MRI Scans and Transient Ischemic Attack (Mini-Strokes): Timeliness Makes a Difference
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) or commonly referred to as a mini-stroke has traditionally been regarded as a minor and temporary condition, but timely MRIs have proven that these events belong on the same spectrum as strokes. However, because TIAs, by definition, only last a short time, MR imaging must take place as quickly as […]
The MRI Procedure in 10 Steps: Managing Patient Anxiety Through Information
A first-time MRI procedure can make patients nervous, even to the point of ending the scan. That can lead to higher costs for imaging centers, and even affect patient outcomes if the anxiety interferes with the quality of the radiology report. Research shows one simple way to help nervous patients get through their scans […]
Insurers Demand Independent Imaging Centers: What Physicians Should Tell Patients
Independent imaging centers are moving to the forefront of diagnostic care in the United States. Recently, at least one major health insurer dropped coverage for CT and MRI scans at hospital radiology facilities. The insurance company will only pay for these scans when patients visit providers who specialize in diagnostic imaging, and imaging alone. […]
The Expanding Use of MRI in Personal Injury Law
Personal injury attorneys have relied on MRI scans to bolster their clients’ claims for years, but the role of this crucial technology may soon grow dramatically. As a diagnostic imaging modality, MRI is ideal for recording soft tissue injuries, including disc protrusions and herniations and muscle tears. But even perfect documentation of these injuries […]
HIPAA Compliance for Online Radiology Reports
Patients and referring physicians increasingly enjoy the benefits of digital access to radiology reports, but the online environment raises new concerns about HIPAA compliance. It is, of course, entirely appropriate for doctors to be concerned about patient privacy online. In May of 2017, at least 7,000 medical records were leaked at a New […]
Radiologists and Referring Physicians: Better Communication, Better Outcomes
Radiologists and referring physicians need dependable, clear communication to collaborate on accurate diagnoses for their patients. When that communication is lacking, the risk of errors can quickly compound. Annette Johnson, MD, MS, describes a particularly worrisome case on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website. This is an example of what can […]
Rethinking Breast MRI Cancer Screening
Breast MRI is not a first-line breast cancer screening tool for most women. The American Cancer Society recommends annual MRI screening only for women with a lifetime risk of breast cancer that’s greater than 20-25 percent, and only as an adjunct to mammography. The problem is that MR images are too clear, leading to too […]
Precise Imaging to Open New Anaheim Location
Precise Imaging to Open New Anaheim Location, Expanding Availability of Patient-Centered Diagnostic Care with Unparalleled Access for Physicians November 10, 2017 — Anaheim, California — Precise Imaging, a private corporation owned by Jaklin Benji, Matt Benji and Mike Rashidi, will open a new facility at 3174 West Lincoln Ave., in Southwest Anaheim, on the […]
Should Physicians Order MRI Scans for Personal Injury Litigation?
Should Physicians Order MRI Scans for Personal Injury Litigation? Physicians are rightfully reluctant to order MRI scans on patients they can confidently diagnose using other means. The clarity of the MRI image is, paradoxically, the reason why many physicians use them sparingly; MRI scans reveal asymptomatic abnormalities that can lead to false positives if […]
5 Ways Radiology Technologists Reduce Patient Claustrophobia During MRI Scans
5 Ways Radiology Technologists Reduce Patient Claustrophobia During MRI Scans Physicians strive to prevent distress in patients at every turn, but between 4 and 30 percent of patients who undergo MRI scans still report some level of anxiety. This isn’t just a problem for patients; claustrophobic reactions can add considerable time to MRI scans, […]