It is important that the medical diagnostic imaging center you select is qualified and specializes in the area of imaging specific to your needs. Consider the following questions when deciding which diagnostic imaging center is best for you.
Does the Facility have State-of-the-Art Equipment?
Radiology equipment is expensive and some centers elect to cut corners in exchange for higher profits. Simply stated, better equipment leads to better images, which ensures greater accuracy.
Is There More Than One Doctor?
Some centers have only one radiologist responsible for interpreting results of a variety of tests and images. Centers that have more than one radiologist, especially if those radiologists specialize in different modalities and body systems, are better equipped to provide more accurate reports due to their physician's speciality of knowledge and varied experience.
How Accurate are the Results?
Accuracy is the most important element of a medical imaging center. It is the accuracy of information that enables physicians to make critical decisions regarding the treatment and health of a patient. The radiologist interpreting your procedures should have a good reputation in the community. Doctors with specific experience and specialization in different modalities can enhance your overall outcome.
Is Your Insurance Accepted? Is it a Medicare Approved Facility?
Call the facility in advance, or ask your doctor's office to place the call, to make sure they accept your insurance plan and subscribe to your insurance plan's reimbursement schedule. This way you may avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses. A Medicare approved facility allows the imaging center to accept Medicare reimbursements.
Are the Doctors Board Certified? Are the Technologists Certified?
Don't be afraid to ask if the radiologist treating you is board certified by the
American Board of Radiology. Inquire about the professional societies that the
radiologist belongs to.
Technologists that actually perform the exams or tests should also have both state and national certification. You can ask what certification a staff member has and by what governing board.