When it comes to cost, McRae Imaging is able to offer the same quality services at a much lower rate than many of the facilities now owned by large health networks. Our charges are often far less, which correlates to lower out of pocket expenses for our patients. Even when insurance provides coverage, a lower initial charge equates to lower coinsurance amounts for the patient (http://www.theimagingctr.com/).
Located conveniently at the center of four major interstates, MMI provides diagnostic x-ray procedures for inpatients, emergency patients and outpatients. With up-to-date technology, Technologists, Registered Nurse, and the expertise of a well-trained Radiologist, McRae Medical is committed to providing high quality healthcare expected by physicians and patients today (2011, p.2).
Our Diagnostics center focuses on women health and the elderly residing in our community. The purpose of this facility is to provide information and resources for both population, related specifically to disease prevention and early detection.
Comprehensive Radiology Services
Our Comprehensive services include an array of procedures that are geared towards the promotion of improving the quality of care for patients. MMI offers Women's Imaging Services, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT), Ultrasound and X-ray.
Women's Imaging Services
Diagnostic Mammography
Breast ultrasound
Breast MRI
Image guided biopsy
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Musculoskeletal and Body MRI
Breast MRI and Biopsy
Computed Tomography (CT)
Cardiac CT
Musculoskeletal and body CT
Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT)
Whole body scanning
Breast CA staging
Metabolic brain evaluation
Ultrasound
Abdomen (stomach)
Pelvis
Obstetrics (pregnancy)
Thyroid
Peripheral vascular
X-ray
Chest
Bone
Imaging Services
McRae Imaging offers services to patient through a well-diverse staff, knowledgeable and equipped to generate accurate results in a timely manner.
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. In a health care setting, a machines sends are individual x-ray particles, called photons. These particles pass through the body. A computer or special film is used to record the images that are created.
Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the x-ray particles, and will appear white. Metal and contrast media (special dye used to highlight areas of the body) will also appear white. Structures containing air will be black, and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003337.htm
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to look at organs and structures inside the body. Health care professionals use them to view the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, liver and other organs. During pregnancy, doctors use ultrasound tests to examine the fetus. Unlike x-rays, ultrasound does not involve exposure to radiation.
During an ultrasound test, a special technician or doctor moves a device called a transducer over part of your body. The transducer sends out sound waves, which bounce off the tissues inside your body. The transducer also captures the waves that bounce back. Images are created from these sound waves.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ultrasound.html
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet and radio waves to look at organs and structures inside your body. Health care professionals use MRI scans to diagnose a variety of conditions, from torn ligaments to tumors. MRIs are very useful for examining the brain and spinal cord.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mriscans.html
PET scan
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer) to look for disease in the body.
Unlike magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, which reveal the structure of and blood flow to and from organs, a PET scan shows how organs and tissues are working.
How the Test is Performed
The health care provider will inject a small amount of a radioactive material into one of your veins, usually on the inside of the elbow. The substance travels through the blood and collects in organs and tissues.
You'll be asked to wait nearby as the radioactive substance is absorbed by your body. This usually takes about 1 hour.
Then, you will lie down on a table that slides into a tunnel-shaped hole in the center of the PET scanner.
The PET machine detects energy given off by the radioactive substance and a computer changes the results into 3-dimensional pictures. The images are displayed on a monitor for the health care provider to read.
You must lie still during the PET scan so that the machine can produce clear images. How long the test takes depends on what part of the body is being scanned. Today, most PET scans are done with CT scanning.
How to Prepare for the Test
You must sign a consent form before having this test. You will be told not to eat anything for 4 - 6 hours before the PET scan, although you will be able to drink water.
Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Also tell your health care provider about any prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you are taking, because they may interfere with the test.
Be sure to mention if you have any allergies, or if you've had any recent imaging studies using injected dye (contrast).
During the test, you may need to wear a hospital gown. Take off any jewelry, dentures, and other metal objects because they could affect the scan results.
