Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions visitors to this
our Web site may have. If you find that your question is not answered on
this page, please email us Healthscreens@comcast.net
or call us at 1-800-446-0925.
1. How long has Prevention Health Screenings been in business?
We started our screening service in 2001 after many of our
patients and their families wanted to know how they could have themselves
checked for vascular disease when they did not have any problems or symptoms.
2. Why doesn’t my doctor simply order a vascular study for me
to find out if I have disease?
Medicare and insurance companies will not pay for a screening
study when the patient has no signs or symptoms of disease. Our goal is
to identify individuals with significant disease through the screening
process, before a problem occurs.
3. Why should I have these tests done if I show no symptoms?
When the signs and symptoms of vascular disease do appear,
the disease is already in an advanced stage. Consider the following facts:
Stroke is the third leading killer in the United States and 2 of 3 people
who suffer a stroke have no symptoms prior to the stroke. The vast majority
of people who have an abdominal aortic a aneurysm have no symptoms what
so ever. The mortality rate from a ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm approaches
90%. Peripheral Vascular disease in the legs is closely linked to Heart
Disease. Osteoporosis is a silent bone disease that can be detected, prevented,
and treated.
4. I have a Doctor. Why do I need to have a Vascular Screening?
Prevention Health Screenings is not trying to replace your
Doctor in any way. We are simply trying to provide him/her with more
information that can help you avoid one of these diseases.
5. Where does Prevention Health Screenings set up these screens?
All screening are done at your location. Prevention Health
Screenings is completely mobile and only requires one or two tables and
chairs.
6. What are the Staff’s Credentials?
Our Vascular Ultrasound Technologists are Registered Vascular
Technologists with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
(ARDMS) the national credentialing body for ultrasound technologists. They
use protocols developed in vascular laboratories and hospitals to ensure
accuracy and consistency in the vascular screening process. All screens
are reviewed by board certified vascular surgeons with extensive experience
in vascular disease and diagnostic testing of vascular disease.
7. What type of equipment is used?
Prevention Health Screenings utilizes “state of the art” Color
Duplex Ultrasound Machines. These are the same type that are used
in hospitals and clinics. The bone densitometer is also “state of the art”
and the only ultrasonic machine approved by the FDA for follow up of treatment
for osteoporosis. Diagnostic tests of the same type and using the same
machines can range from $400 to $700 in the hospital.
8. What happens when a problem is identified?
All participants will receive a letter detailing the results
of the screening. When our reviewing physician determines there is an abnormal
finding, the individual will receive a review letter detailing the abnormalities.
This letter will also include recommendations for further follow up with
your own physician.
9. When will I get the screening results?
A preliminary report will be given to you by the Registered
Vascular Technologist at the time of the screening and a final review letter
with recommendations from the reviewing physician will be sent to you in
15 to 20 days.
10. Do I need to follow up the doctor reading the test?
No. After one of our physicians has reviewed the screenings,
you would go to your own physician if further evaluation is suggested.
11. Is Prevention Health Screenings insured?
Yes. All Prevention Health Screenings employees have professional
liability insurance and Prevention Health Screenings has general liability
insurance for each screening site.
12. Can Strokes be prevented?
Yes. People who lead healthy lifestyles can be less prone to
strokes and arterial disease. However, some people are predisposed to these
diseases because of their genetics. These people are at highest risk because
they will have little or no warning signs and may still be diseased.
13. Can Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm be prevented?
No. Unfortunately abdominal aneurysms are also highly hereditary
and should be detected before they can rupture.
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