What is the simple 1-2-3 process at Imaging & Interventional Specialists?
The process is very simple and discussed with you every step of the way:
- 1 Consultation Assessment Recommendations
- 2 Procedure - if needed
- 3 Aftercare – if needed
STEP ONE
CONSULTATION: What happens at my consultation?
At your consultation an Imaging & Interventional Specialist will meet with you and discuss what is concerning you. If you bring clinical information this will be reviewed. Recommendations will be made specific to your unique clinical situation which may include assessment involving imaging and/or labs if needed.
ASSESSMENT:
At your consultation, an Imaging & Interventional Specialist may suggest further assessment that could include in-office imaging, other imaging, and blood tests. This will be clearly explained and discussed with you. If you already have imaging, then we may simply proceed to the next step.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Here your Imaging & Interventional Specialist will analyze imaging and other results, communicate with other members of your care team, and discuss treatment options with you. All your questions will be answered.
Imaging & Interventional Specialists offer FDA-approved treatments (non-surgical alternatives).
Call us now or schedule an appointment to discuss your condition and your options.
STEP TWO
PROCEDURE (if needed):
What is Interventional radiology? What is image-guided medicine?
Interventional radiology (IR) is a branch of radiology that uses minimally-invasive, "pinhole", image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system. These are usually outpatient, same-day procedures done in a comfortable, familiar environment. Image-guided medicine is simply the use of images (often from X-rays, CT scans or ultrasound) to guide medical procedures.
Some common IR procedures include biopsies, angiograms/angioplasties, vertebroplasties (for compression fractures of the spine), and drainages. IR procedures are often done with tiny needle-like instruments that are inserted easily. They can be used to treat conditions that were once managed with more invasive surgery requiring hospitalization and a lengthy recovery.
Should I take my medications the morning of my "pinhole" procedure?
Yes. In general, you should take your medications as prescribed by your physician. The exception to this rule would be if your blood pressure is too low or if you are diabetic and your blood sugar is too low. If either of these conditions exist, please notify the staff so that we can make the necessary adjustments.
If you are taking blood thinners, you may be asked to stop them before the procedure.
Will I be put to sleep?
No. All of our outpatient procedures are done using local anesthesia, which numbs the area being treated. This means that you will be awake and comfortable during the procedure, but you will not feel any pain.
Will the procedure hurt?
No. You should not feel any pain during the procedure. Some procedures may cause some discomfort afterward, but this is usually minimal and can be controlled with over-the-counter medication. There will be no long hospital stay or long recovery!
How long will the procedure take?
Most procedures take less than 30 minutes. Some procedures may take longer, but this will be discussed with you beforehand.
What do I do after the procedure for recovery?
Recovery varies depending on your procedure but you will usually go home within an hour or two after having an in-office procedure. Usually with just a Band-aid! For some procedures, you will receive a prescription for medications.
STEP THREE
Aftercare
For all procedures we will follow up with you. And of course, you can call us with any questions. For some procedures, there will be multiple follow-ups.
