Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do I need to order a study with contrast?
2. How long will a scan typically take?
3. Why do some scan/scanners take longer?
4. How soon can a patient be scheduled?
5. How quickly will we receive a report from the Radiologist?
6. How will we receive the patient films?
7. Can I access my patient's images online?
8. Can the patient's images be placed on a CD for viewing on my computer?
9. Where are the radiologists located who are interpreting the images and providing reports?
10. If I want to speak to a radiologist, whom do I call?
11. What should patients expect with their MRI?
12. If the patient is claustrophobic, what can you do to help him or her get through the scan?
13. Can a referring doctor make special requests?
14. Do you accept personal injury cases?
15. Does Drs. Hill & Thomas Co. provide any specialized interpretations for chiropractors?
16. 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.

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" Jeras—a fellowship trained MSK specialist who learned from Dr. Donald Resnick at UCSD—we 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.