Frequently Asked Questions
- When do I need to order a study with contrast?
- How long will a scan typically take?
- Why do some scan/scanners take longer?
- How soon can a patient be scheduled?
- How quickly will we receive a report from the Radiologist?
- How will we receive the patient films?
- Can I access my patient's images online?
- Can the patient's images be placed
on a CD for viewing on my computer?
- Where are the radiologists located who are
interpreting the images and providing reports?
- If I want to speak to a radiologist, whom do I call?
- What should patients expect with their MRI?
- If the patient is claustrophobic, what can you do to
help him or her get through the scan?
- Can a referring doctor make special requests?
- Do you accept personal injury cases?
- Does Drs. Hill & Thomas Co. provide
any specialized interpretations for chiropractors?
- Does Drs. Hill & Thomas Co. have a
podiatric specialist?
When do I need to order a study with contrast?
Due to the broad range of possibilities, we ask that if you
are uncertain whether a study should be ordered
with contrast, please consult with one of our radiologists
or write "Contrast if needed" on the referral
form, and the radiologist will make the determination.
How long will a scan typically take? |
Type of Exam |
Approximate
Length of Time On
High-Field MRI
(minutes)
|
Approximate
Length of Time on
Open MRI
(minutes) |
Brain without contrast |
25 |
35 |
Brain with contrast |
40 |
50 |
Lumbar Spine without contrast |
20 |
45 |
Lumbar Spine with and without contrast |
40 |
60 |
Cervical |
30 |
50 |
Knee |
40 |
65 |
Hip |
30 |
35 |
Shoulder |
40 |
45 |
Intracranial MRA |
10 |
15 |
Abdomen without contrast |
60 |
90 |
Abdominal MRA |
45 |
n/a |
Sella with and without contrast |
45 |
60 |
TMJ |
40 |
n/a |
|
These exam time estimates are based upon the following: |
- An average size individual.
- The patient remains still during the entire process
so individual scans do not have to be repeated
for quality.
|
Why do some scan/scanners take longer?
Not all scans or scanners are created equal. Some scans require
more time to achieve the superior image quality we
strive for; this same thing can be said for the scanner
itself. While some machines can produce images in a shorter
period of time, the resolution and detail may not be as
good. We believe in taking that extra step to insure the
highest quality on each and every scan we perform, no exceptions.
When it comes to your health, isn't that what you
would want?
How soon can a patient be scheduled?
We can generally schedule your patient the same day or next
day if needed. Typically, we find that the scheduling of
the patient is dependent upon how quickly an insurance
company will authorize the scan. We are always flexible
to the needs of the patient.
How quickly will we receive a report from the radiologist?
24 hours is what we strive to achieve. If you need the results
sooner, we do offer STAT reads; just ask when you make
the appointment.
How will we receive the patient films?
You have your choice. The patient can walk out of our facility
with their films the same day they are scanned, with no
waiting or returning to pick them up. We can also ship
them directly to your office, if you like, at no cost to
you. In addition, we offer the images for viewing via CD
or Internet, for your convenience. Both of these options
allow you instant access, no matter what time of day or
location, and they won't cost you or the patient
anything. Please be sure to let the imaging center staff
know which option you prefer.
Can I access my patient's images
online?
YES. We can provide you with secure access to view your
patient's images via the Internet 24 hours a day,
365 days a year. No more carrying films with you or waiting
to see images, they are available immediately after the
scan is completed.
Can the patient's images be placed
on a CD for viewing on my computer?
YES. At no cost to you or the patient, we will provide a
CD with all of the images for your review. This CD will fit
nicely into a patient's chart for future review, and
you won't have bulky films to clutter-up your office.
Where are the radiologists located who are interpreting
the images and providing reports?
The radiologists of Drs. Hill & Thomas Co. are local,
working in and around the greater Cleveland, Ohio area. In
most cases, the radiologist who is interpreting your patient's
images is located in the facility in which they are being
scanned.
If I want to speak to a radiologist, whom do I call?
If you want to speak with the radiologist who provided a
report on your patient, simply call the center at which
the scan was performed. If for some reason that particular
radiologist is not at that location, we will contact him
or her for you and have that person call you immediately.
If you are simply looking to speak with a radiologist for
general information, please feel free to call any of our
centers and we will have someone assist you.
What should patients expect with their MRI?
Let us show you. After all, a picture
is worth a thousand words (204K PDF).
If the patient is claustrophobic, what can you do to
help him or her get through the scan?
Many people are claustrophobic to some degree, and we have
found that with unsurpassed patient care, we can often times
help a person get through a scan without the help of any
medication. In those cases where it is necessary to medicate
a patient, we have oral and IV sedation available, which
will be administered by one of our radiologists on site.
Please advise our staff of this when scheduling. All patients
receiving medication will need to be NPO for 4 hours and
must bring a driver.
Can a referring doctor make special requests?
YES. We are here to work with you and your patients. If you
have a request, please let us know and we will do whatever
we can to accommodate you.
Do you accept personal injury cases?
YES. Through a new partnership formed with Key Health Medical
Solutions, all Drs. Hill & Thomas Co. imaging center
locations now can accept your personal injury cases where
private insurance is not involved. If your patient has
an attorney and that attorney wants the claim to be placed
as a lien against the case, we utilize Key Health to obtain
the proper authorization. Please keep in mind that if the
attorney requests that the private insurance be billed,
we may need to obtain a pre-certification.
Does Drs. Hill & Thomas Co. provide
any specialized interpretations for chiropractors?
YES. Drs. Hill & Thomas Co. has developed a relationship
with a chiropractic radiologist, Dr. Ed Dailey, to provide
the specialized interpretations that you want.
Does Drs. Hill & Thomas Co. have
a podiatric specialist?
YES. With the addition of Dr. Vjeko "Vic" Jerasa fellowship
trained MSK specialist who learned from Dr. Donald Resnick
at UCSDwe are able to provide our referring podiatrists
with the highest quality interpretations. We realize the
need the podiatric market has for a dedicated specialist,
and we are happy to be able to offer this new service.
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