How to Choose a Medical Imaging Center
Choosing a medical imaging center is an important decision for your health and your wallet. It is necessary to research all your options before selecting the center that best fits your needs.
Larger cities have an overwhelming number of centers and it can be daunting trying to figure out which provider accepts your insurance, which office treats you with professionalism, and which staff have the accreditation and experience to ensure the best care for you and your loved ones.
West Texas has fewer imaging centers to choose from but of high quality. Regardless of where you are, you do have options and we'll break down the major things you need to look for in a quality center.
Accreditation
One of the top criteria you should be checking on first is the accreditation of the facility you will be using. At NuChoice Imaging, we are accredited by the ACR, or American College of Radiology. You can find other accredited centers on their website as well. The ACR is seen as the top standard in medical imaging meaning that this accreditation stands for excellence. Proper accreditation holds staff and technology accountable as well as ensures excellent service to customers.
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, the American College of Radiology is one of the few organizations in the United States that are qualified to accredit facilities such as NuChoice Imaging. Any center should be happy to provide patients with information regarding their credentials.
Experienced Staff
You're in experienced and safe hands with us, but don't just take our word for it. Board-certified staff and a team of physicians have successfully worked with patients for over a decade. Fun fact, NuChoice's on-staff radiologist also works with the Dallas Cowboys as well.
Just because a facility is full of state-of-the-art technology doesn't mean that the healthcare workers are properly trained. If you're uncertain as to the experience level of the imaging center you'll be using, inquire at the front office. Your health is too important to leave in the hands of untrained professionals. We at NuChoice all have the proper training and certifications to provide you with experienced care.
Affordability
Even those that have a medical insurance plan have to take into account the bills that can add up during medical procedures. Each imaging center has different prices set for each type of imaging service, but on the whole, are more affordable than hospital imaging services.
Choosing a non-hospital imaging center keeps your overall costs down, with no surprise bills or collection notices in your mailbox weeks later. For example, the average cost of an MRI at a hospital is $1000 in Texas while at NuChoice, the cost is $650. Your health is important and we consider that when setting our rates for our services.
Advanced Equipment and Technology
When you get your doctor's order for an MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or ultrasound imaging service, make sure that you book an appointment with an imaging center that has high-quality technology and equipment. If the machinery isn't up to par with hospital-grade technology, your images won't turn out with clarity and accuracy. This could result in more time spent in the doctor’s office and fewer answers for your dollar.
At NuChoice, we use the GE Signa Excite 1.5 Tesla , the Siemens digital x-ray machine, Hitachi Supria True 64, and Hitachi Noblus equipment. Our accredited facility ensures that your images give your physicians quality feedback on your health so you can have a solution.
Office Environment and Customer Service
It isn't unusual for medical procedures to cause anxiety in some patients. It can be intimidating going into a sterile doctor's office. Your first clue as to the imaging center environment is the customer service, usually with a phone call when you're first scheduling your appointment. How does the staff speak to you? Are your important questions brushed off with haste or are you given answers that make sense and are courteous?
Our office staff does its best to ensure that patients are seen as people and not dollar signs in the account books. One way to beat anxiety associated with doctors' visits is to have a good understanding of the procedure and what to expect during the visit.
When you arrive at NuChoice Imaging, you will find minimal wait and a nearly empty waiting room as we never double book a time slot. We want you to be able to come in for your appointment without structuring the entire day around it.
Contact Us Today
NuChoice Imaging
2106 Midland Dr Ste. 101, Midland, TX 79707
432-535-9729
Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM