Medical imaging is one of the most effective ways to solve patient problems. These procedures include ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) and X-ray procedures. Often, these medical images can make a huge difference in a patient’s life by letting them get help quickly.
Patients previously had limited options in terms of where they could have their medical images taken. There are now several options when looking for an imaging center, including private practices that work closely with doctors in the area. There are many benefits to choosing a private center for diagnostic imaging, and knowing what to look for can help you find the best choice.
Is the Imaging Center Using High-Quality Equipment?
High-quality equipment is essential for an accurate image reading. Low-quality gear can lead to abnormalities called artifacts in your images. These artifacts can easily lead to misdiagnoses in patients, as doctors mistake them for signs of various health issues. High-quality equipment is necessary for making sure you can get the correct diagnosis. You may also need to repeat your exams to get a more accurate image, which can be costly and challenging to schedule.
Advanced equipment can also help you feel more comfortable during your visit to the imaging center. Many people prefer comfortable, open machines with patient-friendly tools. You’ll find these types of machines at imaging centers that care about providing their visitors with the highest quality and most advanced technology available.
Another advanced option that may interest you is three-dimensional mammograms. This high-tech imaging technology can give doctors a better understanding of your breast tissue for detailed observations.
Does the Imaging Center Have Accreditation?
The best imaging centers will have accreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR). This accreditation ensures that patients and society have access to high-quality medical imaging. A diagnostic center can receive ACR accreditation by undergoing a voluntary review process. The steps are rigorous to ensure that the imaging center lives up to the ACR’s stringent standards for quality.
ACR accreditation also ensures that the imaging center employs board-certified radiologists and certified technicians. Diagnostic professionals who have completed specialized training in a particular area can better provide accurate results on your images. If you need a diagnosis in spinal images, you want the professional who looks at your images to specialize in spinal diagnoses. You can put more faith in the diagnosis of a professional who specializes in your area of need.
When an imaging center proudly shares its gold seals of accreditation on its website or in the office, you can feel confident that you’ll receive high-quality images and excellent treatment during your exam. Make sure you look for these gold seals of accreditation. They should be easy to find, as most accredited imaging centers will be sure to display them in prominent locations in the office or on their website. If you’re unable to find them, ask the imaging center to provide proof of ACR accreditation.
How Quickly Can You Receive Imaging Results?
When it comes to medical diagnostic imaging, timing is essential. You want your results as quickly as possible so you can move on to the next step in your medical journey. Whatever reason for your visit — and whatever type of imaging you need — you deserve to receive your results at the earliest possibility.
Waiting for medical results can make patients anxious. Sitting around for days or more waiting to hear back about your diagnosis can lead to various issues and a sense of discomfort. When it comes to your health, you want to try to avoid these moments of extra anxiety and worry, as stress can take a toll on your health.
The best way around these issues is to find an imaging center that provides fast turnaround times. Getting your results quickly will give you the insight you need to make the wisest choice for your medical needs at the soonest opportunity. For many medical conditions, a matter of days can make all the difference in achieving the best outcome.
If an imaging center cannot provide the fastest turnaround, be sure to ask for a set date when you can expect your results back. Knowing when you’re getting your results back can help reduce some of the waiting anxiety, as you’ll see when you can expect your results.
Do They Have Good Staff?
A good staff can make a huge difference in your experience during your visit to an imaging center. This fact is true from the knowledgeable, sympathetic doctors to the clerk with the smiling face who greets you at the front desk. A good first impression can put you at ease upon entering the building, and a solid staff will keep you coming back with confidence for your medical imaging needs.
As you learned above, ACR accreditation is a large factor in any imaging center you choose. Most ACR-accredited diagnostic centers will hold themselves to higher standards that include hiring an excellent staff that will enhance your experience every step of the way. Quality diagnostic centers focus on creating a solid patient environment, and part of that is comforting, professional staff.
Look for friendliness and organization in your imaging center of choice. They should make you feel welcome upon your arrival like you’ve entered a community of individuals who truly care about your healthcare. They should work with your schedule and make your visits convenient for your life instead of the other way around. You should also look for a staff who is willing to work with you financially. Make sure the imaging center has solutions to accommodate your specific financial situation.
Schedule Your Scan With Impression Imaging
Schedule Your Scan With Impression Imaging
When you need a private diagnostic imaging center you can trust, Impression Imagine is your solution. Our mission is to provide the best service possible with results you can trust and expert diagnoses you can trust. We even offer 12 to 24-hour turnaround times to ensure you get your results as quickly as possible. We check all of the boxes for the questions outlined above for a quality experience.
Browse our complete list of services today to see how we can meet your needs, or get in touch with us online for more information. We look forward to serving you!
