There are no known side effects to the radiopharmaceutical used for this procedure. A radiopharmaceutical is a drug that can be used either for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes and is instrumental in performing the scan.
Unfortunately, we cannot tell you the results of your test. Test results are sent to your doctor as soon as our radiologist completes their report and it is released to our communications system for distribution. We can check your record to confirm the results were successfully sent.
We can print a copy and send it to you via the US mail. Or, if you prefer, you can stop into the appropriate DIS center and pick up a copy. You will need to show your government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport) in order to receive the copy in person.
Diagnostic Imaging Services requires any amount you would owe for your test to be paid in full at the time of your visit. We do not offer payment plan options. We do accept the CareCredit healthcare credit card, which if you qualify, can be used for payment and you can take up to six months to pay off the amount without incurring interest charges.
Payment plans were discontinued a number of years ago due to high number of people defaulting on their payment obligations. Unfortunately, this resulted in the decision to discontinue offering this option.
Currently, Diagnostic Imaging Services does not have a center in New Orleans. We are located in Metairie, Marrero, Slidell and Covington. Most city residents choose Metairie or Marrero for their testing needs.
Diagnostic Imaging Services has two high field open MRI systems. One is in Metairie and the other in Covington. Click here to learn more.
Advanced imaging, which includes MRI, CT, nuclear medicine and PET/CT typically requires an authorization from your health insurance plan. Diagnostic Imaging Services can perform such authorizations on behalf of patients and medical practices for Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Humana and Cigna insurance members.
For other plans, your doctor’s office is responsible for obtaining the authorization and once obtained, sending it to us as part of your patient record.
Regardless of size or shape, women who have dense breasts have a greater risk of developing breast cancer than women with fatty breasts. Dense tissue may also obscure underlying abnormality, making it harder to detect early cancer. Click here for more questions and answers on breast density.
Diagnostic Imaging Services currently has six locations. Our website lists all our locations with their address and direct phone numbers. We advise people to review the appropriate DIS center’s address prior to getting into their vehicle and driving. Many people will use map applications on their mobile device to input our address and let the map provide step-by-step driving directions.
Please call 504-883-5999 or 985-641-2390. These are the numbers for the DIS call center. You'll reach our auto attendant. Follow the prompts to select the DIS medical records department.
Once connected, please leave your name, telephone number, date of birth and any other related information such as the type of test you had or the approximate/exact date of your testing in this message mailbox.
A DIS medical records associate will follow up with you to assist you with your request.
Ionizing radiation is calculated according to body habitus (i.e. the physique or body build). Our CT systems have dose modulation indicating appropriate dose. It will prevent us from over-radiating. DIS CT scanners are ultra-low dose, which we believe performs the safest CT scans within an independent radiology practice setting.
3D mammography generates images of the breast by taking multiple views across the breast in an arc. 2D mammograms only compress the breast and take images from the front and side. Research has shown that a 3D mammogram is up to 40 percent more sensitive than 2D mammograms, which means it can gives our radiologists and your doctor a clearer, more accurate picture of breast tissue and abnormalities.
The time needed for an exam will vary by the type of test that is performed. As an example, an x-ray takes only a few minutes to complete, while some MRI or ultrasound scans may take up to one hour to finish. Our technologists do everything we can to make you comfortable and to perform a quality test within a reasonable amount of time.
The time an exam takes also depends on you. It is important to arrive on time, to complete the necessary paperwork, to be prepared correctly and to follow the instructions as provided to you during your exam by our technologist.
At the time you make your appointment to come to DIS, we will advise you as to the planned length of time it will take for your testing and when you need to arrive in order to complete our registration process and talk with the technologist about what you will expect during your testing.
With the Affordable Care Act, a 2D screening mammogram is covered in full by your insurance plan. Some plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, also cover the 3D portion of a screening mammogram in full as well. Other plans do not. In those instances, the 3D option has a fee of $60. Many HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) plan monies can be used to cover our fee. We recommend you check with your account plan benefits provider for verification.
