Nationwide Access To Affordable Imaging

Understanding Doppler Ultrasound: What It Is and When You Might Need It?

Often when you try to schedule an Ultrasound, the imaging center comes back saying that a doppler is necessary, sometimes even when its not on the doctors order. While most people are familiar with standard ultrasound, you may not be familiar with the term “Doppler ultrasound.” In this post, we’ll explain what Doppler ultrasound is, and when it might be necessary in certain cases.

What is Doppler Ultrasound? Doppler ultrasound is a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to evaluate the flow of blood in your arteries and veins. By measuring the speed and direction of blood flow, Doppler ultrasound can provide important information about your blood vessels and heart. This type of ultrasound is especially useful for detecting blood clots, narrowing or blockages in blood vessels, and abnormalities in the heart’s structure or function.

When is Doppler Ultrasound Needed? Basically, any study that requires visualization of a flow of a liquid will need a doppler. Some common conditions where your healthcare provider may recommend Doppler ultrasound are:

1. Abnormal heart sounds or murmurs
2. Swelling or pain in your arms or legs
3. Symptoms of peripheral artery disease, such as leg pain when walking
4. History of blood clots or stroke
5. Suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
6. Monitoring the growth and development of a fetus

Doppler ultrasound can also be used during pregnancy to measure blood flow in the umbilical cord and assess the health of the fetus.

Why Choose RadiologyAssist for Your Ultrasound Needs? At RadiologyAssist, we’re committed to making medical imaging more accessible and affordable for everyone. Whether you need a standard ultrasound or a Doppler ultrasound, we can help you find a provider near you and get the care you need at an affordable price. Our Ultrasounds typically start at just $100 and is often less expensive that most most individuals insurance copay. With our transparent, upfront pricing and simple online booking process, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best possible care without breaking the bank.

The Cost-Saving Question: Can You Substitute a CT Scan for an MRI?

Medical imaging has come a long way in recent years, with advanced technologies such as CT scans and MRIs allowing for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. However, with so many options available, it can be confusing to understand which imaging modality is right for your needs. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between CT and MRI scans, and whether a CT can be substituted for an MRI to save on cost.

What is a CT Scan? A CT scan, or computed tomography, is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging test that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. The images produced by a CT scan are very detailed and can reveal bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels. CT scans are typically used to diagnose conditions such as cancer, internal bleeding, or injuries to bones and organs.

What is an MRI? MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is another type of noninvasive diagnostic imaging test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body. Unlike CT scans, MRI scans can produce images of organs and soft tissues without the use of ionizing radiation. MRI scans are often used to diagnose conditions such as brain and spinal cord injuries, tumors, and musculoskeletal problems.

Can a CT be substituted for an MRI to save on cost? While CT and MRI scans are both diagnostic imaging tests, they are not interchangeable. CT scans use X-rays to produce images, which can be harmful if used too frequently. MRI scans, on the other hand, do not use ionizing radiation and are generally considered to be safer. Additionally, MRI scans can produce more detailed images of soft tissues than CT scans.

However, in some cases, a CT scan may be a more appropriate option than an MRI. For example, if a patient has a pacemaker or other metal implant, an MRI may not be safe. In such cases, a CT scan may be recommended as an alternative.

Why Choose RadiologyAssist for CT and MRI Scans? At RadiologyAssist, we understand that medical imaging can be expensive and confusing. That’s why we’re committed to making it easier for patients to access affordable CT and MRI scans nationwide. We offer a transparent, upfront pricing model, with no hidden fees or surprise charges. With our simple online booking process, patients can book their scan and pay for it in just a few clicks. Plus, with a nationwide network of accredited imaging centers, we make it easy for patients to find a location that’s convenient for them.

We’re Better Business Bureau Accredited!

We are excited to announce that Assist Health Group became an accredited business by the Better Business Bureau. Our program was founded to serve as a trusted and reliable resource in providing access to medical care for uninsured communities nationwide. We take huge pride in our BBB accreditation!

Our team is thrilled to see our program expand and are working  to provide accessibility and transparency to more communities nationwide.

Introducing Our Newest Team Member, Alex!

Our goal this year has been to expand our team to fit the needs of our growing program. To better assist patients with their needs, we are excited to have Alex on the team! Alex is the program’s operations manager and has been bringing the team closer than ever! We’re ready to see what the rest of this year throws our way and are glad to have Alex as a part of it.

CareCredit is Helping Alleviate Financial Burden

For patients looking for additional relief towards diagnostic imaging costs during this time, CareCredit is offering new cardholders a $100 statement credit for single or multiple purchases totaling $1,000 or more for a limited time.

RadiologyAssist partners with CareCredit to offer financial assistance through payment arrangements. With a CareCredit card, you can choose a financing option that suits your financial needs for your imaging study. You can read more about our financing options through CareCredit here.

The Team is Back in the Office!

The team at Assist Health Group has been working from home due a statewide the stay-at-home order in Texas. The stay-at-home order has been lifted in Texas, giving the team the opportunity to work in our centralized office.

Throughout the pandemic, we have been operating under normal business hours to schedule appointments at collaborating imaging centers nationwide and assist patients with their needs. While there may still be restrictions nationally that affect our collaborating facilities, the vast majority are open and scheduling appointments. Patients will be made aware of any delays or closures if pertaining to their appointment.

Assist Health Group COVID-19 Testing Kits Affected by Specimen Swab Shortage

RadiologyAssist initiative, Assist Health Group, recently launched an at-home testing kit for COVID-19. Launch of this test has been stalled due to a global shortage of specimen collection swabs. The program is currently looking for any resources available with a connection to the specimen swabs to ensure that any at-risk individual can receive the testing they need from the safety and comfort from their own homes. COVID-19 testing will be ramping up, as officials nationwide have announced temporary closures of schools, universities, businesses and other mass gatherings. To keep establishments and other individuals safe from outbreak, access to at-home testing is essential.

Any connections to obtaining specimen collection swabs such as health officials, government officials or any other entity would be highly appreciated by our program! If you or anybody that you know can assist with this, please reach out to the Assist Health Group line at 888-996-0650. Any help provided to our program during this time is greatly appreciated!

RadiologyAssist Launches At-Home COVID-19 Screening Through Assist Health Group

Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, our team has been working to produce a solution for at-home screenings. Assist Health Group, a ColonoscopyAssist/RadiologyAssist initiative, has launched assisthealthgroup.com to allow at-risk individuals to be tested from the safety of their own home. The program is working with two national labs, Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp, to provide the testing. Test kit orders will include a consultation from a telehealth provider that will provide the referral for the collection kit.

Test kits will include everything necessary to collect the specimen along with pre-paid return packaging for overnight shipment to the lab. Test results are ready within 3-4 days of receipt by the lab. Any assistance with relaying the availability of the test is appreciated!

RadiologyAssist Director Announced as Finalist for 2020 Minority Business Leader Awards

The new year is starting off strong for the RadiologyAssist team! Program director, Ali Poonawala, has been announced as a finalist for Dallas Business Journal’s 13th annual Minority Business Leader Awards. The team is elated that Ali has been chosen as one of the 25 finalists for this prestigious award. “Ali is extremely deserving of this award and has championed to bring access to care to minority communities across the country!” says Roxana Barrera, patient navigator at RadiologyAssist.

Finalists for the award will be honored and recognized for their achievements during a luncheon on February 5, 2020 in Dallas.