WHAT IS THERMAL IMAGING?
WHAT IS THERMAL IMAGING USED FOR?
IS THERMAL IMAGING COVERED BY INSURANCE?
WHAT PARTS OF THE BODY CAN BE SCANNED?
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO PREPARE FOR A THERMAL SCAN?
WHO SHOULD INTERPRET MY SCANS AND WRITE THE REPORT?
WHAT CERTIFICATION SHOULD A THERMOGRAPHER HAVE TO PERFORM THIS EXAM?
WHAT IS THERMAL IMAGING?
Digital Infrared thermal imaging, or DITI, is a totally non-invasive, painless procedure with no radiation and no contact with the body. DITI is a clinical imaging technique that records the thermal patterns of your body. Your thermal images are used by your healthcare practitioner to help diagnose and monitor pain or pathology in any part of your body.
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WHAT IS THERMAL IMAGING USED FOR?
To help in determining the cause of pain.
* To aid in the early detection of disease and pathology
* To evaluate sensory-nerve irritation or significant soft-tissue injury
* To define a previously diagnosed injury or condition
* To identify an abnormal area for further diagnostic testing
* To follow progress of healing and rehabilitation.
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IS THERMAL IMAGING COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Some insurance carriers cover thermal imaging. Please check with your individual carrier.
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WHAT PARTS OF THE BODY CAN BE SCANNED?
Thermal images are taken of the whole body, or individual regions including breast, head, arm, leg, torso, etc. A lumbar assessment would typically include, low back, pelvis, and legs. A cervical assessment would typically include, head and neck, upper trunk, and arms.
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WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO PREPARE FOR A THERMAL SCAN?
Thermography is a temperature gradient study. To achieve optimal scans, we do not want to create or block the natural heat of the body.
Please fill out your patient forms prior to your appointment. Please contact our office information on the specific forms you need to fill out. You can also fill out the forms in our office, as needed.
Do inform our office if you are now pregnant or have been in the last three months, are lactating, or have had surgery or biopsies in the last three months. Thermography may not be appropriate for you at this time.
General instructions:
No powder, lotion, or deodorant on the area to be scanned.
No smoking for a minimum of 2 hours before the test.
No excessive hot or cold drinks prior to the test.
Please do not take nutritional supplements containing large doses of niacin on your scan day.
No vigorous exercise 2 hours prior to the test.
No massage, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture or physical therapy the day of the scan. It is preferable to refrain from these treatments the day before a full body scan also.
Avoid strong sunlight the day of the scan. Refrain from tanning booths and sunbathing for several days prior to the scan date, especially on the area being scanned.
Long hair should be worn up. Hair accessories will be provided.
Please wear loose fitting clothing if possible. Please fill out your patient forms prior to your appointment. Please contact our office for the required forms.
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WHO SHOULD INTERPRET MY SCANS AND WRITE THE REPORT?
All thermography interpretations should be reported by adequately trained and experienced doctors who hold board certification as Thermologists.
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WHAT CERTIFICATION SHOULD A THERMOGRAPHER HAVE TO PERFORM THIS EXAM?
Thermographers should hold certification from a professional body with approved code of ethics and practice protocols that include quality control guidelines. All reports should be reviewed with the patient by a Licensed Healthcare Practitioner.
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