Hours vary by DIS location. We are open Monday - Friday during the week, with our Metairie - Veterans Memorial Boulevard center open every Saturday throughout the year. Visit our LOCATIONS menu to select the region and center you would like to visit. Each center has their listed hours of service.
DIS accepts nearly every health insurance plan offered in our area. Click here for access to our plans listing.
An arthrogram is a specialty exam that uses imaging equipment to evaluate a joint such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee or ankle. It is a two-step procedure. First is a contrast injection into the joint. This is followed by an MRI or CT scan of that joint. As an example, a rotator cuff shoulder injury is often is diagnosed with an arthrogram.
BI-RADS stands for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System and was established by the American College of Radiology. The DIS radiologist assigns a single digit BI-RADS score (ranging from 0 to 5) when a mammogram report is created. Click here to learn more.
A hysterosalpingogram is an x-ray of a woman’s uterus and fallopian tubes which allows visualization of the inside of the uterus and tubes. The picture will reveal any abnormalities of the uterus as well as tubal problems such as blockage and dilation. Click here to learn more.
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 physicians are usually board certified by the American Board of Radiology (for a doctor of medicine) or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (for an osteopathic doctor); an indication of a high level of training, and demonstrated excellence in the field.
The European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) proposed a numeric system called the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System, or PI-RADS, for prostate cancer detection. It is a grading and classification system used at Diagnostic Imaging Services as part of our radiology reporting for prostate MRI studies. Click here to learn more.
Cost is a complex question when associated with health insurance coverage. A patient financial services associate will use your information to verify your benefits and provide a good faith estimate of any financial obligation you may have due to your test. If you do not have health insurance, DIS will provide what we classify as a cash pay price.
Patients who have compared our imaging fees with area hospitals and medical centers have saved hundreds, even thousands of dollars, by choosing DIS for their testing. As an independent radiology practice, we've been chosen to perform high quality exams, from prostate MRI to ultrasound scans while saving those patients money.
Please remember that any amount you owe for your test is required to be paid in full at the time of your visit to a DIS center.
While different in many ways, the main difference is this: CT uses x-ray technology to produce diagnostic images. These x-rays require a small dose of ionizing radiation. Instead of using ionizing radiation, MRI uses radio waves and powerful magnets to produce diagnostic images. Click here to learn more.
The difference between an MRI and an MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) is that an MRA is used specifically to examine blood vessels. An MRI is performed to examine other parts of the body such as the abdomen, chest, pelvis, extremities and internal organs. Click here to learn more.
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. While screening mammograms are routinely administered to detect breast cancer in women who have no apparent symptoms, diagnostic mammograms are used after uncertain or suspicious results on a screening mammogram or after a patient or physician detect an area of concern on a physical examination.
We have two numbers that can be used. They are 504-883-5364 or 985-641-2854. Orders can also be sent via the DIS website. Click here to send us a secure email asking for assistance and use the form to attach an electronic copy of the order(s).
DIS has equipment to perform the following exams: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT, (Computerized Tomography), nuclear medicine, PET/CT (PET is Positron Emission Tomography), mammography, ultrasound, bone density measurement and x-ray. X-ray is also used for fluoroscopic studies and for arthrograms.
MRI machines use extremely powerful magnets combined with electromagnetic fields, and coils which produce radio waves, to produce detailed images of organs and tissues in your body. Noise is created when magnetic fields are cycled on and off, and when magnets exert an opposing force to each other.
When noisy, the MRI is capturing those important images for the radiologist to review. We provide headphones with music or earplugs to minimize noise levels.
Diagnostic imaging lets doctors look inside your body for clues about a medical condition. It is often a critical part of a doctor’s diagnosis. The type of imaging your doctor uses often depends on your symptoms and the part of your body being examined.
Accuracy with all patient information is critical to what is done in healthcare. We verify multiple times in order to make sure of that accuracy. This is for your benefit so that everything is done to avoid errors or problems with your testing, insurance coverage and any other related activity associated with your test.
We understand it may become irritating to repeat the same information, but we do so with your best interest in mind.