Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
How is the Patient Portal helpful?
Your Patient Portal speeds up the entire process and gives you greater control of your healthcare. It provides you with 24/7 access to your private personal account. You can request and schedule appointments, view your medical records and share findings with any person, doctors’ office and or hospital you desire. You are also able to access and complete forms online.
What do I need to bring in for my appointment?
If you have not already completed your forms on the patient portal, please bring the following when you come for your visit:
- Driver’s License/Photo ID
- Completed Forms (See Patient Forms Below)
- Physician’s Order (If not already faxed to us by your physician)
- List of Medications
- Any Special Instructions
What can I expect at my appointment?
At SYNC a friendly and caring person will greet you and, if needed, help you with your registration. Later a technologist will escort you to the imaging suite where he or she will explain the details of your exam and give you an opportunity to ask questions before performing the procedure. They will also be with you throughout your visit. Depending on your procedure, you may be required to change into scrubs.
Can I have the test performed at any radiology facility?
Yes! You are not obligated to go to a specific facility. Even though your doctor may recommend one, ultimately, you should feel comfortable with the facility and have trust in the medical personnel providing service
Do I need a doctor’s referral for all radiology examinations?
Most, but not all, imaging studies require a physician referral. Some Screening exams do not require a referral. Please inquire about the specific examination if needed. Patients are required to have a designated medical provider to receive the results and discuss them with you.
Do I need an appointment to have an x-ray?
No. We do not require or make appointments for routine x-rays. We perform x-rays during all business hours on a walk-in basis. However, if you have a referral for several x-rays, you may schedule an appointment.
Do I need an appointment to have a CT scan?
While SYNC Diagnostics prefers appointments for CT scans to optimize the patients experience, we do not require them.
Please be aware insurance companies typically require prior authorization to pay for CT scans. If you don’t have health insurance and/or plan on taking advantage our prompt pay cash prices, prior authorization is not required.
Also, patients with scheduled appointments will not have their appointment slots delayed for unscheduled patients, even if they arrive later than the walk-in customer.
Do I need an appointment to have an Ultrasound?
While SYNC Diagnostics prefers appointments for Ultrasounds to optimize the patients experience, we do not require them. Note; for Ultrasounds of the Abdomen and Pelvis, patients typically need preparation prior to the study and thus for those studies we typically prefer appointments.
Please be aware your insurance company might require prior authorization to pay for the ultrasound, especially if it’s a Vascular Doppler Ultrasound. If you don’t have health insurance and or plan on taking advantage our prompt pay cash prices, prior authorization is not required.
Also, patients with scheduled appointments will not have their appointment slots delayed for unscheduled patients even if they arrive later than the walk-in customer.
Why does SYNC encourage Price Transparency?
Think about going shopping at the supermarket without knowing the prices of the items you desired! That makes no sense, but why then do we allow it for healthcare.
We believe Americans deserve the right to know their healthcare costs. For too long, people have been in the dark about their healthcare costs until they receive a bill. Price transparency empowers consumers to compare prices allowing them to make smart informed decisions.
How does SYNC have Price Transparency?
SYNC Diagnostic shares prices for all testing up-front with patients, with no hidden fees or administrative charges. Patient and physician inquiries are welcome. SYNC is committed to helping physicians and their patients get the testing needed while making smart financial decisions about their healthcare.
Does SYNC accept cash payments?
Yes. See our prompt pay cash prices where we can offer you affordable, competitive prices available.
Does SYNC accept credit card payments?
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
Can I get reimbursed from my Health Savings Account (HSA) and or Flex Savings Account (FSA)?
Yes, by submitting your receipt to your HSA/FSA manager. You can also use your HSA/FSA debit card at time of service.
How do SYNC prices compare to hospitals and others in the area?
Our prices at SYNC Diagnostics can be 40 – 70% less expensive than local area hospitals and very competitive with other independent outpatient imaging centers.
Does SYNC accept my insurance?
Currently we are accepting HSA/FSA payments as well as Cash/Credit card payments for services. For those who have out-of-network benefits, SYNC is now an approved healthcare provider. SYNC now accepts Medicare and Medicaid insurance and we are working vigorously with other reputable insurance companies for their their in-network approval. For a list of currently participating plans, please see our current printable list by clicking here. That said, we advise calling our office to confirm whether your insurance provider is currently accepting billing from SYNC.Do I need an authorization for this test?
Most insurance companies require pre-authorization for more complicated exams, particularly CT scans and Vascular Doppler Studies. It is the responsibility of your referring doctor to obtain the necessary authorization. If the exam is performed without prior authorization, we cannot assure payment from your insurance company.Can I have the exam performed without insurance involved, and do you offer cash discounts?
