030.


 

By knowing which facilities accept Medicare before referring patients, doctors can help to keep medical costs manageable. They can also save time during visits by eliminating last-minute research.

 

Make an online referral through our HIPAA-compliant form, or sign into the Physician's Web Portal to begin. Precise Imaging staff will take it from there. We obtain authorizations, work with your patient to schedule a convenient appointment, and communicate directly with insurers to arrange billing. All the physician has to do is make the referral and study the results.

 

For more information, or to refer a patient today, call Precise Imaging at 800-558-2223.

 

What Patients Should Know About Medicare and Diagnostic Imaging

 

Not all independent imaging centers accept Medicare payments. While the last thing you want to think about when you're injured is the medical bill, it pays to ask if any procedure is covered under the program.

 

Precise Imaging maintains ongoing relationships with most major insurers, including Medicare, to make payments hassle-free for all involved. Our staff handles the billing and subsequent paperwork, so patients don't have to navigate the complex world of health care spending on their own.

 

Whether you're a referring doctor or a patient with Medicare coverage, contact Precise Imaging to schedule a convenient, comfortable, and highly accurate imaging procedure.

 

Does Medicare Cover Your MRI, CT Scan, or X-Ray?

 

Medicare Part B covers a comprehensive range of "medically necessary services," as well as some preventative care. These services may include:

 

  • Diagnostic lab procedures, such as blood tests and biopsies.


 

  • Diagnostic imaging procedures, such as MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound scans.


 

  • Reusable medical equipment.


 

  • Some prescription drugs.


 

  • Mental health treatment, both inpatient and outpatient.


 

Diagnostic imaging procedures are generally considered "medically necessary" when a doctor orders them, so they are usually covered by Medicare. Everyone with Part B should be covered, as long as they choose an eligible provider.

 

All of Precise Imaging's 70+ locations accept Medicare, so call us at 800-558-2223 to discuss your case or to schedule an appointment today.
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