Thermographic Imaging

Thermography Intake Form - PDF Format

Thermography is a painless, non invasive, state of the art clinical test without any exposure to radiation and is used as part of an early detection program which gives women of all ages the opportunity to increase their chances of detecting breast disease at an early stage. It is particularly useful for women under 50 where mammography is less effective.

Thermography's role in breast cancer and other breast disorders is one of early detection and monitoring of abnormal physiology and the establishment of risk factors for the development or existence of cancer. When used adjunctively with other laboratory and outcome assessment tools, the best possible evaluation of breast health is made. This fifteen-minute non invasive test is a valuable adjunctive tool for alerting gynecologists and primary care physicians to the possibility of underlying breast disease. This test is designed to improve chances for detection of fast-growing, active tumors in the intervals between mammographic screenings or when mammography is not indicated by screening guidelines for women under 50 years of age.

Thermograms - as a Breast Exam

• Offers the opportunity of earlier detection of breast disease than has been possible with breast self examination, physician palpation, or mammography alone.

• Is a non invasive test. This means that there is no contact with the body of any kind, no radiation and the procedure is painless.

• Is performed using sophisticated medical infra-red cameras, a clinician simply captures infra-red images, or "thermograms" of the breasts. The digitized images are stored on a computer and can be sent electronically to a central data-base where a physician, such as a Radiologist or Thermologist (thermal imaging specialist), can perform statistical analysis. Significant asymmetries of the breast can indicate a physiological abnormality. This may be pathological (a disease) or it might indicate an anatomical variant. When a Thermogram is positive, the job of differential diagnosis begins. Reports are color printed and sent to the patient's physician / specialist.

• Detects the subtle physiologic changes that accompany breast pathology, whether it is cancer, fibrocystic disease, an infection or a vascular disease, then the physician can plan accordingly and lay out a careful clinical program to further diagnose and or MONITOR the patient until other standard testing becomes positive, thus allowing for the earliest possible treatment. If a suspicious (positive) thermographic breast examination is performed, the appropriate follow-up diagnostic and clinical testing can be ordered. This would include mammography and other imaging tests, clinical laboratory procedures, and nutritional and lifestyle evaluation. All patient's thermograms (breast images) are kept on record and form a baseline for all future routine evaluations.

• Is a very sensitive and objective physiological test of abnormalities in the breast and as such is an extremely valuable and important adjunctive test with regard to early detection of breast disease.

• In 1982 Thermography was approved by the FDA for use as an adjunctive breast cancer screening procedure.

Our center's fee for a Thermographic breast scan is $295.00, which includes imaging, a written report, and a copy of the report sent to your doctor if needed. (This fee does not include a follow up visit to discuss your findings and treatment options.) The test will be interpreted by Janet Greene, MD.

Will my insurance cover the test?

This all depends on your individual insurance coverage. Some companies cover the procedure while others do not. Our policy is to receive payment at the time of service while providing you with all of the paperwork necessary for you to submit the bill to your insurance company for reimbursement.