Finding Diagnostic Imaging Prices in Alabama

Diagnostic imaging provides doctors with the ability to look for complications and issues within a patient’s body. There are many different machines and techniques when it comes to diagnostic imaging, and the procedure depends on the symptoms of the complication as well as which area of the body is being affected.

The various types of diagnostic imaging that doctors typically use to test for medical issues include tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs among many other. Since most of the tests involve easy, painless, and simple procedures, people don’t usually stress about the test itself.

Rather, patients stress about the costs of these tests as they can go well into the thousands and they’re not always covered fully or at all under health insurance. So, whether you need to pay deductibles, you’ve reached your monthly limit, or it’s simply not covered, you probably want to know how much diagnostic imaging costs.

But, how are you supposed to figure that out? Then, how are you supposed to find the best priced procedure? Well, luckily, the answer is a lot easier than you might’ve thought.

Save On Medical

Luckily, if you have any concerns regarding the costs of diagnostic imaging tests and procedures, Save On Medical is an amazing tool that makes that task extremely easy.

Save On Medical allows people to search different procedures and then compare the costs, quality, and convenience of each provider that offers such procedures in your area. Then, by booking on the website, you lock in the discounted price offered by Save On Medical.

In addition to comparing costs, Save On Medical also allows people to make appointments, manage their appointments, pay for their procedures, read about other people’s experience with certain providers, and write their own review about their experience with certain providers.

How Do You Find Prices Using Save On Medical?

As most websites on the internet today, Save On Medical makes using their tools very easy. But, not everyone is internet-savvy to any degree, so here’s a simple guide how to find your prices.

1.     Once you are on their home page, select the dropdown menu titled “Find Radiology” and select your desired procedure. The list includes many different types of diagnostic imaging. Each type is then broken down by which area of your body you will need examined. The types include:

·       Angiography

·       CT

·       Fluoro

·       MRI

·       Mammography

·       Nuclear Medicine

·       Ultrasound

·       X-Ray

·       And, other.

2.     Enter the location you wish to find the procedure around. You can enter it in the form of “city, state” such as Birmingham, Alabama, or you can enter in the zip code (35208, for instance).

3.     Finally, Save On your medical expenses! Compare the given results to search which price and provider best matches your needs, and then you can schedule an appointment and undergo your procedure.

At the end of the day, finding a decent price for your procedure might not be as difficult as your first thought, which is good since you could be spending quite a bit when it comes to diagnostic imaging. In addition to Save On Medical, or any other price tools, don’t be scared to ask your doctor about where you should go for your test. Your doctor might be able to provide you with the best recommendation as they are experts that understand your individual circumstances. 

By Russell McBurnie

10 Things To Look For In An Imaging Center

When your doctor decides it’s time to get a clearer picture of what’s causing your stomach pain, or you’ve hit 40 and need to schedule your first mammogram, you will be referred for diagnostic imaging. Just like when you’re looking for a dentist or a primary care provider, you want to do your research and find the best clinic for you. There are a few different things that make a great imaging center—here’s what to look for.

1.     Medical team and expertise

Before you schedule your appointment or go to your exam, take a look at the medical imaging clinic’s website and get to know the business. Most likely, you don’t interact with the radiologist (your exam is performed by trained radiologic technologists, and the radiologists analyze your exam on screen in a separate dark room), but you still want to be comfortable knowing the doctor reviewing your exam is qualified and experienced. Most websites offer bios of their doctors and their medical team, look for specialty training and certifications.

2.     The most appropriate exam

Remember, this is diagnostic imaging. The pictures are to help doctors understand what is causing you pain or illness. The radiologist works with your primary care provider or the specialist who referred you for imaging to make sure you’re getting the right exam, saving you time, money and potentially unnecessary radiation exposure.

3.     State-of-the-art technology

Much like the most advanced smart phone or TV, technology in medicine is always changing especially in imaging technology. Mammograms can now be viewed by the radiologist in 3-D, meaning the breast tissue is more dimensional, in slices, allowing for a more accurate read. This eliminates false positives and also reduces anxiety for the patient. MRIs are also seeing improvements, with more power for cleaner reads and a wide-bore, or open MRI to enhance patient comfort.

4.     Somewhere that won’t break the bank

Shop around for clinics that offer the most affordable exams and always make sure that your exam and the clinic is covered by your insurance provider.

5.     Scheduling ease and availability

Nothing is worse than waiting to find the right answers. If you call to schedule your appointment but can’t get in for two weeks, you should look for another clinic. Most top imaging centers try to get their patients in for diagnostic imaging within 2 – 5 business days.

6.     Customer service and friendly staff

Outpatient imaging centers have a very large staff who you interact with: schedulers, receptionists, radiologic technologists and sometimes the radiologists. The clinic knows that every interaction each employee has with the patient is important. If you don’t feel like you’re treated with respect and compassion, move on.

7.     Positive reviews and recommendations

Word of mouth is still the most basic and effective form of marketing, especially in the world of health care. But in today’s modern world, every business has some sort of online review available. Check their Facebook page, Yelp or Google reviews. Most importantly, ask your primary care provider or the physician referring you for images which clinic they prefer.

8.     Easy access is key

Outpatient clinics by design provider greater ease than getting images in a hospital setting. Look for something close to home or near where you run errands. Your exam doesn’t take all day, if you can, look for appropriate care close to home.

9.     Comprehensive women’s imaging

Mammograms are the only diagnostic imaging exam that patients can self-refer. Once you hit 40, you know to schedule your exam every year. Most clinics should have comprehensive women’s imaging in case your doctor needs a better look or needs to do a breast biopsy in the clinic. Just like the dentist or your primary care provider, you want to establish yourself with the clinic for your annual mammogram.

10.  Safe and professional atmosphere

This goes without saying really, but you should always make sure the facility is clean and comfortable and prioritizes patient safety and privacy. Getting images is stressful enough, so make sure you feel as comfortable as possible in the waiting room and during your exam.

Written by: Marysa Stevens