General Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept insurance?
We do not participate in or accept insurances; as such, patients are asked to pay for services at the time of their appointment.  We do, however, provide patients with necessary paperwork and reports so that patients may obtain “out-of network” benefits or direct “Medicare" payments. Our attentive practice was created for those patients who wish to go outside of their health plan's network for a special level of patient service. For your convenience we accept cash, personal checks and all major credit cards.

Why do I need to arrive before my actual appointment time?
It's necessary for you to arrive early in order to complete or review your paperwork and prepare you for your examination. Our technologists need to keep to a strict schedule in order to accommodate the many patients we see everyday. For some procedures patients need to arrive earlier please check preparations for instructions.

Who will perform my exam?
Our highly qualified Registered technologists perform all examinations. Certain exams require the direct one on one contact with a Radiologist as well as the technologist. All examinations are overseen by a Radiologist and after your exam you will have a consultation with one of our Radiologists to discuss your exam results.

When will I receive my test results?
A board-certified radiologist will interpret your case. One of our Radiologists will contact your referring physician directly after your exam to discuss the results. These results are sent directly to your referring physician within 12 hours of your examination.

Why do you need all of my prior films?
It is extremely important to bring any previous studies. The radiologist needs to see how your current films compare with old ones. This can often eliminate the need for further studies and also helps to identify any subtle changes that may have occurred since your last examination.

My child is having an examination. Will I be able to stay with him / her during the exam?
YES, If your child is under 5, or is unable to go into the examination room alone, we will allow a family member to accompany them. The family member choosing to remain with the child must be over 18yrs and be willing to complete the necessary paper work to confirm there is No possibility of pregnancy.

Can I send my child for his/her exam alone?
If your child is under 18 they must have written authorization from a parent or legal guardian as well as all insurance requirements as previously stated for other patients in order to have the exam.

What if I still have questions after reviewing this website?
Our qualified technologists will answer all your questions before the exam begins.

Please contact us with any immediate questions or concerns at any time.
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PET-FAQ’S (back to top)

What will happen during my PET exam?
The registered nuclear medicine technologist will explain the procedure to you, ask you to complete a questionnaire and answer any questions that you might have. The technologist will take all prior studies including CT and MR that you have brought for comparison and then give you a small amount of a radioactive tracer, which is injected into your bloodstream. The radiation exposure associated with PET is similar to that associated with a conventional CT scan. Following this injection you must wait approximately 1 hour before your PET scan begins. This must be a time of complete rest and relaxation with no physical activity what so ever. No activity is essential in order for the dose to absorbed properly by the body. When the rest period is completed, you will be positioned on an imaging table and moved through the scanner at set intervals until the scan is completed. You may not move during this time.

How long does an exam take and will it be uncomfortable?
In most cases you will be on the scanner table for less than an hour. The scan itself causes no pain. Because the GEMINi GXL system gantry is open in the middle, you will be able to see and speak with your exam technologist. An IV line could be started in your hand or arm in order to infuse a radiopharmaceutical. Occasionally, a urinary catheter may need to be inserted for the scan.

What is being injected for the scan and why?
For PET scans, a very small amount of a radiopharmaceutical is infused into the bloodstream. The substance contains molecules that provide imaging information when absorbed, or concentrated in tissue. Areas with rapid cell activity will show much higher concentrations of the dose than normal healthy tissue. A computer records this information and converts it into pictures for diagnostic purposes. For a PET/CT scan, you may also receive a contrast agent by mouth or intravenous (IV) injection. The amount of radiation you will receive is about the same as any other radiology procedure, such as an X-ray. You should not feel any side effects from the material.

What happens after the scan?
It is important that you drink as much water as possible for the rest of the day and empty your bladder as often as possible. This will result in a more rapid clearance of the radiopharmaceutical and/or contrast agent from your body. You can drive and resume normal activities immediately afterward unless you have received sedation.
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MRI-FAQ’S (back to top)

How is MRI different from a CT or an x-ray?
Unlike x-ray exams, MRI does not use ionizing (x-ray) radiation. Instead, MR creates high-quality images through the combination of a strong magnetic field and radio waves.

What does the scanner look like?
The scanner is wide open on both ends, and well lit and -ventilated throughout. There is a call button and two-way intercom system so that you can communicate with the technologist at all times

Is there any risk?
MRI is very safe. There are no health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used by the machine nor have any side effects been reported. It is important to complete the safety-screening sheet prior to the procedure as some conditions may preclude you from having an MRI.

