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Frequently Asked Questions
Is full body infrared scanning safe?
Absolutely! Infrared scanning (or thermography) uses no radiation, intravenous injections of contrast materials, or compression of the body. The procedure is painless, completely safe, and FDA approved as an adjunctive imaging procedure.
What makes HealthScan infrared full body scanning different from the CT full body scans I’ve heard of?
First of all, infrared scanning uses no radiation, so the test is harmless to you. Patients who are anxious about closed spaces, as with the CT scanner, are also more comfortable with the open room imaging that is used with infrared scanning.
The greatest difference lies in the type of information you get from the two tests. For example, CT imaging looks into the body for tumors and blocked arteries in the heart. If no tumor or blocked arteries are found, does this mean you’re in good health? The majority of health problems that effect us, and decrease our life span, do not come in the form of tumors. Many of the health problems that slowly evolve and rob you of your quality of life cannot be detected by CT scanning. As one patient put it, “After having a CT full body scan, the doctor showed me that there were no tumors, that the arteries in my heart were pretty good, and that I was in good health. I was shocked! How could I be in good health when I have diabetes, hypothyroidism, chronic back pain, and I’m losing feeling in my feet? Infrared imaging helped my doctor to improve my treatment and get rid of my symptoms."
Infrared imaging examines the subtle neurochemical feedback signals from the body. This allows us to look at how the body is functioning. With this ability, HealthScan may be able to warn you years in advance of symptoms that one or more diseases may be forming. This information may give you the time you need to take action to stop the process or head off the possibility of significant damage to the body. HealthScan infrared full body scanning offers patients a test that may give an early warning of some of the most common types of illnesses that ruin your quality of life.
Do I need a referral from my health care provider?
Many health care providers make full body infrared scans part of their patients’ routine yearly physicals. However, you do not need a referral and may schedule a full body scan directly with our center.
I’ve heard about something that is similar to HealthScan, but it doesn’t use an infrared imaging camera. What’s the difference?
We have seen many different types of devices marketed to the public as “thermography”. Some are useful for simple surface temperature measurement and some are potentially harmful. When thermal imaging is used for clinical purposes, there are standards that must be met in the equipment used. There are also protocols that must be followed before and during the imaging. Our computerized imaging system is specifically designed for human analysis and exceeds the standards necessary for clinical use. Our staff is highly trained and credentialed to take and interpret your images.
Please be careful when choosing an imaging center. If you are not sure, inquire about the credentials of the person performing your test and the doctor who is interpreting the data.
Is infrared full body scanning costly?
The fee for a full body scan is $345.00 ($495.00 if breast imaging is included). This includes completion of a thorough health history, consultation, imaging, a limited physical examination if indicated, and a written report. We will also provide copies of your report to any of your health care providers.
Is HealthScan covered by insurance?
Some insurance providers cover infrared imaging and some don’t. This all depends on your individual policy. Our center will provide you with a completed form ready for you to submit to your carrier.
Is there any special training necessary to take and interpret HealthScan infrared images?
This is good question. With CT full body scans your images are taken by certified technicians and read by board certified radiologists. Infrared full body scanning is no different. Interpretation of the images should only be made by health care providers who are licensed to diagnose and hold credentials as board certified clinical thermologists. Individuals wishing to perform infrared full body scanning in their office – with the images sent out for interpretation – should be certified as clincial thermographic technicians. Click here for information on our staff.
I have heard that there are different types of thermography, some better than others, is this true?
There are always new health care technologies on the horizon, many turn out be helpful while some are detrimental. We are always watching for ways to improve patient care through this technology. Unfortunately, there are emerging thermal imaging procedures that cause concern amongst professionals in this field. Some of these "new" types of thermography are just a renaming of what we currently do, or worse, resurrections of limited outdated technology. A few new thermal imaging technologies cause us concern due to their aggressive marketing of unproven procedures and, in some instances, omitting important surface areas of the body from the images. Yes, there are different types of thermal imaging equipment, some fall under the category of accepted medical grade systems while others are very substandard and not acceptable for human uses. Please be careful regarding these "new" thermal imaging procedures. Very large-scale studies will be necessary to change the proven and accepted standardized procedures that clinical thermologists currently use.
What other centers perform full body infrared imaging?
Because of the special training, technical expertise, and unique clinical environmental needs necessary to perform infrared scanning, many centers do not have this technology as of yet. Currently, independent infrared imaging labs are the most common place to find this technology.
Can you provide my organization with a speaker?
Yes, we certainly can. Simply contact us with a description of your organization (university, women's group, service club, etc.), and its location, and we would be glad to reply. Since we are frequently asked to speak on this important issue, please give us ample notice before the lecture in order for us to provide a speaker for you.
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