How the Test Will Feel
You will feel a sharp prick when the needle with the radioactive substance is inserted into your vein. You shouldn't feel anything during the actual PET scan.
Why the Test is Performed
A PET scan can reveal the size, shape, position, and some function of organs.
This test can be used to:
Check brain function
Diagnose cancer, heart problems, and brain disorders
See how far cancer has spread
Show areas in which there is poor blood flow to the heart
Several PET scans may be taken over time to determine how well you are responding to treatment for cancer or another illness.
URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003827.htm
Normal Results
There are no problems detected in the size, shape, or position of an organ. There are no areas in which the radiotracer has abnormally collected.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal heart function
Abnormal size, shape, or position of an organ
Alzheimer's disease
Cancer or tumors
Change in organ function
Infection
Risks
The amount of radiation used in a PET scan is low. It is about the same amount of radiation as in most CT scans. Also, the radiation doesn't last for very long in your body.
However, women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding should let their doctor know before having this test. Infants and babies developing in the womb are more sensitive to the effects of radiation because their organs are still growing.
It is possible, although very unlikely, to have an allergic reaction to the radioactive substance. Some people have pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Considerations
It is possible to have false results on a PET scan. Blood sugar or insulin levels may affect the test results in people with diabetes.
Most PET scans are now performed along with a CT scan. This combination scan is called a PET/CT.
Alternative Names
Positron emission tomography
References
Beller GA, Kramer CM. Nuclear cardiology and computed tomography. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 54.
Ettinger DS. Lung cancer and other pulmonary neoplasms. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 201.
Hackney D. Radiologic imaging procedures. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 419.
Segerman D, Miles KA. Radionuclide imaging: general principles. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008: chap 7.
Update Date: 11/21/2010
Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, and Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, and University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003827.htm
Insurance Providers within Service Area
Humana
Aetna
Blue Cross
Cigna
Outpatient procedures Coverage
*** Private: The average cost for imaging services with insurance ranges from $200 to $1,000 a procedure.
***Public: i.e. Medicare (Capitated) average cost ranges from $500 or more.
*** Out-of-pocket: The average without insurance $500 to $1000 a procedure.
Inpatient Procedures Coverage
***Private: w/ insurance $1250 to $2000
***Public: Ranges from $900 or more
Non- surgical Treatment: $5,000-$15,000+ (w/o insurance)
Surgical Treatment: $50,000-$150,000+ (w/o insurance)
http://www.costhelper.com/cost/health/ct-scan.html
http://www.hhs.gov/asl/testify/t060718.html
Medicare Average Reimbursement Rates
X-ray………………………………………………………$29.30
Ultrasound………………………………………………... $15.52
Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT)…………….. $235
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)…………………… $70.11
Reimbursement Methods
Payment Plans: Hospitals and imaging centers often do not accept payment plans, but exceptions are often made in extreme financial hardship cases. So if the cost of an ultrasound puts you in a financially vulnerable position do not hesitate to ask for some type of payment plan.
Charity Care Qualifications: If your family income and assets are within 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, financial assistance may be provided. Imaging centers and hospitals often consider these on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the initial screening criteria the facility may need to review your federal income tax returns, current pay stubs, and/or denial of third party benefits.
Employees Group Benefit Program: If you are a participating employee in a Group Benefit Program at work, you and your employer can arrange to have the cost of your ultrasound paid for under the program by your employer's group insurance carrier on an "extra-contractual" basis. The terms vary from plan to plan, but group benefit programs invariably provide for such "extra-contractual" arrangements. The expense is tax-deductible to the employer so make sure you speak with your employer before you pay for your ultrasound.
Tax Credits: If you do end up having to pay for the cost of an ultrasound you may be eligible for a medical tax credit. Make sure you keep your paperwork and receipt and speak with an accountant. This may be very helpful for people who are retired and may save you hundreds of dollars in taxes.
