Frequently Asked Questions - Diagnostic Imaging Services

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.