Why should Imaging Specialists be your main squeeze?
First, because we don’t squeeze! Digital mammography done well is fast and painless. Secondly, our beautiful women’s imaging center offers same day appointments, same day results, onsite mammographers, private waiting areas, and better pricing—even for self pay. Our robes are warm and fuzzy too!
At Imaging Specialists we are committed to making a difference.
New mammography patient?
Please print and complete this Request for Prior Mammogram Films and forms and fax to us at (843) 881-7515. We will facilitate getting your prior mammography films.
Our Dedicated Women's Imaging Suite provides a private waiting area and state of the art access to:
Radiation 101 – How much radiation is too much?
April 26th, 2011
Airport scanners…Japan Scare…How much radiation is too much?
Radiation exposure is a hot topic in the news, one that Dr. Gene Phillips is keeping a close eye on. A board certified radiologist, he serves as a Radiation Safety Officer for Imaging Specialists. He states, “Radiation exposure is all over the news right now. The effects of radiation can be serious, so it is a good opportunity to educate everyone on this subject.”
Airport Scanners-The TSA disputes reports that levels are 10 times higher than they should be in airport scanners. What does this mean to the customers, especially frequent fliers? States Dr. Phillips, “The full body scanners are supposed to emit a small amount of radiation. If that amount is being disputed, it is worth further testing. For pilots, crew and frequent fliers this is worth paying close attention to.”
Japan-180,000 people have been asked to leave a 19 mile area on the east cost of Japan because of possible radiation exposure. What are the signs of radiation sickness? States Dr. Phillips, “The first signs they will look for are nausea and vomiting. It can get much worse from there, however.”
What about local medical tests? Imaging Specialists local group of radiologists has joined the national effort to reduce the amount of radiation patients receive during imaging tests. The Image Gently campaign is an effort to increase awareness and decrease the testing related radiation exposure. Says Dr. Phillips, “Nationally there is a push for ‘gentle imaging’, and we are in full support of this campaign. We want to ensure the safety and comfort of patients during imaging exams at the facility. ” Imaging Specialists is now utilizing breast and ocular shields during CT scans, which are placed over the chest and eye area to decrease radiation during the scan. Patients should request that chest shields be used during CT scans, as it reduces a significant amount of radiation exposure. Additionally, Imaging Specialists also offers an open 3T-MRI, one of the first in the country. MRI does not use ionizing radiation, diminishing the risk.
Norma’s Testimonial
November 22nd, 2010
Breast Cancer Awareness: Early Detection is the Key.
October 19th, 2010
The Women’s Imaging Center places a strong emphasis on diagnosing breast cancer early. We believe early detection using breast imaging is the single most powerful tool in fighting breast cancer.
With morning and evening mammography appointments available, we strive to make your experience comfortable and convenient.
Breast Cancer Fact vs. Fiction
October 10th, 2010
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month which is the perfect time for women to make breast health a priority. At Imaging Specialists, subspecialty trained radiologists perform mammograms, CT scans, MRIs and breast biopsies on lowcountry women on a daily basis. Women undergoing these tests usually have a lot of questions, and these physicians help to dispel breast cancer myths for concerned women. States Dr. Michael Garovich, “There is so much information out there from what test to undergo to breast cancer risk factors that it is easy to get confused. When women come to Imaging Specialists, we help them through the breast cancer screening process from beginning to end. Our goal is to relieve the patient’s anxiety while guiding them through the screening process.”
Below Imaging Specialist radiologists Michael Garovich, M.D., President and Jon Carmain, MD address breast cancer myths for lowcountry women. Interviews are available; please call Laurin Collar with HHK Healthcare Marketing.
Breast Cancer Fact vs. Fiction
Fiction: Implants increase a women’s breast cancer risk
States Dr. Carmain, “This is fiction. Surgical enhancement is not linked to breast cancer but women with breast implants may need a breast MRI or an ultrasound instead of a mammogram.”
Fact: Mammograms emit a very small amount of radiation
Imaging Specialists is the leader in digital mammography locally. States Dr. Garovich, “The amount of radiation emitted is minimal. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society it is about the same radiation that as a person would be exposed to flying from New York to California.”
Fiction: Deodorant increases breast cancer risk
This is a myth that many women have heard and pondered. So far there have been no studies published that link deodorant to breast cancer.
Fiction: Women must travel to different medical facilities to undergo varied phases of breast cancer screenings
Dr. Garovich states, “This is simply not true. Women should not have to jump in the car from one place to another. Breast cancer screening is stressful enough. They should demand a place that can perform diagnostic imaging from mammograms to breast biopsies under the same roof and expect same day results.”
Mammogram or Breast MRI
October 10th, 2010
The differences and facts women need to know
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a great reminder for women to make breast health a priority. In the past, mammograms have been the most widely used form of breast cancer detection, but now most physicians says Breast MRIs should be considered as a valuable addition to mammography. Dr. Jon Carmain of Imaging Specialists is a board certified diagnostic radiologist. He states, “Both Mammograms and Breast MRIs play an important role in breast cancer detection, but in some instances there is a clear difference between the two.”
Breast MRI vs. Mammogram
- Both Breast MRI and mammogram are both non invasive diagnostic screening tests uses for early detection
- Mammograms are less expensive and faster with more insurance coverage
- MRIs are more sensitive for the detection of invasive cancers
- Breast MRI should be the considered for women with personal history or family history of breast cancer
- In many cases, breast MRIs are used to evaluate abnormalities detected on Mammogram and ultrasound
- MRI’s can be used to examine the integrity of the breast implant
Imaging Specialists is a full service women’s imaging facility that provides mammograms, breast MRIs and breast biopsy on site with same day results.
