Common Questions
Below are some of the common questions we receive from new clients, but feel free to contact us for more details -- we are always happy to help and want you to fully understand the benefits, as well as the limitations, of thermography.
Who reads the images and reports?
Images are sent to an interpretation service who employ medical doctors who are all board certified as thermologists. These doctors have many years of experience and are able to ask for second opinions whenever necessary. See Our Standards page for more detailed information.
Is it safe?
Yes, thermography is just as safe and painless as having your photograph taken. Infrared scanning (or thermography) uses no radiation or compression of the body.
Unlike many imaging modalities, DITI is non-invasive. We do not need to come in contact with the patient whatsoever.
What do I need to do for an appointment?
First you need to schedule your appointment and fill out the required paperwork, which we will send to you. Call 281-803-5880 or schedule online.
There are activities and products that can affect the outcome of your thermal images. Because of the sensitivity of the equipment, and so your scans are as accurate as possible, please review these
Preparation Instructions several days before the date of your scheduled appointment.
Do I need a doctor's referral or order?
No you do not need a referral. Most patients come to us referred by various health practitioners, but we do not require a referral for the scan. For filing an insurance claim, a doctor's order is helpful.
Does insurance cover this procedure?
While a few insurances are beginning to cover this procedure, most do not. It is not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare. We recommend checking with your individual insurance provider for a better understanding of your coverage.
For coverage verification, your insurance company may ask for the CPT code for the procedure, which is 93740, Temperature Gradient Studies.
We do not provide billing or any assistance in health insurance reimbursement, but we will provide a detailed receipt for filing purposes. You are the one with control and power when dealing with your insurance company.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. We also accept cash, check, Health Savings Account (HSA card), and Flex Spending Account (FSA card).
For those with financial difficulty, the United Breast Cancer Foundation may be able to provide financial support for a breast thermogram. You can contact them through their website, www.ubcf.org.
How quickly will I get my results and what can I do with them?
Reports are normally available within 7-10 days. We can also provide rushed reporting for an additional urgent fee and you can expect your results within 24 hours. The written report and images are provided via encrypted PDF or printed version to you and/or your doctor.
As for what you can do with your results, we encourage you to work with your current physician or health care practitioner on any report findings. If you need help finding a knowledgeable and progressive care provider, we are aligned with a variety of doctors and practitioners that will be happy to consult you if needed.
Why do I need to come back for another breast scan in three months?
The most accurate result we can produce is change over time. Before we can start to evaluate any changes, we need to establish an accurate and stable baseline for you. This baseline represents your unique thermal fingerprint.
A baseline cannot be established with only one study, as we would have no way of knowing if this is your normal pattern or if it is actually changing at the time of the first exam. By comparing two studies three months apart, we are able to judge if your breast physiology is stable and suitable to be used as your normal baseline before moving on to annual scans.
There is NO substitute for establishing an accurate baseline. A single study cannot do this.
Will my menstrual cycle cause any issues?
No. A thermogram can be performed at any point during monthly cycles, but it is ideal to schedule your follow-up breast thermograms around the same time of your cycle for consistency.
Will my hormone therapy cause any issues?
If you are receiving hormone pellet therapy it will be important for you to wait at least one month since your last injection before having your thermography scan done. Creams and medications taken orally are taken on a consistent basis and will not cause a temporary "spike" in your hormones like pellet therapy does.
Why doesn't my doctor know about or recommend thermography?
Unfortunately, many doctors are unaware of the validity and benefits of medical thermography. Because of this unfamiliarity, some doctors may not make the exerted effort, or even have the time, to learn more about this technology.
If your doctor does show interest in thermography, please contact us or encourage your doctor to reach out. We would love to provide more information, as we recognize the considerable need for more integrative health care.