Should
I take part in MediZen’s Early Disease Detection program?
Candidates for MediZen’s Early Disease Detection procedures
include individuals who are 45 and older and are concerned about
their health. Early Disease Detection is particularly important
for those who have a known family history of conditions such
as heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol, high blood pressure,
or anyone who smokes tobacco.
What kind of early detection procedures does MediZen
offer?
MediZen Advanced Imaging offers cardiac calcium scan, lung
screening, whole body scan, osteoporosis scan, CT angiogram
and Virtual Colonoscopy. We also offer Open Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI), mammography and nuclear medicine.
Is there any preparation required for screenings?
If you will be undergoing a whole body scan, cardiac calcium
scan, lung screening, CT angiogram and/or osteoporosis scan
no preparation is required. If you are having a Virtual Colonoscopy,
you will need to prepare a day before the exam. We will provide
you with all specifics well before your scheduled exam date.
Is a doctor referral required to have a screening
at MediZen?
No, you can simply schedule an appointment for the scan of
your choice. MediZen Advanced Imaging allows individuals to
take a proactive role in their future health. Call (714) 968-8998
to schedule an appointment.
How long do the procedures take?
All of the following are approximations:
Cardiac calcium: 5 to 10 minutes
Lung screening: 10 to 15 minutes
Whole body scan: 10 to 15 minutes
Osteoporosis scan: 10 to 15 minutes
Virtual Colonoscopy: 30 minutes
How often should I have a scan?
It varies on a case-by-case basis. MediZen Advanced Imaging
recommends that individuals 45 and older have a scan every
two to five years depending on personal and family history
of disease. If you have positive findings our doctor will
recommend when to come back.
What technology does MediZen Advanced Imaging use?
MediZen Advanced Imaging uses the latest technology available
from our Open MRI, providing a new standard in comfort, to
the latest generation multislice CT, the GE Lightspeed 16,
which employs the fastest rotational speed of any available
multi-slice scanner. The Lightspeed 16 is equipped with Smartdose
technology to produce the lowest radiation dose possible.
In addition, MediZen pediatric scan protocols are coded to
comply with guidelines for scanning pediatric patients.
How long will it take to get my results?
Following the scan you will meet with our Radiologist to review
your results immediately.
What is the difference between a Conventional Colonoscopy
and Virtual Colonoscopy?
Prior to both procedures, bowel preparation is necessary with
a liquid diet/prep kit to cleanse the colon. A traditional
conventional colonoscopy is a procedure where you are sedated
and a 5-foot long scope is inserted into your colon. Then,
the scope is moved throughout the entire length of the colon
to look for polyps.
MediZen’s Virtual Colonography is non-invasive and
produces 3-D images in slices of the entire colon that does
not require anesthesia. After preparation, the individual
is put on the scanning table. A small rubber tube inflates
the colon using air contrast for better viewing. Then the
individual is scanned on their back and their stomach. Patients
can resume normal activities immediately after the MediZen
Virtual Colonography. A follow-up may be necessary depending
on the findings.
Does my insurance cover a scan at MediZen Advanced
Imaging?
Many PPO insurance plans cover some of these procedures, however,
most HMO plans do not. MediZen Advanced Imaging requires full
payment at the time of service. For questions about payment,
call the MediZen Advanced Imaging offices at (714) 968-8998.
Why should I do it?
A screening examination is a study performed in order to detect
a disease process at a time before signs or symptoms are present.
Using sophisticated screening tests, it is hoped that if a
disease is present it will be detected at an early stage.
What clothes should I wear?
You should wear comfortable warm clothes. If you like MediZen
provides a gown for you to change into. Please request it
with our technologist.
What criteria should I look for in a Screening program?
• Radiologist onsite to provide immediate consultation
• State-of-the Art equipment to ensure maximum accuracy
and safety
• Full service radiology center in order to integrate
screening and diagnostic tests if necessary.
|