Affordable Imaging Center Near Me in Escondido, CA

Diagnostic imaging describes technology that doctors use to see inside your body to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Doctors may order an x-ray, for example, to treat a broken arm, or a mammogram to scan for breast cancer. Here are some of the most common diagnostic medical imaging tools that doctors use to care for their patients.

- Doppler ultrasound: A special type of ultrasound that looks at major blood vessels to evaluate blockages in blood vessels, plaque build-up, or detect any congenital defects.

- X-rays: This process uses ionizing radiation that travels by electromagnetic waves to produce an image.

- Mammograms: These x-ray pictures for the breast detect early signs of breast cancer.

- CT Scan: A mix of computer imaging and x-rays that create a more detailed picture of your tissues, bones, and organs.

- MRI: A machine that uses a computer along with radio waves and magnets to produce a detailed image without the use of ionizing radiation.

Health care marketplaces like Sesame make it easier than ever to speak to licensed doctors in Escondido, CA who can recommend and schedule the diagnostic imaging procedure that is right for you.

CT scans are a form of diagnostic imaging, a set of tools that allow doctors to see directly inside your body to better diagnose and treat conditions. Other common diagnostic imaging tools include:

• MRI: A machine that uses a computer along with radio waves and magnets to produce a detailed view inside the body, without exposing patients to any radiation exposure.

• X-rays: X-rays use ionizing radiation, which travels by electromagnetic waves, to produce images of structures inside the body.

• Mammograms: Mammograms take X-ray images of the breast to detect early signs of breast cancer.

• Ultrasound: Ultrasound technology allows for real-time sonograms (images) without the use of radiation.

• Doppler ultrasound: Special type of ultrasound that looks at major blood vessels to evaluate blockages in blood vessels, plaque build-up, or detect any congenital defects.

Your referring health care provider can help you make the right choice when it comes to medical imaging. Now, Sesame makes it easier than ever to book a visit with a radiologist today - no insurance needed.

There are two types of MRI scans, one with contrast and one without contrast. The main difference between an MRI with contrast and an MRI without contrast is that one is clearer than the other.

For MRIs with contrast, a type of dye is injected into the body prior to the scan. An MRI without contrast forgoes this injection. MRIs without contrast are preferred for patients for whom dye is not recommended, such as pregnant women and kidney-compromised patients. Your referring clinician will determine which type of MRI is appropriate for you.

In many cases, imaging in a hospital system can be up to 3x more expensive than at an outpatient facility or with an independent doctor.

That means imaging with independent facilities and doctors can often save you time and money.

Through insurance, you're subject to a co-pay, deductible, and any co-insurance required on imaging that is often more expensive. But at an independent facility, you can see clear costs upfront and often pay a much better price.

Even with insurance, it may still be better for you to pay cash, especially if you have a high deductible that you don't expect to hit this year. Imaging booked directly with an independent facility or doctor lets you bypass the insurance bureaucracy, mark-ups, and hidden fees - and pay one competitive price for your exam.