May I have an MRI exam when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
While an MRI scan has no known side effects, it is not recommended for pregnant women unless it is medically indicated. If you are pregnant or think you might be, please tell your doctor before scheduling your exam.

It is safe to have an MRI while breast feeding however if you are breast feeding and are going to have a gad injection, it is recommended you wait 48hrs after the injection before beginning to breast feed again.

Why is the scanner so noisy?
The scanner works with strong magnetic fields, which builds up energy. The energy is released as loud knocking sounds.

What can I expect during the examination?
The technologist will assist you to lie down on the cushioned exam table of the scanner and a device called a "coil" will be placed around the area of the body being scanned. When you are comfortably and safely positioned, the table will move into the magnet opening, bringing the area being imaged into the center of the magnet. The scanner resembles a tunnel with both ends open to allow air and some light inside. As the exam proceeds, you will hear a knocking sound for several moments at a time as the images are taken. It is essential to lie still during this part of the exam because even slight movements can affect image quality. To help you relax, our scanner is equipped with a music system. Depending on the area being imaged, examinations may take anytime from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

What if I am claustrophobic?
Although most people are able to tolerate this exam well, some become very anxious inside the scanner. If you know that you become very uncomfortable in small, enclosed spaces, please tell our staff or your physician before scheduling your exam. We will either schedule you for an open MRI exam, or schedule extra time to give you a mild sedative to help you relax. If you require this medication, please make arrangements for someone to drive you home. Patients can bring music CD's or listen to the radio and can have a friend or family member in the room with them.
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CT Scan-FAQ’S (back to top)

Why are CT Scans important?
CT scans allow doctors to see images of your internal organs and structures, including your heart and cardiovascular system, in great detail from a variety of angles. This gives your physicians critical information more quickly and, in many cases, more economically than they could achieve with other tests or invasive techniques. In those cases where doctors are trying to assess the risk of heart disease, the information from the CT scan can help them uncover disease at its earliest stages, and recommend changes in lifestyle or more aggressive treatment if needed.

What happens during a CT Scan?
Before your exam, a registered CT technologist or an RN will review your medical history ask you some questions and answer any questions you may have. They will describe what will happen and will remain in contact with you at all times during the procedure. If you are having “intravenous contrast” you will be required to sign a consent form at this point. CT examinations are not painful, however, if you have concerns about your ability to lie still and or hold special positions you should discuss this with the technologist prior to starting the exam. You may be asked to change into a gown before your examination to avoid possible interference from snaps, metal fasteners, belts etc. You will lie on the CT table and be given simple breathing instructions. As part of your test either a doctor or an RN may give you an injection either before or during the procedure. As the procedure begins you will be asked to hold your breath and you will feel the table move slightly. If at any point in the exam you experience discomfort you may tell the technologist who is in visual and verbal contact with you at all times.

Is CT like an Xray?
Yes. CT uses X-rays in conjunction with advanced computer technology to generate very accurate and detailed images of your internal organs and structures. Your technologist will step into a control room to conduct the actual exam.You may notice a mechanical noise coming from the scanner. That is just the X-ray tube being activated and rotating around your body.

Will the CT scan hurt?
No. CT is a safe and non-invasive test that will not hurt at all.Your exam may require that a contrast agent be given intravenously that will make your blood vessels and tissues more visible. For some cardiac studies, two ECG leads may be placed on your chest to precisely time the image acquisition to the specific interval in the heartbeat when there is the least motion. This provides more accurate, reproducible data for follow-up studies. You will then be asked to lie perfectly still once the technologist has positioned you on the table.You will also be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during the exam. Any movement may require the exam to be repeated.

How long does a CT Scan take?
Each exam is tailored to each patient’s symptoms and area of interest. Some exams take 5 minutes and others 15 minutes. For the majority of patients who are having their abdomen and/or pelvis scanned we require them to drink a special drink up to 2 hours prior to the scan time. Although we do not consider this scan time, you must allow for this drinking time when scheduling a procedure.

What happens after the scan?
You may resume normal activity when your exam has been completed. Your results will be sent to your referring Physician within 48 hours of your exam time.

What is a “Helical” CT?
This a term used to describe the latest generation of CT scanners. It offers an exciting new technology enabling unparalleled imaging of complex data sets and anatomic information.
• Displays 3D spatial relationships in a two dimensional image
• Volume CT data set
• Sophisticated computer post processing
• Sub second spiral acquisition time minimizes artifacts from movement

What is CTA?
CTA stands for Computed Tomography Angiography. CTA is one of several CT scan options that doctors can use to evaluate your cardiovascular health. With the help of a contrast agent, doctors can examine in very fine detail how well blood is flowing through your arteries, and identify any potential blockages or irregularities.

