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.
Do I need to follow up with your doctor who reads the test?
No. After one of our physicians has reviewed the screenings, you would go to your own physician if further evaluation were suggested.
When will I get the screening results?
A preliminary report will be given to you by the Technologist at the time of the screening and a letter with recommendations from the reviewing physician will be sent to you in 10-14 days.
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. A Quality Assurance letter is also included for follow up with your physician and the individual who was screened.
What type of equipment is used?
Prevention Health Screenings utilizes "state of the art" Color Duplex Ultrasound technology and are the same as used in hospitals and clinics. Our portable ultrasound machines were purchased brand new in 2009 and 2010. These machines have the latest imaging software and are on the "cutting edge" of technology. The bone ultrasonometer is also "state of the art" and the only ultrasonic machine approved by the FDA for follow up of treatment for osteoporosis.
What are the Staff’s Credentials?
We our proud to offer a screening service that uses ARDMS registered technologists with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) the national credentialing body for ultrasound technologists. A board certified vascular surgeon from an ICAVL accredited laboratory reads each screening before mailing them back to you. We use screening protocols that were developed in vascular laboratories and hospitals to ensure accuracy and consistency in the vascular screening process.
I have a Doctor. Why do I need to have these types of screenings?
A physician cannot typically order an ultrasound evaluation on someone who has no symptoms. We are 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.
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 aneurysm have no symptoms what so ever. The mortality rate from a ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm approaches 90%. Peripheral arterial disease in the legs is closely linked to Heart Disease. Osteoporosis is a silent bone disease that can be detected, prevented and treated.
Why doesn’t my doctor simply order these types of tests 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. This is referred to being asymptomatic. Our goal is to identify individuals with significant disease through the screening process, before a problem occurs.
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. In 2003 we added the bone density screen and in 2004 we expanded to offer the pulmonary lung function screening. Then in 2008 we added the EKG heart rhythm screening for Atrial Fibrillation. In 2009 we added the screening for Thyroid abnormality. Then in 2010 we added the CIMT test.