Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions after reading below? We are here to help. Please view our contact page for our contact information!
Thermography Questions
Thermography is a radiation-free, easy, safe, and non-invasive way to detect, evaluate, and monitor a large number of injuries and conditions. Click here to learn more.
Thermography is extremely safe. There is no compression, no radiation, and is as easy as having your picture taken! The camera does not emit anything; instead, it measures the heat that YOU emit.
Thermography is FDA approved as an adjunctive screening to mammography. Our equipment is an FDA 510(k) cleared medical device specifically designed and built for medical and clinical uses.
There are hundreds and hundreds of studies that show the effectiveness of thermograms. A few studies conducted after the technology came out showed abnormalities that mammograms did not detect. These thermographic changes were only monitored for 5 years and then they were classified as false positives and the study ended. However, in recall studies, the women with abnormal thermograms went on to develop cancers in the exact areas of their thermographic abnormalities. These studies did NOT prove the ineffectiveness of thermography, but instead they proved the extreme effectiveness of thermography to show the physiologic changes that precede cancer development! Unfortunately, insurance companies decided to not cover thermography based on the original 5-year study. This has led to thermography falling ‘under the radar.’
All women will have their scan performed by a female ACCT trained thermography technician.
Thermologists are medical doctors that are trained and board certified to interpret thermograms by the American College of Clinical Thermology (ACCT). MEND Thermography contracts with a group of 40+ highly experienced thermologists through the interpretation service: Electronic Medical Interpretation (EMI).
The average turnaround time for reports is 2 to 3 days.
Thermograms can be performed whenever you feel it is necessary. The majority of clients will just have an annual scan (except in their first year). Yearly prevention scans (breast, half, or full body) are highly recommended. Your initial breast screen should always be followed-up at three months, and then just yearly thereafter. Those at high risk for breast disease may be recommended to have a scan every 3, 6, or 9 months. You can also have a scan anytime new a symptom arises or an acute issue develops! Some individuals use thermography as often as monthly, or bimonthly to monitor different conditions and/or evaluate the effectiveness of various therapies.
Please see our instructions here.
Yes, men are welcome to have thermograms; though it should be noted that the prostate and testes CANNOT be evaluated with thermography. All other areas can be imaged.
No. Unfortunately thermography is not sensitive enough to pick up early changes in the prostate or testes. It is not recommended to use thermography as a screening tool for the prostate or testes at this time. However, it is possible for physicians to recommend additional testing if specific findings are found in the lower abdominal/groin area.
No. The thickness of the skull and hair interferes with the ability to thermographically assess the brain.
Please see our instructions here.
Thermography scans are not recommended until after age 23 to ensure your bone plates are fully closed and your breast patterns are fully developed. We recommended yearly thermograms beginning by age 30.
A full body scan includes all images from a half body scan and includes upper and lower extremities, so will provide more information but it does have a higher pricepoint. A full body scan will be your best overall prevention scan – it may be worth getting at least one baseline full body scan and then continuing with half or full body scans as desired in the future. But really, you can’t choose wrong!
Each individual has a different thermographic pattern (‘thermal fingerprint’); therefore, It is very important to establish your baseline. Your first thermogram is considered your baseline. Cancer cells typically double after 90 days, so your 3-month follow-up looks for any thermal changes from your baseline that may indicate a developing breast disease. If you do not establish a baseline, we have no idea if your thermal pattern is normal or changing at the time of your first exam.
Yes! Thermography is great for individuals with implants. You can easily be scanned without any risk of rupturing the implants, and as a bonus, thermography may evaluate the integrity of your implants!
Thermography is safe during pregnancy and directly following; however, due to the change in hormones during pregnancy/breastfeeding, breast scans are likely to show changes. It is best to have a breast scan at least 3 months after stopping lactation/breast feeding. Other areas of the body CAN be scanned safely.
Due to trauma to tissues, it is recommended to wait at least 3 months after surgery. Following a biopsy, please wait 1 month.
Absolutely not. Anyone is welcome to have a thermogram at any time! We often see clients that are referred to us from different practitioners. Don’t have anyone to follow-up with after your thermogram? We can help connect with someone you based on your needs!
Ultrasounds Questions
The scan itself is exactly the same. A screening ultrasound just simply means you do not have a doctor’s order for the scan, these are most often done for prevention/early detection; whereas diagnostic is typically ordered from a doctor for a particular health concern.
Our office does not bill insurance. If you have an order for your scan from your physician (diagnostic exam), we can provide you with an itemized bill that you can use to seek reimbursement from your insurance. We cannot guarantee reimbursement. For screening exams (self-referred) we can only provide a general service receipt.
No. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures.
Yes, all reports are interpreted by board certified radiologists.
Reports are typically ready within 5-7 business days
Yes, we can provide a flash drive of images of your baby
Yes. You will need to sign a release form. After signed, we can electronically push images to doctor (if their system accepts it) or a flash drive of images can be sent for a fee.
Payment Questions
We disclose all costs on our website for scans. There are no surprise fees or additional charges. Please see each individual service page for updated pricing.
Unfortunately, insurance companies do not cover thermography at this time. We will provide you with a detailed receipt that can be submitted to your flex spending accounts or health savings accounts if you wish.
Our office does not bill insurance. If you have an order for your scan from your physician (diagnostic exam), we can provide you with an itemized bill that you can use to seek reimbursement from your insurance. We cannot guarantee reimbursement. For screening exams (self-referred) we can only provide a general service receipt.
No refunds are issued for services rendered, gift cards, products, or prepaid packages.
All cancellations require 48 hour notice. Late cancellations can incur fees up to 50% of the service cost; no shows can incur fees up to 100% of the cost of the service.
Ready to Schedule?