5 Critical Facts about Body Scans and the Pinnacle Radiology Difference
Body scans can be beneficial, but there are 5 critical facts you should know about getting a scan:
Know you can get your test results in a format your personal doctor can use.
What to avoid: Most scanning providers will give you a record of your scanning images on compact disk. But if a problem is found in your scan results, your doctor will want to see film – like you get with traditional X-rays. High-volume scanning shops often work on “filmless” systems. They simply can’t give you what a doctor would ask to see, in order to follow up on your care.
The Pinnacle Difference: We provide written reports, but we also can generate the images on film – a universal medium that can be used by any doctor anywhere.
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Know what happens if something suspicious is found.
What to avoid: Most retail body scan shops only do early-detection “screening scans,” meant to check for possible problems in people who have no active symptoms. They don’t do full-range diagnostic radiology that helps determine the proper course of treatment when a serious condition is found.
The Pinnacle Difference: We are a full-service radiology practice – an established part of the medical community. If your scan detects trouble, we can perform further diagnostic exams that might be needed – and we accept most insurance plans.
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Know that your unique situation won’t be forced into a “one-size-fits-all” test.
What to avoid: Scanning shops are in the business of selling scans, not providing health care. Retail scan places that have invested heavily in high-volume scanning technology may tell you scans are appropriate for every situation – that’s not true. High speed scanning has value, but some key structures of the body, such as the carotid arteries of the neck or the abdominal aorta, can be screened for much less cost and without radiation exposure by use of ultrasound.
The Pinnacle Difference: We provide scans, ultrasounds and special blood pressure tests separately or in special combinations based on your individual risk factors and health history. Because we match the need to the most appropriate screening technology, we can often give you a more complete picture of your health for less out-of-pocket cost.
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Know your provider.
What to avoid: It’s important to know about the provider you choose, not just the scans they offer. It can tell you a lot if they are a for-profit or not-for profit center. Ask also how long they’ve been in business and if selling scans is their only source of revenue.
The Pinnacle Difference: We’re not in the retail business of selling body scans. We’re a healthcare practice, offering preventive scans as a service when they’re appropriate. We’re a part of John C. Lincoln Health Network, a trusted, non-profit healthcare provider in Phoenix for more than 75 years.
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Know that you can meet face to face with the physician who reads your scan.
What to avoid: To save costs, some local shops have your scan results read by doctors in other states – doctors you’ll never see.
The Pinnacle Difference: At our facility, we have two radiologists on staff: Richard C. Strand, MD, and Michael G. Sills, MD, both certified by the American Board of Radiology. In addition to sending you a report about your scan, the physician who reads your scan is also available to go over results with you personally. If you wish to have a consultation with our radiologist, please let us know. There is an additional fee for this service.
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