Frequently Asked Questions

Can I come to your facility for my studies or do I have to go where my
doctor tells me to go?

If our facility is participating with your insurance, you can certainly come here for your imaging. All patients can choose where they want to have their studies done. Often, referring physicians may mention the name of a place where they are used to sending their patients, but ultimately the final decision is up to you.

Why are patients who arrived after me taken for testing before me?

We perform different types of imaging studies and it's likely that the other patients are having a different type of study. So, if you are having an ultrasound, you would be in line for an ultrasound room, not a mammogram room. In addition, we strive very hard to take patients in the order in which they are scheduled, not necessarily in the order of arrival.

How is the transvaginal ultrasound probe cleaned?

It is first rinsed and then soaked in an approved sterilizing solution for a minimum of 20 minutes. After that, it is covered with a brand new probe cover prior to usage.

Is the second part of the SequentialScreen test similar to a Penta Screen?

The Penta Screen, as the name implies, checks five markers. Quest's Penta Screen includes AFP, hCG, estriol, inhibin, and hyperglycosylated hCG. According to Quest, the Down syndrome detection rate is 83% (at a 5% false positive rate). The 2nd part of SequentialScreen uses the first four of those ("quad screen"), in addition to the first trimester data. According to Integrated Genetics (the lab we use), the corresponding detection rate is 90%. The important thing to know is that the first trimester part of the test is the key to boosting the detection rate above that of the Penta Screen.

Do I need to have a mammogram every year?

We follow the recommendations of the American College of Radiology: yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. Some women – because of their family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors – should be screened with MRI in addition to mammograms. We realize there are different screening guidelines from other organizations. Although those organizations recommend starting mammographic screening at a later age, they acknowledge that earlier screening does indeed decrease the risk of dying of breast cancer.

How does my breast density affect my risk for breast cancer?

Breast density is determined by the proportion of dense fibroglandular tissue to fatty tissue. Dense tissue is a common finding, present in over half of women younger than age 50 and 1/3 of women older than 50. This is important because dense breast tissue not only increases the risk of breast cancer, but also makes cancers that do develop harder to detect. Women with very dense breasts are more than twice as likely to develop breast cancer compared with average-risk women and 5 times more likely than those with very fatty breasts. Ultrasound and MRI can help to find cancers in women with dense breasts.

{Harvey JA, Bovbjerg VE, Quantitative assessment of mammographic breast density: relationship with breast cancer risk. Radiology 2004; 230 (1):29-41. Hooley RJ, Grenberg KL et al. Screening US in Patients with Mammographically Dense Breasts: Initial Experience with Connecticut Public Act 09-41.)

When will my doctor get the report of my testing?

The report will be faxed or mailed to your doctor (depending on the doctor's preference) within 24 hours.

If I need additional studies while in the office, will they be covered by my
insurance?

Insurance coverage varies widely among carriers and even among plans offered by the same carrier. If you have any doubt, you are most welcome to contact your insurance company while you are in the office and prior to our performing any additional studies.

My insurance company would like to know what procedure code you use for the MBI or BSGI.

The applicable CPT codes are 78801 Radiopharmaceutical localization for the test and A9500 Technetium-99m sestamibi for the injected tracer agent.

Why didn't my insurance pay this? My insurance said it is covered.

Oftentimes, your insurance company will tell you that the procedure is “covered”, but they leave out the fact that it is something that is applied to your deductible, or a “co-insurance” payment from you may even apply. Deductibles and co-insurance payments are items that the patient is required to pay. Make your best effort to get as much information from your insurance company when you call them to inquire about covered services.

How is a thyroid biopsy performed?

Fine needle aspiration biopsy is performed to distinguish between cancerous and noncancerous thyroid nodules. For a biopsy, a patient will lie on an ultrasound table with her head extended. Her skin will be cleansed with an antiseptic and then numbed with local anesthesia. Using the ultrasound for guidance, the physician will insert a thin needle into the nodule several times to obtain a small amount of thyroid tissue. The tissue will be sent to a pathologist for evaluation. When the procedure is complete, pressure will be held on the neck for several minutes to minimize bruising, and a bandage will be placed on the skin. The procedure generally takes 10-15 minutes.

How will breast augmentation or reduction affect my breast imaging?

Surgical procedures can limit the interpretation of mammograms. However newer technologies, such as 3D digital mammography and ultrasound, are helpful in these cases.