Report cites “out of pocket” health spending is soaring

According to a research report published in early December, U.S. health care spending increased to $3.3 trillion in 2016, with out-of-pocket health care costs borne directly by consumers rising 3.9 percent – the fastest rate of growth since 2007. Published by the non-profit organization, Health Affairs, health expenditures swallowed a greater part of the economy, with health expenditures making up … Read More

What is a Pars fracture?

Recently, a person visited Diagnostic Imaging Services due to experiencing low back and right leg pain. They also had a previous medical history of lumbar spine surgery. In this instance, the medical provider recommended a Computerized Tomography (CT) scan that was part of a nuclear medicine Image Merge study in which the two imaging techniques, CT and nuclear medicine, were … 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. Over the last several years, numerous reports, studies and research has come 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 … 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

You Night Northshore celebrates life with breast cancer survivors

Thursday, October 26, 2017 was a night for celebration on the victories won over cancer. They were celebrated by beautiful women, their families and friends who cheered them on with thunderous applause at the You Night Northshore 2017 Runway Fashion Show. With a 1960’s British invasion theme, it was indeed “groovy baby!” From the hosts, Austin Powers and the gorgeous … Read More

DIS calls this month “Movember”

Diagnostic Imaging Services calls this month “Movember” as we join the movement to change the face of men’s health. As a group of men who are part of DIS, we are committed to: Grow a mo (or more) for 30 days. Not mo alone. This is all part of raising awareness of prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. The … Read More

What does it mean when a woman is told she has dense breasts?

Dense breast tissue refers to the appearance of breast tissue on a mammogram. It’s a normal and common finding. Breast tissue is composed of milk glands, milk ducts and supportive tissue (dense breast tissue), and fatty tissue (nondense breast tissue). When viewed on a mammogram, women with dense breasts have more dense tissue than fatty tissue. A major study was … Read More

We are spreading the word about the benefits of 3D mammography

The signs you see to the right are new billboards that Diagnostic Imaging Services will have live during the month of October at different locations in the greater New Orleans area. This is something new for us. Many times, people will see billboards for hospitals and other medical practices. This is truly a test for us to see if our … 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

Breast MRI: an important piece of the imaging puzzle

Diagnostic 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 … Read More

Eat Drink Cure LA to be held October 8 in New Orleans

Join the American Cancer Society and Harrah’s New Orleans for an inspirational affair to benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer! Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from our restaurant partners as we honor cancer survivors, present a fashion show featuring the creations of local designer Mimi Holaday, send male models down the runway in bedazzled bras, and entertain with live music … Read More

Supporting the relief efforts of the Cajun Navy during Hurricane Harvey

On Friday, September 8, 2017, people who visited one of our centers or our administrative offices may have seen a more relaxed, casual business attire atmosphere than what they normally would expect. This was on purpose. Employees who wished to participate wore their best jeans to work on September 8 and in exchange, made a financial donation toward Hurricane Harvey … Read More

Opening up clear communication channels for radiology patients and the public

Recently, the Chief Executive Officer of Diagnostic Imaging Services, Michael Holmes, was profiled in the September 2017 issue of New Orleans Living magazine. Michael provided excellent insight into not only the world of radiology, but also healthcare, offering advice that can be quite valuable to the general public. Being vigilant and your own advocate for your healthcare dollar spending has … Read More

What is a PI-RADS score?

The tremendous interest in 3T multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), not only here in the U.S. but around the world, brought with it the challenge of how to standardize the reporting of prostate image analysis among radiologists around the globe. The European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) proposed a numeric system called the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System, or PI-RADS, for … Read More

What an MRI identifies for confirming and monitoring multiple sclerosis

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) imaging of the brain and spinal cord is the most common diagnostic tool to confirm the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and to monitor disease activity. MRI scans reveal abnormalities in the majority (90% to 95%) of people with MS. Although brain lesions are more common than spinal cord lesions, imaging of both brain and spinal cord … Read More

You Night New Orleans 2017: groovy baby

Thursday, July 27, 2017 was a night for celebration on the victories won over cancer. They were celebrated by beautiful women, their families and friends who cheered them on with thunderous applause at the You Night New Orleans 2017 Runway Fashion Show. With a 1960’s British invasion theme, it was indeed “groovy baby!” From the hosts, Dr. Evil, Austin Powers … Read More

