FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some frequently asked patients from our patients. If you have a question, please feel free to contact us.
Do I need to do any prep before my scan?
We ask that you refrain from any exertion such as vigorous exercise 3 hours prior to your scan. Avoid extremes of hot or cold. Also avoid: smoking, prolonged exposure to sun, tanning beds, caffeine, alcohol, heavy application of creams, oils, deodorants, and shaving. Please do not schedule any treatments before your scan, such as chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture treatment, physical training or massage.
Why haven’t I heard of thermography? How long has it been around?
Thermography has been around for almost 20 years. In the beginning, it was not accepted by many doctors due to a handful of untrained thermographers interpreting their own scans. A lot has changed since the early nineties, and thermal imaging is better than ever, worldwide – including Australia, Europe, and Asia. Thermography has been recognized as a viable diagnostic tool since 1987 by the AMA Council on Scientific Affairs, the ACA Council on Diagnostic Imaging, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in 1988, and in 1990 by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
What is the difference between thermography and mammography?
Mammography assesses anatomically (mass) and thermography assesses function (inflammatory).
Does thermography squeeze the breast?
No. A picture is taken about four feet away to determine breast health. It is pain-free and radiation-free.
How often do I need a breast scan?
After your initial breast scan, we suggest a second scan at three months to set a baseline. If there is no change from the first scan to the second, yearly scans are appropriate.
Can a thermography scan see uterine cancer, lung disease, or stomach problems?
No. Thermography reads skin blood flow. In rare cases, inflamed liver, kidney, and colons appear on the stomach scan. However, thermal imaging can detect inflammation and pain (local or referred), chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia, thyroid concerns, lymph congestion, phlebitis, vasculitis, TMJ, dental pathology, sinus problems, and carotid arteries.
Where can I learn more about thermography?
There are numerous websites that will give you more information. You can also find useful links on our blog in the latest news. Also, you can learn more on the American College of Clinical Thermology website.
Who reads my scans?
Scans are interpreted by board-certified MDs around the globe via the internet and are for medical use only.
How quickly can I receive my results?
As quickly as 24 hours, but in most cases 2-3 business days
Who receives a copy of my scan results?
When referred by a physician, one copy of the scan results will be sent to the referring physician and one copy will be sent directly to you. If there is no referring physician, both copies go to you.
My doctor states he does not know enough about thermal imaging and demands that I still get a mammogram. What should I do?
You should let your doctor know that you are concerned with low-level radiation and how it affects DNA. There are over 800 studies on thermography. Point your doctor to the 2004 Heyes study on radiation. If not thermography, ask for a different method (ultrasound, breast MRI, ductal lavage) as a substitute. In any case, thermography can be used in conjunction with a mammogram by assessing false positives or concurring with a sketchy mammogram.
How often do I need a breast scan?
After your initial breast scan, we suggest a second scan at three months to set a baseline. If there is no change from the first scan to the second, yearly scans are appropriate.
I have read a lot about radiation exposure from mammograms. Should I be concerned?
Yes. Each time a woman gets a mammogram, she is increasing her chance of getting cancer by approximately five percent.
Do I need a doctor’s referral in order to receive this scan?
No, you do not need a referral if you are paying out of pocket or have a flex spend account. If you are submitting this procedure through an insurance company, they are more likely to reimburse if referred by a doctor.
Does insurance cover thermography?
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Thermography Centers of Fairfax is a cash practice. Therefore, we do not submit to insurance companies for “out of network” benefits. If reimbursement is sought, many insurance companies require your General Practitioner or Medical Professional provide a diagnosis code to give justification for the diagnostic test. Please contact your physician before you submit for reimbursement. A treatment code has been provided for processing CPT#93740.
Can I use Flex Spend or HSA dollars for payment?
We try and make this service affordable for everyone. Prevention should be! Insurance rarely (if ever) covers thermal imaging. However, you may use your Flex Spend dollars or Health Savings Account (HSA) money. If you still wish to check with your insurance company, call and inquire about thermography or thermal imaging insurance coverage for your specific condition. If you desire a Health Insurance Claim Form (HICFA) you will be given one with the codes already on the form. Fill out your personal information on the form and send it to your insurance company. There are no guarantees you will in fact be covered. You will still have to pay for the scan upfront. If your insurance does cover the scan, a reimbursement check for the scan will be sent to you or the balance will come off of your deductible. Some clients may wish to remain anonymous to the insurance company for personal reasons – or if they are changing insurance companies. We respect the confidentiality of each client.