WHAT IS THERMAL IMAGING?
WHAT IS THERMAL IMAGING USED FOR?
IS THERMAL IMAGING FDA APPROVED?
IS THERMAL IMAGING COVERED BY INSURANCE?
WHAT PARTS OF THE BODY CAN BE SCANNED?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GET A THERMAL SCAN TAKEN?
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 FDA APPROVED?
Yes. DITI was FDA approved in 1982.
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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 HAPPENS WHEN I GET A THERMAL SCAN TAKEN?
A thermal scan takes approximately 10- 45 minutes depending on which part of the body is being scanned. You will remove all jewelry and clothes from the part of the body being scanned (underwear can be left on) and will be given a cover-up to wear. During the scan, you will be asked to disrobe in the area being imaged.
While your skin is equalizing with the room temperature, you will be asked to fill-out appropriate paper work.
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WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO PREPARE FOR A THERMAL SCAN?
There are a few guidelines for preparing for a thermal scan:
- Do not have physical therapy, massage, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, or strenuous exercise on the same day of the scan prior to the exam.
- Do not smoke for 2 hours before the test
- Do not use lotions, deodorants, or powder on the areas to be scanned.
- Stay out of strong sunlight on the day of test
There are no dietary or medication restrictions on the day of your scan.
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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.
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