Don't Let an MRI Scare You!

At Capital Imaging, we understand that an MRI can seem a bit scary! That's why we offer the Capital Regions best, free standing Open MRI! Now there's no need to feel claustrophobic and nervous! At Capital Imaging, it's Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice and we thank you for choosing us!

MRI Questions

CIA has had quite a few questions about MRI since our new billboards went up. Questions like,

What is MRI?

Is there any radiation concerns with MRI?

How safe is MRI for me and my family?

In light of these and many other questions, we thought we would post a little about MRI and a link to Wikipedia for more information.

What does MRI do?

MRI provides good contrast between the different soft tissues of the body, which make it especially useful in imaging the brain, muscles, theheart, and cancers compared with other medical imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or X-rays. Unlike CT scans or traditional X-rays, MRI uses no ionizing radiation.

Learn more about MRI:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_resonance_imaging

At Capital Imaging, we offer 1.5 tesla Open MRI...The best images and the fastest scans!

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Open MRI for Everyone!

At Capital Imaging, we believe in Open MRI for everyone! Our 1.5 Tesla Open MRI is the strongest, most powerful Open MRI available! What that means for you is the BEST images and the FASTEST scans. So you get in, you get out and get on with your day!

You do have a choice when it comes to your imaging needs and we thank you for choosing Capital Imaging Associates! At Capital Imaging, it's Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice!

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What to Know Before Your Exam

CT SCANS
You may take medications prior to exam with a small amount of water

See below for specific exam preps:

• HEAD - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• SINUS - No restrictions
• DENTAL IMPLANT STUDIES - No restrictions

You will not have to undress for the above CT exams.

• NECK - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• CHEST -no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• ABDOMEN - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• PELVIS - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• SPINE - no restrictions
• EXTREMITIES (arms/legs) - No restrictions

If you wear clothing with no buttons, snaps or zippers, you will not have to undress for your exam

BONE DENSITOMETRY (DXA)
Must be done more than 5 days after other imaging exams using contrast - ie: CT scans, nuclear medicine tests, barium studies.

If you wear clothing with no buttons, snaps or zippers, you will not have to undress for your exam.

GENERAL RADIOGRAPHY
No restrictions prior to plain x-ray exams

UGI/SMALL BOWEL EXAMS - Nothing by mouth 12 hrs. prior to exam (essential medications may be taken with a small amount of water a minimum of 2 hours prior to exam)

If you wear clothing with no buttons, snaps or zippers, you will not have to undress for your exam.

We understand that you might feel a bit apprehensive before coming in for your procedure at Capital Imaging and we want to put your fears to rest. Below you will find our guide to the do's and donts before your exam. At Capital Imaging, we strive to make your visit with us as most stress free as possible. Our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

At Capital Imaging, It's Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice!

MAMMOGRAPHY
Do not use deodorants, dusting powders or perfumes on the day of your exam. Many patients find it more comfortable to refrain from caffeine products for 3 days prior to a mammogram.

CT SCANS
You may take medications prior to exam with a small amount of water

See below for specific exam preps:

• HEAD - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• SINUS - No restrictions
• DENTAL IMPLANT STUDIES - No restrictions

You will not have to undress for the above CT exams.

• NECK - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• CHEST -no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• ABDOMEN - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• PELVIS - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• SPINE - no restrictions
• EXTREMITIES (arms/legs) - No restrictions

If you wear clothing with no buttons, snaps or zippers, you will not have to undress for your exam

BONE DENSITOMETRY (DXA)

Must be done more than 5 days after other imaging exams using contrast - ie: CT scans, nuclear medicine tests, barium studies.

If you wear clothing with no buttons, snaps or zippers, you will not have to undress for your exam.