What is Calcium Scoring?
Calcium Scoring is one of several CT scan options that doctors can use to evaluate your cardiovascular health. CT Calcium Scoring is a noninvasive test for quantifying coronary artery calcium content. The information acquired during your CT exam is processed with a specific cardiac scoring software package that evaluates and quantifies the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries. The calcium content correlates to the degree of blockage in your arteries and consequently provides clinicians with a good indication of what risks you face from heart disease.

What is Intravenous Contrast?
Intravenous contrast is used in CT to help highlight blood vessels and to enhance the tissue structure of various organs such as the brain, spine, liver and kidneys. "Intravenous" means that the contrast is injected into a vein using a small needle. Typically the contrast is loaded into a power injector, which injects the CT contrast using tubing through the needle into the body during a specific period in the CT exam. The injection is completely under the control of the technologist or radiologist. Once the contrast has been injected into the blood stream, it circulates through the heart and passes into the arteries, through the body's capillaries and then into the veins and back to the heart. As CT images are being acquired, the CT's x-ray beam is attenuated (weakened) as they pass through the blood vessels and organs flush with the contrast. This causes the blood vessels and organs filled with the contrast to "enhance" and show up as white areas on the x-ray or CT images.

Is Intravenous CT Contrast safe?
New York Private Medical Imaging only uses the newest and safest “non ionic” contrast available on the market. This is shown to have a much lower incidence of allergic reaction than the older “ionic” contrast. The most common side effect of the contrast includes a warm or hot "flushed" sensation during the actual injection and a "metallic" taste in the mouth, which usually lasts less than a minute or so. There is no treatment necessary for this as it is only a passing sensation. Another mild reaction that can take place following the administration of contrast is itching over various parts of the body with hives (bumps on the skin). This reaction can last from several minutes to several hours after the injection. This type of reaction is usually treated with medication administered by the radiologist, nurse, technologist or referring physician. More serious reactions, although much less likely, may include breathing difficulty, swelling of the throat, or swelling of other parts of the body. These reactions can be more serious if not treated immediately. Patients should inform the radiologist or technologist if they have a history of allergies, diabetes, asthma, a heart condition, kidney problems, or thyroid conditions. (See CT questionnaire). These conditions may predispose the patient to a higher risk of reactions or complications following the IV and may require premedication or preclude the patient from intravenous contrast.

What is Oral Contrast or the CT drink?
Patients having a CT scan of either their abdomen or pelvis are usually required to drink a special drink for up to 2 hours prior to their scan time. The drink, which is Barium based travels from the stomach into the remainder of the gastrointestinal tract. The CT x-ray beam is attenuated (weakened) as it passes through the organs containing the contrast, for example, the large intestine. The organs filled with the contrast are then "enhanced" and appear as highlighted white areas on the CT images. Prior to the patients exam they are required to drink 3 12oz glasses of the flavored barium at specified time intervals. The last remaining cup will be drunk immediately prior to the procedure beginning to ensure the stomach is enhanced adequately.

Will I be alone during the CT exam?
You will be in contact with a technologist. Even when he or she is not in the CT room you will be able to communicate via intercom. The technologist will inform you when an exam is about to start, and when it is finished. Family members and/or friends are not permitted to stay with you in the CT room.
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CT Lung Screening-FAQ’S (back to top)

Who should consider lung cancer screening?
People at high risk for developing lung cancer, i.e.- those 50 to 80 years of age with at least 10 pack-year histories. You have a 10 pack-year history if you have smoked one pack a day for ten years, two packs a day for 5 years, etc.

How is a CT Lung Screening different from a diagnostic CT Scan of the chest?
Low-Dose Screening CT is designed to supplement or replace routine Chest X-rays. It is specifically designed to screen for pulmonary nodules, and is neither designed nor intended to screen for abnormalities elsewhere in the thorax (i.e.- heart, aorta, lymph nodes, bones). The test is specifically designed to rapidly screen the lungs using the least amount of radiation exposure, to allow detection of pulmonary nodules. No intravenous or oral contrast is used. Unlike a Diagnostic CT it has been developed for asymptomatic patients and therefore most insurance companies do not reimburse for its cost.

Can a Lung Screening CT be performed on any CT scanner?
In order to keep the radiation exposure to the minimum and provide complete lung coverage in a single breath hold, this procedure should only be carried out on a “Helical” CT scanner.

