1 Carotid Artery Screening
The carotid arteries are the two main arteries on each side of the neck that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque (fat, cholesterol, and other substances) collects and forms along the walls of the carotid arteries. Over time, if left untreated carotid artery disease increases the risk for stroke.
Stroke Facts:
- 795,000 people suffer strokes in the United States every year.
- Every 40 seconds someone in the United States experiences a stroke.
- Every 4 minutes someone in the United States dies from stroke.
- Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability.
- Stroke kills two times more women than breast cancer annually.
- 80% of strokes are preventable with early detection.
Ultrasound screenings can assess blood flow in the carotid arteries, measure the speed of the blood flow and estimate the diameter of a blood vessel and degree of obstruction, if present.
2 Thyroid Screening
The thyroid is in front of the neck just above the collar bone and is shaped like a butterfly. Thyroid hormones act throughout the body, influencing metabolism, growth and development, and body temperature. More than half of Americans with overactive or underactive thyroid glands remain undiagnosed.
An ultrasound of the thyroid may identify the presence of cysts, nodules, and enlargements.
3 Right & Left Kidney Screening
These organs process blood to sift out waste products and extra water. More than 37 million people are estimated to have chronic kidney disease.
An ultrasound of the kidneys may identify the presence of cysts, masses, enlargements, and some forms of calcifications (stones).
4 Spleen Screening
We recommended a spleen ultrasound to examine various conditions, including those that may have non-specific indications, such as abdominal injuries, trauma, or abnormal abdominal bloating.
An ultrasound screening of the spleen may identify the presence of calcifications, cysts, nodules, and enlargements.
5 Abdominal Aorta Screening
The abdominal aorta is the main artery that runs off the heart and supplies oxygenated blood to the entire body. Over time, artery walls may become weak and widen. The pressure of the blood pumping through the aorta may cause this weak area to bulge outward like a balloon and rupture.
If an aneurysm were to form, typically there are no noticeable warning signs until the point of rupture. AAA are oftentimes referred to as “Silent Killers”.
An ultrasound of the abdominal aorta may identify the presence of an aneurysm.
6 Liver Screening
The liver is in the upper right-hand portion of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm, and on top of the stomach, right kidney, and intestines. The liver is shaped like a cone and weighs about 3 pounds. This organ aids in digestion and removes waste products and worn-out cells from the blood.
An ultrasound screening of the liver may identify the presence of cysts, masses and or enlargements.
7 Gallbladder Screening
This organ aids in the digestive process and stores waste produced in the liver. Approximately 10-15% of the adult population has gallstones with approximately 1 million cases presenting each year. Gallstones are the most common gastrointestinal disorder in the United States that require hospitalization.
An ultrasound screening may identify the presence of some forms of calcifications (stones).
- FAQ Get answers
- Preventive Life Increase your lifespan
- Imaging What to know before your scan
- Pricing How much is it
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What if my results are not normal once received?
We advise all patients to share their results with their PCP whether they are normal or abnormal for any additional follow-up or diagnostic testing. Keeping your PCP informed is what we encourage our patients to do since your PCP manages your overall healthcare.
2 Are you affiliated with any hospitals?
No, we are a privately owned company. Our technicians are thoroughly trained on the protocols written by our radiologist team. We have an excellent team of board-certified radiologists, licensed in Texas who do all the patient interpretations.
3 Do you share my results with anyone?
We do not share patient information with anyone, but you. It is the responsibility of our patients to share this with his/her PCP or specialist post screening.
4 What kind of equipment do you use?
We use state-of-the-art ultrasound technology. After extensive research and demos, the machines we use are considered the best in the industry. We continue to upgrade our equipment when new technology is introduced. All machines are purchased new and have full warranties for any updates/modifications/repairs.
5 Will the technician provide me with my results?
No, the technician will perform your screening, take the necessary images (pictures) and provide the images taken to the radiologist assigned to doing the interpretation. Our technicians are very skilled in their field, but they are not radiologists, therefore they cannot offer medical opinions.
6 How long does it take to get my results?
Results are sent via email or United States Post Office within 30 days of your screening.
7 I would like to bring this opportunity to my place of business, school district, church, group. How would I arrange this and how many people do you need to have scheduled to come onsite?
Please contact the office and we will check our availability and coordinate a date that works best for you. Since we are a local company, we come to you making this a convenient and affordable opportunity. We can screen small groups of 20 people or larger groups over several scheduled days.
8 Do I get screened in an RV or a bus like the Houston Blood Bank?
No, we come in and set up like a “mini” clinic in a room that is at least 900-1000 square foot in size. Depending on the venue, we have used Parish Halls, CCE Rooms, School Classrooms, Community Rooms, Conference Rooms and or Training Rooms. There are 9-foot curtains used for privacy between patient scanning areas.
Preventive Life
1 What is the purpose of preventive services?
To Help people get recommended preventive health care services. Preventive care can drastically increase your lifespan. Getting preventive care reduces the risk for diseases, disabilities, and death — yet millions of people in the United States don’t get recommended preventive health care services.