GENERAL RADIOGRAPHY
No restrictions prior to plain x-ray exams

UGI/SMALL BOWEL EXAMS - Nothing by mouth 12 hrs. prior to exam (essential medications may be taken with a small amount of water a minimum of 2 hours prior to exam)

If you wear clothing with no buttons, snaps or zippers, you will not have to undress for your exam.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI/MRA)

You may take medications prior to exam with a small amount of water
See below for specific exam preps:

• MRCP - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs. prior to your scan
• ABDOMEN MRI - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• ALL OTHER MRI/MRA EXAMS - No restrictions

If you wear clothing with no metal, you will not have to undress for your exam.


ULTRASONOGRAPHY (US)
You may take medications prior to your exam with a small amount of water.
See below for specific exam preps:

ABDOMEN, GALLBLADDER or LIVER
No eating or drinking for 6 hours prior to your exam

PELVIS or BLADDER
Arrive with a full urinary bladder (drink 4 – 12oz. glasses of fluid 1 hour prior
to your exam time – do not urinate)

CAROTID, EXTREMITIES (ARMS/LEGS), THYROID, PROSTATE, BREAST,
TESTICULAR, AORTA or Renal (KIDNEY)
No restrictions

We will be happy to discuss any specific questions or concerns you may have. CONTACT US (518) 785-7373 .

Grey's Anatomy Tweets.....Thoughts

Did you see the Grey's Anatomy episode where they were tweeting while doing surgery? What are your thoughts on this? Would you want your doctor to be tweeting while working on you, lol? Even if they kept it general and named no names, is it still a violation? We would love to hear your thoughts on this, both pro or against.

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What is a High Field Open MRI?

Q: What is a High Field Open MRI and is it better than other Opens?

A: All MRI machines use a strong magnetic field. Simply put... the stronger the magnetic field the better the pictures and the faster the exam time. Currently, all Open MRI machines use a magnetic field of 1 Tesla or less, most often much less. Capital Imaging Associates' ESPREE(TM) Open MRI uses a 1.5 Tesla magnetic field, it has a larger opening than any other Open MRI unit and is capable of imaging patients up to 550 lbs. Unique to the industry, this MRI unit also allows us to perform high quality Breast MRI in an open machine, a major Technological advancement in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

We at Capital Imaging remind you that it's Your Body - Your Health - Your Choice!
Visit us today to learn more!
http://www.capimaging.com/

Join us on Facebook today!
http://www.facebook.com/CapitalImaging

Tweet with us!
http://twitter.com/capimaging

We Can Accommodate!

Capital Imaging CAN accommodate claustrophobic & overweight patients.

• Our 1.5 Tesla Open MRI has 3X the power of other open MRI systems
• Short length & spacious opening can comfortably accommodate patients up to 550lbs
• Most exams completed in 15 minutes
• Saturday appointments are available

At Capital Imaging Associates, we care for you! It's Your Body-Your Health-Your choice!
Contact us today 518-785-7373

MRI Q and A with Capital Imaging

Welcome to the first installment of MRI Q and A With Capital Imaging. In this series, you will receive information on the sort of questions that we and our technicians have to ask patients before they have an MRI. We hope that this information is useful to you and might alleviate any stress you may feel before experiencing an MRI of your own.

MRI Q and A with Capital Imaging:

We have 2 types of contraindications one is absolute contraindication which the patient can never have MRI other are contraindications in which further information is needed about the patients condition when these questions have been answered the patient may proceed with an MRI.

1. Does the patient have a cardiac pacemaker:

If the patient has a cardiac pacemaker they may not have an MRI.

For that matter, if the patient has known serous metal, meaning metal that is attracted to magnet in their body either on purpose or an accident, the patient may not have an MRI.


2. Does the patient have tattoos of any kind?

We also ask patients if they have tattoos. The reason for this is that many tattoo inks, especially in inks that were used some time ago, may have metal filings in the ink that may act adversely in the magnetic field. There have been reports that some tattoos, after being exposed to the magnetic field, have become raised and reddened. It has also been reported that usually the color red as more susceptible to this type of reaction. So be sure to be sure to let your technician know about any tattoos you may have before receiving an MRI.

We hope this first installment of MRI Q and A has been helpful to you. Have an MRI question that you would like answered? Contact us today! Capital Imaging....Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice!