If you have a doctor’s referral slip, you may have a medical diagnostic exam performed. We do offer a prompt-pay discount for exams paid at the time of service, but please inquire at the front desk prior to service.Should I worry about the cost since I have insurance?
Feel free to inquire about the cost of the test as it can vary significantly. For example, hospitals and their outpatient sites routinely charge several times as much for the same exam or procedure performed at an independent outpatient imaging center. You may be quite surprised at the difference in cost. And remember that even if you have health insurance, you may incur fees through co-pays or unmet deductibles.What is insurance Verification?
Insurance verification refers to checking the status of your insurance to see if:- Your policy is active
- We are in your insurance network
- If the ordered test is covered under your benefits
- And if it is covered, finding out how much of it is covered and what is your copay.
Is insurance verification necessary?
Insurance verification is one of the first steps to take and should be done before any services and tests are rendered. If not, you, the patient can be in a position where you have to pay out of pocket when you were not prepared to do.What Is Insurance Authorization? And is Pre-Authorization necessary for my insurance to pay for the test?
Insurance authorization is the act of obtaining your insurance company’s approval to pay for certain tests before it is performed. This requirement for insurance pre-approval also known as “pre-authorization”. If a test that requires pre-authorization is performed before it is approved, the insurance carrier will not pay for the test.What tests typically require Pre-Authorization and which one’s do not?
MRI’s, CT scans, Vascular Ultrasounds and special Laboratory testing typically require Pre-Authorization. X-Rays, General Ultrasounds and common Laboratory tests typically don’t require pre-authorization If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our staff for additional information.How long does it take to get Pre-Authorization?
Depending on your insurance company, it can take anywhere from several days to several weeks to obtain pre-authorization.What happens when my insurance company approves the authorized test?
An approved pre-authorization is not a guarantee of payment, but it is a good indication of your health plan’s intentions to pay for the service or medication. As well, if you do have an approved preauthorization, your insurance is not promising that they will pay 100% of the costs. You are still responsible for your share of the cost, as you would any service or medication, including any copayments or coinsurance set forth by your health plan’s designHow does Insurance Authorization work and what should I expect?
Typically, Insurance Authorization requires a staff member to contact your insurance carrier to get their approval to pay for the test your doctor ordered. It is typical for insurance carriers to take anywhere from several days to several weeks to provide a response. And the response could be Yes, they will pay for the test or NO, they are not going to pay for the test(s) your doctor ordered for you.What choices do I have if I don’t want to wait for Pre-Authorization for CT scans or Vascular Ultrasounds?
Right now, you have two choices. If it’s a life-threatening condition your best choice is to go to local hospital emergency department. If it’s not a life-threatening condition, you have the option of using your HSA/FSA accounts or take advantage of SYNC’s posted Prompt Pay Cash Rates. We suggest you follow your doctor’s advice on where to go and look at your insurance plan to determine what makes the most sense for you. Majority of the people with health insurance find that our Prompt Pay Cash Rates save them hundreds and even thousands of dollars.Will technologists give results to me?
Our technologists are experts at obtaining diagnostic images and will let you know that an exam is complete. However, technologists or other staff members are not trained to read radiology exams and therefore cannot provide any results.
How long will it take to get my results?
We strive to interpret your exam and get results to your referring physician as fast as possible, usually within 2-4 hours and always within 48 hours. If marked urgent, we will call or fax your results promptly. Your doctor will then contact you regarding the results. If interpretation requires prior imaging studies or additional clinical information, your results may take longer as we wait for prior imaging studies.
Can my physician view my actual images?
If requested, all physicians can have access to your results via email or Fax, or through a direct portal to our images, which they may view within minutes of completion of the radiologist results. Your dictated and typed radiologist results will also be available on your patient portal to view at your convenience. For a small fee and a signed medical release, you may also obtain a CD or flash drive with your images. If you have any questions, please contact our staff.
How can I get a copy of my results?
Once your exam has been interpreted and sent to your referring physician. Your results will also be available on your patient portal. You will need to sign a medical release to receive the report.
Is your site certified to assure quality?
Yes, we maintain accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the most stringent credentialing body, who periodically evaluate equipment, personnel and quality assurance procedures. This rigorous process assures that we have met nationally accepted standards. We also satisfy obligatory State and Federal x-ray and other imaging guidelines to assure safety and quality control.
Should I be concerned about the radiation I am exposed to while having an x-ray?