2 Why does preventive care matter?
Prevention is better than cure. Preventive care can help you stay healthier and, as a result, lower your health care costs.
3 What is Preventive Life Imaging?
Imaging: An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses high-frequencies sound waves to look inside your body through your body tissue. Our innovative technology records the echoes, turning them into video, or photographic images of the internal structures of the body.
Imaging
1 What is the difference between a screening and a diagnostic exam done in a hospital or Outpatient facility?
A screening is done to detect potential disease indicators whereas a diagnostic exam is done to establish the presence or absence of a disease. Our screenings are not full workups and are self-paid by the patient. Diagnostic exams are much more costly, typically involve the insurance company paying their portion and are used to establish a diagnosis.
2 Who reads my images and produces my results?
One of our board-certified radiologist’s will review all images taken the day you are screened and provide a simple, one-page report that can easily be understood.
3 What is ultrasound and does it hurt?
An ultrasound is imaging that uses sound waves to create a picture of organs, tissues, and other structures inside the body. Our screenings are all painless, non-invasive, and contain no radiation.
4 I am diabetic, on insulin and cannot fast for 5-hours.
Our insulin dependent patients should call the office for specific dietary instructions. We typically try to schedule these patients first thing in the morning.
5 Do I need to disrobe?
No, our vascular and abdominal ultrasound screenings can be performed without the need to change into a gown.
6 How long does it take to do the full screening package?
We ask you to allocate 30 minutes for the complete screening package.
7 What areas of the body do you screen and what abnormalities could be identified?
We screen the carotid arteries in the neck, the thyroid, abdominal aorta, liver, spleen, gallbladder and both kidneys. Possible abnormalities that could be found at a preventative screening like this are blockages, aortic aneurysms, cysts, nodules, enlargements, kidney stones, gallstones, or fluid build-up.
8 How do I prepare for my screening?
We ask patients to fast for 5 hours. This is your time in between meals. The fasting is very important so we can obtain the best images for interpretation. Unlimited amounts of water may be consumed and medications, vitamins, supplements may be taken as normal. Patients are asked to wear a comfortable, loose fitting, two-piece outfit to the screening. No dresses, overalls, or neck ties please. Patients receive a detailed summary of screening preparations and a confirmation call, text or email a day or two before they are scheduled to screen.
Pricing FAQs
1 Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept private insurance because insurance will not pay for these “preventive” screenings. Prevention is very limited on most insurance plans. Patients must first complain of symptoms before their doctor can order diagnostic testing. With our preventive screenings patients can screen several areas of the body for a fraction of the cost. We do not have the overhead of a hospital, so we are able to pass the savings on to you. We provide the prescription to screen when your appointment is scheduled, so you do not need to obtain one from your PCP.
If an abnormality is discovered and additional “diagnostic” testing is recommended by our radiologist team or your PCP, then your insurance company will pay their portion of any additional diagnostic testing. Patients who participate in a Flex Spending/Health Savings Account Benefit may use these benefits to pay for their screenings. We do accept both FSA and HSA cards.
2 How do I pay for my screening?
We accept cash, checks, all major credit/debit cards, as well as FSA and HSA cards as the methods of payment. Payment is collected the day of service.
3 Do You Charge Any Additional Fees?
We offer a Full Preventive Screening Package (all 8 areas scanned) for $170.00, or patients may choose individual areas of the body to be screened for $60.00 each. (Individual areas include the carotid arteries, thyroid, abdominal aorta, liver, spleen, gallbladder, and/or kidneys). Patients receive a one-page, (laymen’s terms) copy of their results within 30 days of the screening for the $170.00 full package price. If you would like an electronic zipped file of all the images taken the cost is $30.00 for the file. This would be sent with your results via email after the radiologist has reviewed your images and completed the paperwork. This can be paid for at the time of the screening or ordered later. Many patients download this file for their personal medical records.
Many Houston hospitals and diagnostic imaging facilities have two separate fees for medical imaging services. One fee is for the facility and another fee is for the contracted radiologist who interprets your results. We have no additional charges or hidden fees for our preventive medical imaging services.
Why Preventive Life
Preventive Care (EMI) Elite Medical Imaging offers on-site health checks and ultrasounds that may help find silent health problems BEFORE they can affect your well-being. We offer state-of-the-art, innovative ultrasound technology with the convenience of locally available health check events.
Our team consists of expertly certified health technicians, board-certified physician-reviewed checkups which are economical and non-invasive.
Most importantly, our ultrasound check ups allow patients to find out and significantly reduce their risk of potentially facing critical and expensive medical situations. Early discovery of possible medical conditions before symptoms appear can help receive better treatment and help have better overall health.
HAPPY CUSTOMERS
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We offer state of the art equipment and highly trained health professionals. Our health screening events are held at churches, school districts, businesses , government agencies and more.