What happens during a Lung Screening CT?
First you will complete a specific lung-screening questionnaire. You will be asked to undress from the waist up and be given a gown to wear. A registered CT technologist will explain the procedure and you will be asked to lie down on the CT table. You will be asked to hold your breath while the table gently moves and simultaneously the images are taken. This part of the procedure takes about 60 seconds. The examination is completely painless and non-invasive. Your results will be sent to your referring physician within 24-48 hours of the exam being completed.

How long does a Lung Screening take?
Once you have been positioned on the table the actual scan time is under a minute. However allowing time for you to complete the questionnaire, get undressed before the procedure and dressed again after the procedure and answer any questions you might have, you should allow 15 minutes for the entire exam.

What type of machine is required?
Since it is critical to minimize radiation and to provide complete lung coverage in a breathhold, this test should only be performed on a helical (spiral) CT scanner with current software and hardware upgrades.

What does the procedure involve?
First, you complete a brief risk factor questionnaire. Next, you lie down on the imaging table and a CT technologist will ask you to hold your breath while the images are taken. That's it. In twenty seconds, your exam is complete, and you may return to your regular routine. The procedure is pain free, non-invasive, and inexpensive. Your examination will be read by a board certified radiologist, and results will be sent to you and your doctor within 48 hours.
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Digital X-ray-FAQ’S (back to top)

Are X-Rays harmful to my health?
In tests that do use ionizing radiation, the dose is usually very small, and is often similar to what you would get from natural background radiation in everyday life. As an example, a dose for a typical X-ray procedure might be 30 - 1,000 mr. Despite extensive study of the effects of radiation, direct evidence does not show that these doses are harmful to humans. It is worthwhile noting that depending upon the region of the world in which we live, we are exposed to varying amounts of radiation each year For example if you live in Denver, Colorado, the annual dose would be approximately 600 millirads (mr) just from background radiation alone.
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Digital Mammography-FAQ’S (back to top)

Do mammography radiologists and technologists receive any special training?
The physicians and technologist, as well as, the mammographic equipment are certified and accredited by the American College of Radiology and the FDA. We have consistently received top marks from FDA inspectors. This recognition of our high standards only increases our commitment to quality and service.

Why do I need additional images i.e. ultrasound?
Does it mean I have cancer?
No, additional imaging is quite routine. It does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. It is another way of imaging the breast so that the radiologist can see things in the breast in a slightly different manner.

Why not have an ultrasound instead of a mammogram?
According to the ACR (American College of Radiology), an ultrasound is not used as a screening tool for breast imaging. An ultrasound is used in conjunction with a mammogram to image the breast tissue differently. It can tell if images in the breast are fluid filled, a cyst, a benign condition, or is a solid nodule. Not all solid nodules are cancer. Ultrasound can detect abnormalities in the breast via sound waves. There is no radiation with an ultrasound.

When should I have my first screening mammogram?
The American Cancer Society recommends that you have your first mammogram between 35 and 40 years of age. Exactly how soon and how often thereafter depends upon your personal risk factors and family history. Generally this should be about every 1 to 2 years. This is something you should discuss with your personal physician.

How will I learn the results?
The radiologist will study your mammogram. The results will be made available to you from your referring physician.

Will I have a breast exam?
Breast exams are not performed at New York Private Medical Imaging. We only accept patients who have been referred by their physician and have therefore most likely already had a breast exam.

Is it important to bring previous mammo films?
It is extremely important to bring any prior mammos. This allows the radiologist to determine whether a finding is new or has been there for sometime. In many cases having previous studies can prevent needless further imaging and even biopsy.

Are mammo copies the same as original mammos?
We strongly discourage patients from bringing previous mammos for comparison that are copies. We will only use these for comparison if no other studies are available. Any film copied leads to a loss of detail and this is especially critical in a mammogram. When ever possible patients should obtain their originals. New York Private Medical Imaging does not copy mammo films. We will release originals to the patient once a written release has been signed.

Can I wear powder or deodorant?
We ask that patients do not wear either powder or deodorant. However for the patients that are coming to our facility during evening hours or for whatever reason cannot comply with this request we do supply special hypoallergenic wipes for use prior to the exam.
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Nuclear Medicine-FAQ’S (back to top)

Is Nuclear Medicine safe?
The amount of radiation in a nuclear medicine test is comparable to that received during a diagnostic x-ray exam. Only extremely small amounts of tracers are used which lose most of their radioactivity in hours or days and are quickly eliminated from the body.