We only perform x-rays when medically necessary, use as little radiation as possible to evaluate the area of concern and shield other areas when possible. Your physician believes this exam is important for your diagnosis and treatment. You should be aware that you are exposed to background radiation daily in and out of your house.
What are the benefits of your new 128 Slice CT scanner?
Our brand-new 128 slice Philips CT scanner is 2-8 times faster than the local imaging centers and thus less radiation exposure which is ideal especially for children and young adults.
Should I get a Pregnancy Ultrasound?
Ultrasound can be used to safely examine babies before they are born. Early in pregnancy ultrasound is used to confirm the well-being of the fetus before you can feel the baby moving and before your doctor can hear the heartbeat. After about 16 weeks, as the internal organs and bones are developing, ultrasound can assess the fetal growth and development. Examining babies while in the womb is completely safe and the information provided can be very helpful to your doctor.
What can be seen in an Abdominal/Pelvic Ultrasound?
Ultrasound may be used to evaluate any of the internal organs in your body, and your exam will be tailored to focus on the organs of interest as requested by your physician. We may focus on the gallbladder if you have right upper quadrant pain, the liver if you have abnormal blood tests or a history of hepatitis, or the kidneys if you have blood in your urine or pain in your side. In the pelvis, we may examine the uterus, endometrium or ovaries if you have pelvic pain, cramping or abnormal bleeding.
What is a Vascular Doppler Ultrasound?
Vascular Doppler ultrasound examines moving blood within your arteries and veins and creates real-time images which can be used to search for narrowed or blocked vessels, aneurysms and blood clots. Vascular Doppler ultrasound is most commonly used to evaluate the arteries leading to your brain or search for abnormal enlargement (aneurysm) of your aorta.
What is Health Screening?
Health Screening involves searching for disease before symptoms are present and is usually performed because you have increased risk of developing a disease. Modern imaging equipment is very sensitive at detecting certain diseases such as arterial blockage, aneurysms, cirrhosis and cancers before you have symptoms.
It is important to remember that your doctor is not requesting the screening test because he/she has clues that you have a disease. Rather, they may recommend a test due to your family genetic background, risk factors such as smoking or poor diet, or findings on your blood tests. It is also important to know that these tests often detect other insignificant findings which will not impact your health but will be noted in your report.
We require that you have a physician to receive the screening exam results. These test results are most useful in the hands of well-trained physicians who understand the significance of the findings. Should your test reveal an abnormality that might impact your health, your physician may choose to order additional tests. These tests do not take the place of routine physician health check-ups.
What kind of Health Screening test do you offer?
We offer several different kinds of Health Screen Tests. See our list below.
- Carotid Artery Screen (US)
- Aortic Aneurysm Screen (US)
- Lung Cancer Screen (CT)
- Heart Score
Do I need a doctor’s referral for screening examinations?
Most, but not all, Screening Tests, require a referral. Please inquire about the specific examination if needed. Patients are required to have a designated medical provider to receive the “Screening Results” and have them discuss the results with you.
What is carotid artery screening test?
Carotid Artery Screening test: Screening of the carotid arteries is achieved with non-invasive ultrasound. The carotid arteries are found on each side of the neck. These arteries carry blood to the brain. Ultrasound is used to view inside the artery and detect plaque that may reduce or block blood flow to the brain – the cause of stroke.
What is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening test?
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screen: Screening of the aorta is achieved with noninvasive ultrasound. The aorta is the main artery that originates from the heart and courses down the mid-abdomen. Scanning of the abdominal aorta starts from below the sternum to the navel. Ultrasound of the abdominal aorta is used to screen for detection of abdominal aortic aneurysm – an enlargement of the aorta that can lead to a ruptured aorta.
What is CT Lung Screening Test?
CT Lung test is Low dose CT scan (LDCT) of the lungs that do not uses contrast dyes and is safer for patients. The scan itself only takes 60 seconds to complete.
LDCT may improve survival rate of lung cancer by early detection, accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Lung cancer kills more people every year than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. One reason for the low survival rate is that lung cancer is often diagnosed in its later stages, when it is most difficult to treat and the course of action for patients is limited.
What is a CT Heart Score?
A computed tomography (CT) Heart Score is a noninvasive test that can identify heart disease in its early stages. Using our CT scanner, we are able to take rapid cross-sectional images of your heart. Those images can show calcium build-up in your arteries, a potential sign of coronary artery disease. These images can help you and your physician determine whether any lifestyle changes are needed to reduce or avoid the risks of heart disease.
How do I interpret my results?
For basic questions, we are also here to help.
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