The role of the radiologist in health care

From broken bones to complex lung conditions, from traumatic back issues to tumors, radiologists are there to help the patient and health care provider arrive at a diagnosis so the provider can make decisions on treatment. Your radiologist has graduated from an accredited medical school, passed a licensing examination, and completed a residency of at least four years of unique postgraduate medical education. … Read More

The difference between hospital based and outpatient imaging

Did you know there is a difference in where you have your medical imaging exam? Most people don’t realize they have the option to visit an outpatient imaging center instead of a hospital for their exam. Or, they don’t understand there is often a big difference. At freestanding outpatient imaging centers such as Diagnostic Imaging Services, you can save time … 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. CT uses x-ray technology to produce diagnostic images. These x-rays require a small dose of ionizing radiation. The CT … Read More

FDA approves the only mammogram superior for women with dense breasts

Diagnostic Imaging Services, the only independently-owned outpatient imaging provider in the greater New Orleans area to offer Genius 3D mammography shares an announcement released by the Genius manufacturer, Hologic, Inc., that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Genius 3D as superior to standard 2D mammography for routine breast cancer screening of women with dense breasts.1 The Genius exam has … Read More

Health insurance company begins shopper program

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is rolling out a shopper program that “allows members to choose, based on quality and cost, the diagnostic imaging facility where their services are rendered.” Beginning July 1, 2017, the AIM Specialty Care Shopper program will be introduced to their individual Preferred Care PPO and HMO Louisiana, Inc. members for Magnetic Resonance Imaging … Read More

DIS joins You Night events

Diagnostic Imaging Services is proud to be participating in upcoming July and October events held by You Night Empowering Events. Since 2013, the You Night program addresses the emotional needs of women who have had cancer. We offer a unique alternative to cancer support groups, through goal-oriented, team building activities, resulting in a powerful sisterhood of support. Diagnostic Imaging Services … Read More

What is a mammogram standing order

This question is often asked of a woman contacting Diagnostic Imaging Services to arrange a visit for a screening mammogram. Most everyone understands that a referral order is needed in order to complete a screening mammogram or any imaging test performed by our organization. But, what is a standing order? Simply, if a health care provider such as a physician, … Read More

The facts on FRAX for the Northshore

With an upgrade in Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) technology coming in July 2017 for the Diagnostic Imaging Services Slidell and Covington – Highway 21 facilities, we wanted to provide information on the benefits people will have when undergoing DEXA exams at DIS on the Northshore. DEXA uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside … Read More

Positioning inside an MRI

This is an inquiry our call center associates and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologists get asked frequently. We thought we would provide a brief answer. 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 placed in the tunnel … Read More

Federal law allows hospitals to charge facility fees

From a recent 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 … Read More

Diagnostic Imaging Services adds sixth and seventh locations

Here we grow again! Pardon our progress! Often times, people will hear these phrases when organization either expand or improve upon what they do. For Diagnostic Imaging Services, both hold true. As of May 1, 2017 DIS has opened a sixth and seventh location to expand our reach of services and expertise in southeast Louisiana. Our new locations are: 3434 … Read More

Your midsection and ultrasound

What is considered to be the “abdominal area, the midsection so to speak of  your body?” Most would consider the abdomen to be home to important organs including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and towards the back, the kidneys. So when it is necessary to examine the abdomen, there are several areas to review. Pain in the abdomen can arise from issues … Read More

What is an upper GI test?

An upper gastrointestinal series is an x-ray test used to define the anatomy of the upper digestive tract. An upper gastrointestinal series involves filling the esophagus, stomach, and small intestines with a white liquid material (barium). An upper gastrointestinal (GI) series (barium swallow), is a radiological test that is used to visualize the structures of the upper digestive system – … Read More

Woman's Health Imaging Portfolio

Need an MRI? It Pays to Shop Around.

That’s the headline from a USA Today article published on March 28, 2017. Diagnostic Imaging Services has been touting the benefits people, their healthcare providers and insurance companies can reap from taking the time to compare prices for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in order to find a provider that offers the quality needed for diagnosis, yet is less expensive and … Read More

Need an MRI? It pays to shop around. Big time.

