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:
March 31, 2014
DEXA Services Relocated from Alvarado to South Bay
As of March 31, 2014, Imaging Healthcare Specialists has relocated DEXA Services from Alvarado to South Bay (333 H Street, Chula Vista). All DEXA procedures will be accepted on a “Walk-In” basis, no appointment is needed.
Our hours of operation for DEXA at South Bay will be from 8-4:30 pm Monday-Friday.
Consequently, DEXA services will no longer be available at Alvarado.
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.
November 27, 2013
Extended Holiday Hours for MRI & Ultrasound in San Diego
We are offering extended holiday hours to accommodate patients that need medical imaging services during the busy holiday season. We have openings on Christmas Day & New Year’s Day! Call us for an appointment at 866 558 4320.
November 5, 2013
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November 1, 2013
Imaging Healthcare Specialists 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Raised Over $75,000 for Fresh Start Surgical Gifts!
Imaging Healthcare Specialists 10th annual charity golf tournament was held on Monday, October 28, 2013 at Del Mar Country Club with all proceeds benefitting Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. Rain was an initial worry for golfers, but the day turned out beautifully, and everyone had fun raising money for Fresh Start. Over 90 golfers were treated to a fun filled day of food and beverages on the course, as well as exciting activities on the holes such as multiple prize opportunities and complimentary massages. Cocktail hour followed golf and people made their way to the silent auction table, bidding on some incredible prizes. Dinner, a live auction, a raffle, and the award ceremony came next with Hank Bauer as our Master of Ceremonies. Fresh Start’s CEO Shari Brasher introduced a special guest speaker, Carmen, who became a Fresh Start patient in 2007 and has since received over $20,000 in donated medical care from Fresh Start’s organization.
Fresh Start Surgical Gifts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit who provide reconstructive plastic surgery and related services to children and young adults with physical deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse or disease. All services are provided free of cost to these families. Our event raised over $75,000 for Fresh Start which will help future patients like Carmen get the medical care they need.
Thank you again to Del Mar Country Club, all of our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and vendors who made this year’s event such a huge success!
For more information on Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, please visit www.freshstart.org.
October 1, 2013
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
September 24, 2013
Study: Lack of Breast Screening Leads to More Cancer Deaths
A new study has been published in the journal Cancer, and it found that 70% of deaths from breast cancer in a group of more than 7,000 women occurred in individuals who did not receive regular screening mammograms. Researchers believe that the findings indicate that breast screening saves lives— particularly for women in their 40s.
Researchers tracked invasive breast cancers diagnosed between 1990 and 1999, and followed through 2007. Findings included that among 609 confirmed breast cancer deaths, 29% were among women who had been screened with mammography, while 71% were among women who were not screened regularly. Also, the women who died of breast cancer were younger. Of all breast cancer deaths, only 13% occurred in women age 70 or older, but 50% occurred in women younger than 50.
Our entire team at Imaging Healthcare Specialists wants to remind women of the importance of obtaining a mammogram each year. We know that it can be difficult to remember when your last mammogram was, and a few years may have gone by since your last one and you may not have realized it. The American Cancer Society recommends women get yearly mammograms starting at age 40, and based on the findings from this study this still remains true.
If you would like to schedule your mammogram at one of our convenient locations, please contact Imaging Healthcare Specialists at 866-588-4320 or click here to request a mammogram online.
To read the complete Cancer article, click here.
September 20, 2013
Team Know Your Curves is the 2013 Susan G. Komen San Diego Race for the Cure Team of the Week!
Team Know Your Curves is being recognized as the Team of the Week for the Susan G. Komen San Diego Race for the Cure taking place on November 3rd at Balboa Park. We are thrilled to be recognized for our ongoing particpation in this exciting event. Read our inspiring story from Susan G. Komen San Diego below.
Team Know Your Curves: Imaging Healthcare Specialists “Walking the Walk”
Talk about, “Walking the Walk!” Team “Know Your Curves” is a combination of IHS Radiologists, technologists, personnel, friends and family. According to the team leader, Jamie Esposito, “We are the leader in outpatient diagnostic imaging in San Diego County and we’re all about partnering with the women of San Diego County to win the fight against breast cancer.” Not only do “Know Your Curves” team members dedicate their professional lives to the fight against breast cancer, but they have amassed a team of approximately 130 members and continue to grow! Every year they try to get more IHS employees and family members to join in on the celebration by starting early and keeping it fun.
Touching close to home, Captain Esposito said, “Amongst our team we have survivors, friends and family members that have been affected by breast cancer, as well as people who have witnessed our patient’s battle with breast cancer.” So, in an effort to heal, fight and honor those who have been affected, “Know Your Curves” starts months before the Race Day raising money and recruiting.
With strength in numbers, “Know Your Curves” very large head count will undoubtedly pack a punch in the war against breast cancer. We at Komen want to thank you for spreading the word, calling the troops and making a difference. We will see you on November 3!
Click here to visit the Susan G. Komen website for event details.
September 12, 2013
IHS Continues its Partnership with Project Access San Diego
Imaging Healthcare Specialists has partnered with a program called Project Access San Diego (PASD) since July 2009. Project Access (sponsored by the San Diego County Medical Society Foundation) coordinates a network of healthcare providers who donate medically necessary health care to those who qualify that are low-income, uninsured patients and are unable to afford the medical care they need. Since the program was implemented in late 2008, PASD has had $7 million in donated healthcare services, has saved 20 lives, and has served 2,245 patients.
Imaging Healthcare Specialists proudly donates imaging services for up to ten patients a month, free of charge, through this program. Because of this partnership, the SDCMSF is recognizing the radiologists of Imaging Healthcare Specialists at their second annual Heroes de la Salud event on Thursday, September 26 as their Unsung Heroes. We are grateful for our partnership with Project Access and are pleased to continue the efforts on improving health care for the residents of San Diego County. To learn more about Project Access visit: www.sdcmsf.org.