Florida woman sees Virgin Mary in her MRI scan...thoughts?

Thoughts on iPads and Radiology Results

Interesting article about iPads and radiologists reading from them. Thoughts on readings from the iPad?

http://www.healthimaging.com/index.php?option=com_articles&view=article&id=25305:rsna-ipads-could-untether-radiologists-from-reading-room

Daily Dose of Funny

Got Turkey and Thanksgiving on the brain? We at Capital Imaging can see that! LOL!

We will be open certain hours of the holiday week coming up. Call us today to get the details! We Wish you a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving with family and friends! CIA is very thankful for you, our loyal clients. We could not do what we do without your support!

At Capital Imaging it's, Your Body-Your Health-Your choice!

Share With Us...CIA Wants to Know!

CIA wants to know, so take our poll....What's been the best thing about your imaging experience with Capital Imaging?

Was it our warm and inviting waiting room or our helpful and friendly staff? We would love to hear about your experience. At Capital Imaging, we take your health and privacy very seriously, all while striving to make your time with us warm and friendly. At Capital Imaging, it's Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice and we look forward to hearing from you today!

Have you Wordled?

Wordle anyone? This was a fun little project! Wishing you all a wonderful Monday afternoon!

Protecting Your Bones Is Vital!

No matter how old you are, you should protect your bones by eating well, exercising, and avoiding cigarettes. Learn more with Decade by Decade Guide to Protecting Your Bones.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/a-decade-by-decade-guide-to-protecting-your-bones-2389826/

And remember, at Capital Imaging....It's Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice!

Daily Dose of Funny!

Don't let this happen to you! Learn more today about our Espree High Field Open MRI
At Capital Imaging, it's Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice!

Imaging Then and Now!

(image, Library of Congress)

Thankfully, imaging has come a long way since these days and Capital Imaging Assoc. has been a part of the cutting edge technology and scientific advancements that have come in the years following this. Since 1985, when we became the first freestanding imaging office in Upstate New York, we have strived to meet medical and community standards for imaging quality. Nothing less would do.

Our focus is on people as individuals, and we take pride in our reputation for providing the most advanced imaging techniques in a setting that promotes the well being and comfort of our patients.

At Capital Imaging we believe, It's Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice! Contact us today for all your imaging needs!

Comprehensive Care at CIA

At Capital Imaging, we strive to offer our patients comprehensive care. For example, did you know that we offer free wireless in our waiting area? Whether you are seeing us in between meetings or you just need to download your email, you can do so while waiting for your appointment.

Your doctor can also request your records or log in and see your reports and images right on our web site; which means you can get your results quickly. This is just one of the aspects of the quality care we offer at CIA! You as a patient have the right to choose your physician. You have the same right to choose your imaging provider. We thank you for choosing Capital Imaging!

Capital Imaging...Your body-Your health-Your choice!
http://www.capimaging.com/

Find us on Facebook today!
http://www.facebook.com/CapitalImaging

Join us on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/capimaging

Since 1985

Don't rely on outdated technology for your imaging needs! Since 1985, Capital Imaging has brought the latest technological advances to the community and we continue to do so to this day! Capital Imaging...Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice!

http://www.capimaging.com/

Imaging Fun!

This may not be the best way to get the most important pictures of your life, lol! It would be fun to fool your friends and show at parties, but trust the professionals at Capital Imaging for your important imaging needs!

The Capital Region's First Freestanding Imaging Facility

Did you know that in 1985, Capital Imaging Associates became the first freestanding imaging office in Upstate New York and has been instrumental in setting the standard for quality diagnostic imaging.

We continue to bring the latest technological advances to the community, and our board-certified staff of radiologists and technologists has been carefully screened for academic excellence and exemplary interpersonal skills.

Our focus is on people as individuals, and we take pride in our reputation for providing the most advanced imaging techniques in a setting that promotes the well being and comfort of our patients.

Capital Imaging-Your body, your health, your choice!
http://www.capimaging.com/