Frequently Asked Questions
Is Digital Infrared Imaging (breast thermography) safe, even for pregnant or nursing women?
Yes, DII is non-invasive, does not use radiation, breast contact or compression, and poses absolutely no harm to the patient whatsoever.
Is Digital Infrared Imaging an approved procedure?
Yes, DII is approved by the FDA for use as an adjunctive breast cancer screening procedure.
How does Digital Infrared Imaging cost?
Our center's fee for a DII breast scan is $195.00, which includes consultation, imaging, a written report.
How long does it take to get the results?
Your images are sent to a board certified thermologist for review. It takes about two-to-three weeks from the day of your appointment to get the report to you. You can also have a copy of your report sent to your physian. If you wish to have your results quickly, your report can be ready in 24 hours for an additional $60.00.
Will my insurance cover the test?
At the present time, some insurance companies cover the procedure, while others do not. Our policy is to receive payment in full at the time of service while providing you with the paperwork necessary for you to submit the bill to your insurance company for reimbursement. We would be happy to provide you with the appropriate procedure code for breast thermography when contacting our office, if you would like to check with your insurance regarding coverage.
Does Digital Infrared Imaging replace mammograms?
No, DII and mammography are tests based on two completely different principles. They complement each other. The consensus among health care experts is that no one procedure or method of imaging is solely adequate for breast cancer screening. The false negative and positive rates for mammography are too high for the procedure to be used alone. DII can pick up many of the cancers missed by mammography. It is DII's unique ability to monitor the abnormal temperature (physiological) changes produced by diseased breast tissue that allows for extremely early detection.
Who is qualified to take and interpret Digital Infrared Images?
Interpretation of thermographic images for a clinical impression should only be made by health care providers who are licensed to diagnose and hold credentials as board certified clinical thermographers, diplomates, or fellows from a recognized organization. Any individual wishing to perform DII in their office with the images sent for outside interpretation should be certified as an infrared imaging technician by one of the same organizations.
What other centers perform Digital Infrared Imaging?
Because of the special training, technical expertise, and unique clinical environmental needs necessary to perform DII, many centers do not have this technology as of yet. Currently, independent digital infrared imaging centers and highly specialized independent breast clinics are the most common place to find this technology.
Can you provide my organization with a speaker?
Yes. Simply contact us with a description of your organization (university, women's group, service club, etc.), and its location, and we would be glad to accommodate you. Since we are frequently asked to speak on this important issue, please give us ample notice before the lecture.
I mentioned Digital Infrared Imaging to my doctor and was told that the procedure is outdated and useless. Is this true?
Many physicians are either not familiar with this technology or are only aware of a large, but poorly executed study by the BCDDP (Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Projects) in the 1970's. This study was flawed because the technicians were untrained to perform the scans, and the radiologists had no experience or knowledge interpreting the images. They also did not adhere to proper environmental controls of maintaining a steady laboratory temperature in the desired range. This study was also performed before standardized interpretation protocol was established
Since the advent of this study, there have numerous large-scale studies supporting thermography's effectiveness, as well as the development of strict, standardized interpretation protocols, and excellent technological advancements in imaging hardware and computer processing. Therefore, an improperly executed study done 30 years ago, can not be used to determine the effectiveness of digital infrared imaging.