FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Thermography
I'm a physician/provider how do I refer a patient to your office?
Thank you for your referral. Please download, complete and fax the form below back to Medical Thermography NW at (971) 249-8767
Is thermography safe?
The procedure is completely safe.
Is thermography costly?
No, Thermographic imaging of any body part and particularly the breast is very reasonable. Our center’s fee for a thermography breast scan is $195.00. An even better value is the Women's Health Screening which includes in addition to the Breast,. a Dental, Thyroid, Upper Back, Carotid Arteries and Chest for Cardio Vascular screening for $325.00.
Will my insurance cover the test?
Please note; at this time most insurance providers do not reimburse for thermography. However some individual insurance companies may provide coverage. Our policy is to receive payment at the time of service. We provide you with all of the paperwork necessary for you to submit the bill to your insurance company for reimbursement. Thermography is not currently covered by Medicare.
Does Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging replace mammograms?
Absolutely not! Thermography is not a standalone device and does not replace mammography or any other diagnostic procedure and/or examination. The consensus among health care experts is that no one procedure or method of imaging is solely adequate for breast cancer screening. However, thermography is an additive tool to help monitor your breast health and can pick up any suspicious activity that may lead to further diagnostic procedures.
Is Digital Infrared Imaging approved by the FDA for breast imaging?
Yes, in 1982 Thermography was approved by the FDA as a breast imaging procedure to be used in addition to other imaging tests and/or examination procedures.
Who is qualified to take and interpret Digital Infrared Images?
Interpretation of thermographic images should only be made by health care providers who are clinically trained to diagnose. Medical Thermography Northwest utilizes Board certified MD’s, trained to analyze thermal images, who report analysis through the Physicians Insight management system.
What other centers perform Digital Infrared Imaging?
Because of the special training, technical expertise, and unique clinical environmental needs necessary to perform thermal imaging, Medical Thermography Northwest is among the few centers possessing this technology and expertise in the Portland metro area.
Can you provide my organization with a speaker?
Yes, we would be happy to speak with your group or organization. Simply contact us with a description of your organization (university, women's group, service club, etc.), its location, and when you would like us to speak and we will arrange to be there.
Why haven’t I heard of Digital Infrared Imaging before?
With the advancement of science and technology, and a multitude of large-scale studies performed in the 80’s and 90’s, thermography is emerging as an important addition to regular health screening and women's breast health care.
I mentioned Digital Infrared Imaging to my doctor and was told that the procedure is outdated and useless, is this true?
Unfortunately, many physicians do not know about the advances in thermographic science and technology. Christiane Northrup, MD, Board-certified ob/gyn, and bestselling author, recently wrote an article (October 12, 2010) The Best Breast Test: The Promise of Thermography In the article she states;