Costs Reimbursement - Insured Customers
Most insurance companies, including Medicare, will reimburse the cost of getting an ultrasound. In most situations when an ultrasound is requested by a medical professional the procedure is automatically determined to be reimbursable dependent upon your particular insurance plan. It's important that you are familiar with your insurance prior to having any procedure, especially expensive procedures, performed to know if there are any special notifications or authorizations that need to be secured to ensure reimbursement. Make sure you notify the imaging doctor or technician of your concerns or pre-certification prior to any elective tests or procedures. If pre-certification is required by our insurance carrier and you do not get such pre-certification this may result in full denial of your insurance claim. Medicare and other insurance coverage policies are always changing so it is important that you contact Medicare (www.mericare.gov) or your insurance company to determine coverage prior to having any procedure performed.
Costs Reimbursement - Uninsured Customers
If you do not have insurance you may qualify for a discount if the discounted balance of the procedure cost is paid in full within 60 days of the procedure. Most facilities accept cash, cashier's checks, and Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards. Depending on your financial status and specific situation, a greater discount or charity may apply. In addition there may be other alternatives to working with the imaging centers for payment and/or procedure cost reimbursement.
Benefits
McRae Medical Imaging (MMI) goes all-out to provide the best and most cost effective benefit programs to our employees.
MIC strives to provide the best, most equitable and cost effective benefit programs to our employees. We recognize the influence these programs have on the financial and personal welfare of each employee.
As part of our ongoing effort to maintain high standards in our benefit programs, we are proud to offer a number of valuable benefits that can help protect your financial independence. After 30 continuous days from your date of hire, you are eligible for basic coverage consisting of:
Medical/Drug - CIGNA
Dental - MetLife
Vision - EyeMed
Basic Life Insurance - Prudential
You will become eligible for the remaining additional benefits on the first of the month after 90 continuous days.
Flexible Reimbursement Accounts
MMI offers a Flexible Reimbursement Account Plan designed to help you take home more of the pay you earn by allowing you to pay for certain medical expenses and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.
MetLife Retirement 401(a)/403(b)
MMI offers 401(a) and 403(b) retirement plans.
401(a): You will receive a discretionary guaranteed company contribution on a per pay period basis once you meet the eligibility requirement of one year of active employment and 1,000 hours of service. The contribution is based on a predetermined percentage of your compensation. You will also receive a match of your 403(b) contribution (50% up to 2% of compensation) into your 401(a) account. You will be 100% vested after you have completed three years of service and 1,000 or more hours each year.
403(b): Jupiter Medical Center also offers a voluntary tax deferred retirement plan. MetLife utilizes the mutual fund industry's expert analysis of Morningstar to determine the fund choices for each asset class. Furthermore, all loads are waived to purchase or sell these (top tier) funds. Finally, for those people wishing to have their funds invested automatically by investment professionals at a minimal effort and cost, there is the ProManage Program. ProManage will provide a personalized asset allocation portfolio for you taking into account your age, account balance and perhaps the present value of your anticipated Social Security benefit. ProManage will also rebalance your account periodically to maintain a well diversified investment portfolio.
403(b) ROTH: In addition to the traditional 403(b), JMC also offers a ROTH 403(b). These contributions are not tax deductible, but grow tax free. Our MetLife representative is onsite each week to help you.
Education Assistance
The Educational Assistance Program is an integral part of our employee development and continuous improvement efforts. Employees are eligible for educational assistance under this program if they are a regular, full-time employee and employed for a minimum of six months. Assistance covers tuition and books for approved courses on a reimbursement basis. The maximum reimbursement is $3,000 per year to not exceed $12,000 for the entire program. Educational Assistance forms are available through your Human Resources department and must be approved prior to starting the course/semester.
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offered through CIGNA Behavioral Health, helps employees and their families identify and resolve personal problems. The program includes unlimited telephonic consultations and three counseling sessions with a CIGNA-approved EAP counselor for each matter that cannot be resolved.
Family Medical Leave
FMLA requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid (concurrent with personal days off and major sick), job-protected leave to "eligible" employees for certain family and medical reasons. Employees are eligible if they have worked for a covered employer for at least one year and for 1,250 hours over the previous 12 months.