What will happen during the exam?
The registered nuclear medicine technologist will explain the procedure to you, ask you to complete a questionnaire and answer any questions that you might have. The technologist will then give you a small amount of a radioactive tracer, which is either injected or swallowed. The imaging portion of your exam may begin immediately, or not for several hours or days later, depending on the kind of study you are having. When your exam is scheduled for later in the day, you may leave the imaging center however it is essential you know exactly when you should return and if you can eat or drink while you are waiting. Patients who return past their assigned return time may jeopardize the integrity of their exam. Prior to leaving the technologist will always advise you of your expected return time. When it is time for your images to be taken, the technologist will position you on the exam table. A special camera will be positioned over the part of your body being studied and will record a series of images. It is very important that you hold as still as possible while the images are being taken. You may be placed in one or two different positions during scanning and or the camera may be moved around you to facilitate accurate coverage of the area of interest.

How will I feel after my exam?
You will be able to resume all normal activity with no restrictions following your nuclear medicine study. There are no restrictions on contact with other people.
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Bone Densitometry-FAQ’S (back to top)

What happens during the procedure?
You will be asked to lie still and quiet on a padded table, but you will be able to breathe normally. The study lasts only a few minutes. The x-ray dose you will be exposed to is extremely low, similar to what you would receive on a long distance airplane flight.

My doctor says I have a low T-score, what does this mean?
The result of the test is a T-score and it is important to know what it means. If your T-score is -1.0, then your bone mass is 10% below normal. A T-score of -2.0 means your bone mass is 20% below normal, and you have osteoporosis. The bigger the relative number, the lower your bone mass.

Links
Osteoporosis Risk Assessment for Postmenopausal Women aged 50-70 years old. Complete this online Osteoporosis Risk Assessment to determine your risk of Osteoporosis.

National Institute of Health:
http://www.osteo.org
A National Resource Center for Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases, providing an important link to resources and information on metabolic bone diseases.

National Osteoporosis Foundation:
http://www.nof.org
Seeks to increase public awareness and knowledge about osteoporosis.
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Upper GI series-FAQ’S (back to top)

Why is a GI series performed?
A GI series provides information about the upper gastrointestinal tract that will help diagnose certain diseases or conditions in patients that are experiencing swallowing difficulty, pain, heartburn/reflux, bleeding, anemia, or abdominal distress/discomfort.

Is the GI examination safe?
Scientific advances allow for better images with lower doses of radiation. We continually upgrade our equipment to provide the latest technology and adhere to a strict monitoring and quality assurance program for all equipment. In Oct 2002 we installed a state of the art Digital Fluoroscopy unit, which allows us perform fluoroscopy studies using the highest resolution and image quality. It also allows us manipulate the images so repeat exposures to the patient because of images being too dark or to light is a thing of the past. Prior to any exam, please inform the staff if you are, or think you may be, pregnant.

What is Barium?
This is a chalky flavored liquid which outlines various parts of the digestive tract on an X-ray. It can be used to study the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. It can be used as an enema to study the large bowel. It is inert and is not absorbed by the body.

How will I feel after the procedure?
There are no side effects to the GI series and or Small Bowel series. You may resume normal activity directly after the exam is completed.

Barium Enema-FAQ’S (back to top)

What is a barium enema?
This is a radiographic examination that allows us visualize the large intestine/colon.

Why is a Barium Enema performed?
A barium enema can provide information about the large intestine or colon that will help diagnose certain diseases or conditions in those patients that are experiencing changes in their bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, pain, anemia or bleeding. A barium enema can also be a valuable screening tool for patients with a family history of colon cancer

What can I expect during a Barium Enema examination?
When you arrive in the facility the technologist or RPA (radiologist physicians assistant) will ask you some questions regarding your medical history and symptoms. A single abdomen X-Ray will be taken prior to the radiologist beginning the procedure. A radiologist and a technologist will administer the barium rectally through a small catheter. The barium solution will fill the large intestine so that it can be seen on X-ray. The radiologist will watch the images of your intestine on a special X-ray monitor. At times, the radiologist will ask you to change your position or hold your breath so that different views may be taken. Following this, the technologist will take several follow up films of your colon. The examination can be moderately uncomfortable. Some patients experience cramping and bloating.

How long will my Barium Enema examination take?
The enema itself will take about twenty minutes. However, you should allow extra time for preparation and for X-rays of the colon to be taken by the technologist – about one hour in total.