August 5, 2014
Imaging Healthcare Specialists Earns ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center Designation
Imaging Healthcare Specialists has been designated a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR).
The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.
In order to receive this elite distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in computed tomography in the chest module, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. Also required are procedures in place for follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs.
Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography scans, and appropriate follow-up care, significantly reduces lung cancer deaths. In December 2013, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening of adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cancer killer – taking the lives of more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.
The ACR, founded in 1924, is one of the largest and most influential medical associations in the United States. The ACR devotes its resources to making imaging and radiation therapy safe, effective and accessible to those who need it. Its 36,000 members include radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, interventional radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians.
For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening Center designation, visit: acr.org/Quality-Safety/Lung-Cancer-Screening-Center.
Imaging Healthcare Specialists Locations Performing Lung Cancer Screenings:
January 8, 2014
Low Dose Lung Cancer CT Screenings Will Now be Covered by All Insurance Plans
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) gave a final “B” grade to its earlier recommendation that adults aged 55 and 80 who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke, or have quit within the past 15 years, receive annual CT scans to detect lung cancer. Preventive services that are given an “A” or “B” rating by USPSTF must be reimbursed by insurers at no cost to patients under the Affordable Care Act.
The American College of Radiology (ACR) fully supports the USPSTF’s recommendation and they are working to complete the practice guidelines that cover how lung cancer screening CT exams are performed, interpreted and results are communicated.
The Affordable Care Act requires that Medicare and private insurers provide coverage of all medical exams or procedures that receive a grade of “B” or higher from the USPSTF. Imaging Healthcare Specialists has been proactive in performing low dose lung cancer CT screenings, but now, anyone who is high risk for lung cancer based on the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) will be able to get this exam paid for by their insurance carrier.
Imaging Healthcare Specialists has been able to generate exceptionally high quality CT images while reducing radiation by up to 90% and that is why we are, and continue to be, the low dose leader in San Diego County. Our patient’s health matters to the entire team at Imaging Healthcare Specialists and that is why we are the first to join efforts in San Diego to fight against lung cancer and help our patients get the diagnosis they need to detect cancer early, when its most easily treated and to save more lives.
If you want to know if you qualify for a low dose lung cancer CT screening, visit http://www.imaginghealthcare.com/lungcancer or visit your doctor today.
August 29, 2013
Low Dose Leader for CT in San Diego County
In an effort to minimize radiation exposure, we scan all patients using cutting-edge scanning technology, SafeCT®, along with a custom protocol that is tailored for each individual patient. By doing this we are able to generate exceptionally high quality CT images while reducing radiation by up to 90%.
Our patient’s health matters to the entire Imaging Healthcare Specialists team. We are committed to providing the best quality images while using the lowest radiation dose possible.
If you or someone you know is in need of imaging services, know that Imaging Healthcare Specialists is on the forefront of dose reduction when compared nationally to other imaging centers.
Thank you for choosing Imaging Healthcare Specialists. Stay connected online for more exciting announcements.
May 13, 2013
New California State Law Regarding Dense Breast Tissue
A new California State Law (Senate Bill 1538) requires that lay summaries about a woman’s breast density be sent in addition to the letter she already receives from the radiologist after every mammogram. Thus, on April 1, 2013, in compliance with the new California state law, we began sending the following information to patients with heterogeneously or extremely dense breast tissue:
“Your mammogram shows that your breast tissue is dense. Dense breast tissue is common and is not abnormal. However, dense breast tissue can make it harder to evaluate the results of your mammogram and may also be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
This information about the results of your mammogram is given to you to raise you awareness and to inform your conversation with your doctor. Together, you can decide which screening options are right for you. A report of your results was sent to your physician.”
Imaging Healthcare Specialists realizes that receipt of this information may raise patient anxiety and result in more inquiries to you. Our radiologists strongly support evidence-based medical decision-making and have resources to help guide patients and their clinical providers to determine if any supplemental screening is recommended.
September 1, 2009
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy – What you should Know
This is a simple and safe procedure performed at various San Diego Imaging locations by our team of breast imaging specialists. Advanced computer imaging technology is used to map the precise location of the area of interest in the breast that was seen on your mammogram.
This technology aids the physician in removing a small section of the suspicious tissue with pinpoint accuracy. The sample is sent to pathologist, a physician specializing in the analysis of tissue samples under a microscope for diagnosis. The entire biopsy should take approximately an hour.
