Will insurance cover my medical imaging exam?
There are many insurance companies and each company has a variety of plans. Coverage is determined by the insurance company and the specific plan. Referring clinicians provide DMI with information required by your insurance company to determine if the imaging study will be covered, and DMI provides that information to the insurance companies.
How much of an exam will be covered by an insurance company?
How much of the exam will be covered is based on your insurance benefits package. Deductibles, co-payments, and exam coverage limits differ between insurance companies and employer groups. For more detailed coverage information, contact your insurance company as soon as the exam is scheduled.
If an exam is not covered by insurance, should I still have the exam?
The decision whether or not to have an exam is a medical issue between you and your referring clinician. At DMI, we will try to prevent the cost of your exam from becoming a barrier to receiving the medical care you need. We will work with your insurance company. We will also work with you directly to set up an affordable payment plan.
Is there anything I should do to prepare for my exam?
If preparation is required, you will be given instructions by your referring clinician or by our Reception staff at the time the examination is scheduled. You are welcome to call DMI at any time with questions.
If I schedule my exam in advance, will I receive a reminder call?
Yes. DMI staff will call you the day before your exam to confirm your appointment and to be sure that you have all the preparation instructions you need for your appointment.
How do I make an appointment?
Contact your clinician for a referral. Go to Forms and follow the instructions.
How do I get the results of my test?
A report and images will be sent to your referring clinician. Contact your clinician for results.
How long will it take?
An average single study takes about 30 minutes.
How do I get to the Desert Medical Imaging offices?
Please select the office where you are scheduled from the 'Locations' menu above. You will find all relevant directions on the facility's page.
What can I do if I am claustrophobic?
Conscious sedation is available, if required. You are never alone. A caring technologist is in touch with you at all times. You are never restrained. Conventional MRI does not bother most people; however open MRI is available in three Desert Medical Imaging locations: Palm Springs, Indio and Hi-Desert.
Are there any reasons that I cannot have an MRI?
Since MRI uses a strong magnetic field, if you have any implanted device in your body, it could potentially be affected by it and you may not be able to have an MRI. Many devices implanted by surgeons today have been tested and have been shown to be safe with MRI. Some devices, particularly ones implanted prior to the development of MRI, have been shown to be unsafe with MRI, such as many of the older aneurysm clips. Also, many devices that use electrical currents, such as cardiac pacemakers, cochlear implants and many implanted infusion pumps cannot be exposed to the MRI's magnetic field safely. Some devices, such as some of the screws and rods used for spinal fusions may be imaged safely, but they distort the magnetic field around them and degrade the quality of the images. Other metallic foreign bodies cannot be imaged safely if they are located in or near vital structures such as the eye, brain or spinal canal. Many other objects can be imaged safely as long as sufficient time has elapsed since their placement, such as many orthopedic prostheses. If there is any question in a particular instance, all manufacturers provide data regarding the safety of exposing their products to MRI. Texts are also published providing this information. If you think you have a reason that will prevent you from having your study, please tell us at the time you schedule your exam. Additionally, prior to your study, you will fill out a screening form which will enable us to identify any potential reasons that you may not be able to have an MRI.
You can find additional information at MRISafety.
Who reads my study?
A Board-certified radiologist will read your study.
What is a Radiologist?
A radiologist is a physician who has graduated from an accredited medical school, passed a licensing examination, and completed at least four years of residency. Most radiologists are Board-certified, having passed an examination administered by either the American Board of Radiology (for an M.D.) or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (for a D.O.). A radiologist diagnoses diseases by obtaining and interpreting medical images. The spectrum of medical imaging techniques utilized by radiologists includes: conventional x-ray, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), mammography, interventional radiology, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
What is a Radiologic Technologist?
A radiologic technologist explains procedures to the patient, positions the patient, and operates the radiographic equipment to produce medical images. A radiologic technologist has typically undergone one to four years of formal training leading to a certificate, or an A.S. or B.S. Degree. Many technologists receive additional training in order to specialize in radiographic equipment such as CT or MRI. Radiographic technologists are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
What is MRI?
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) utilizes a strong magnetic field and radio waves to provide clear and detailed images of the inside of the body. No x-rays or other forms of ionizing radiation are used. The MRI pictures elegantly detect and define the differences between healthy and diseased tissues.
What is MRA?
MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) is an MRI examination of the blood vessels. This technique is used to visualize aneurysms (dilated blood vessels), stenoses (narrowed blood vessels) and occlusions (completely blocked blood vessels).
What is CT?
CT (computed tomography), sometimes called a "CAT" scan, uses special x-ray equipment to obtain thin cross-sectional images of the body. Computer processing reconstructs these images, even rendering three-dimensional images. Orally or intravenously administered contrast materials are frequently utilized as part of a CT examination, depending upon the reason for the examination.
What is CTA?
CTA (computed tomography angiography) utilizes x-rays to visualize blood flow in arteries supplying the brain, lungs, kidneys and extremities. Contrast material injected into a vein during a CTA is less invasive than the arterial injection necessary for catheter angiography. Like MRA, CTA is used to diagnose diseases of blood vessels.
What is PET?
PET (positron emission tomography) is a biological imaging technique. Unlike CT or MRI which looks at anatomy, PET studies physiology down to the cellular level. Sugar labeled with signal-emitting tracers is injected intravenously into the patient. A scanner records signals as they collect in the various organs targeted for the examination. A computer then reconstructs the signals into actual images, demonstrating normal organ function and the failure of organ systems in disease states.
What is ultrasound?
Ultrasound (sonography) relies on the transmission and reflection of sound waves through the body to generate images of internal organs. A "transducer" produces sound waves and converts reflected sound waves into images of anatomic parts. There is no ionizing radiation involved in ultrasound imaging.
Radiation Safety
Click here for information from the ACR-RSNA Radiology Info Site
Glossary of Terms
Click here for information from the ACR-RSNA Radiology Info Site
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