That’s the headline from a USA Today article published on March 28, 2017. Diagnostic Imaging Services has been touting the benefits people, their healthcare providers and insurance companies can reap from taking the time to compare prices for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in order to find a provider that offers the quality needed for diagnosis, yet is less expensive and easier … Read More

DIS now included by the national Prostate Cancer Research Institute

Diagnostic Imaging Services has been added to the U.S. 3T Prostate MRI Facilities as tracked by the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI). DIS is the only center in the state of Louisiana included in this directory. The directory functions as a resource for men, their families and their health care providers to identify imaging centers who perform this specialized MRI study. … Read More

Diagnostic Imaging Services invests in improved fluoroscopy technology

Diagnostic Imaging Services recently completed the installation of updated fluoroscopy technology at our East Bank location in Metairie. Fluoroscopy pays a pivotal role in medical imaging, being integral in studies such as arthrograms and hysterosalpingograms. Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures. It’s much like an x-ray video and is often done while a contrast dye moves through the part … 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

Diagnostic Imaging Services adds second Northshore West facility in Covington

Considered one of the leading innovative independent outpatient imaging organizations in the greater New Orleans area, Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS) has acquired an additional imaging center location in Covington. Formerly known as Premier MRI, the center located at 1200 Pinnacle Parkway, Suite 5 in Covington is now Diagnostic Imaging Services effective March 1, 2017. With these additions, DIS expands to five … Read More

Stephanie Casey MD joins Reliant Radiology

Reliant Radiology, LLC, the exclusive provider of radiology interpretation services to Diagnostic Imaging Services, is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Stephanie D. Casey to its staff. Dr. Casey earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Tulane University, moving on to complete her doctorate at the LSU Medical School in New Orleans. Dr. Casey also completed a post-doctorate fellowship … Read More

Hospitals tend to be compensated by insurance companies at about twice the rate for private independent companies

The headline is a statement made in an article posted in the Southwest Citizen’s Guide on patient comparison shopping for imaging services. Often, the follow-up question most will ask is “Why?” Common reasons include: Hospitals often negotiate with insurers for higher reimbursement rates on their imaging services. Hospitals claim they need higher reimbursements due to their large overhead and to compensate … Read More

DIS celebrates National Wear Red Day 2017

Diagnostic Imaging Services is RED AHEAD in participating in the 2017 National Wear Red Day. Why go red? Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds.  Fortunately, that can change because 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action. By participating, DIS … Read More

Be cautious when evaluating imaging centers

When evaluating based on price, that’s the advice given by a physician who works for a university medical center in New York during a radiology conference held in late 2016. We agree with that advice. However, in looking further into the advice the physician provided, his assumptions were often that “nobody really knows” if lower prices can provide the quality … Read More

MRI and ionizing radiation: some people say yes

In a recent report from MD Anderson related to oncology patient perceptions of the use of ionizing radiation in diagnostic imaging, 29 percent said MRI used it. This is incorrect. But, it does show a gap in “health literacy” and one of the reasons Diagnostic Imaging Services uses this blog, our website and our social media tools to better explain exams … Read More

Non contrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography safe for patients with renal disease and diabetes

The post headline comes from a September 30, 2016 article posted on www.dotmed.com. The article describes the radiologists in the Chicago, Illinois area looking for a better alternative to more risky Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) exams using a contrast dye. In southeast Louisiana, that solution has been here for several months. Angiography is an imaging test that uses Magnetic Resonance … 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

What causes neck pain?

In a recent article, neck pain was cited as being most commonly caused by mechanical stress to the neck, such as strains or sprains to the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Of course, there are many more causes and in the article, the following were highlighted: Poor posture The part of the neck that is particularly vulnerable to forward head posture … Read More

What do people who choose Diagnostic Imaging Services think of us?

Part of what we do daily at Diagnostic Imaging Services is to give people the chance to tell us what they thought about their experience with us. We know there are many choices when needing an imaging exam and we want to know how we are doing in terms of care and service. By actively soliciting people, we gleam information … Read More

DIS Chief Executive Officer appointed to You Night advisory board

You Night, the program designed to help women address the emotional and mental effects women experience after a cancer diagnosis, has appointed Michael Holmes, Chief Executive Officer of Diagnostic Imaging Services, to its advisory board. “Joining the distinguished individuals already on the You Night board is a privilege,” said Holmes. “Our organization is deeply rooted in taking care of women … Read More

DIS makes contribution to the American Cancer Society

Over the past several years, Diagnostic Imaging Services has conducted a campaign during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month in which for every screening and diagnostic mammogram, we make a donation to the New Orleans area of the American Cancer Society (ACS). This year was no different. The ACS saves lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding … Read More

Is MRI helpful in identify 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

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