Need Diagnostic Imaging? Make Sure You Shop Around First!

People will shop around for almost everything they purchase, such as flights, groceries, and furniture.  Price shopping should also be extended to diagnostic imaging, but many people do not even know that they have options.  It is important that patients know that they can go to their preferred radiology facility for a diagnostic imaging exam, even if their doctor recommends going to a hospital-owned facility.

In a recent study performed by healthcare data company Amino, it was discovered that hospitals in every state charge more for an MRI exam than independent facilities.  This is partially due to the facility fees and double co-pays charged by hospitals.  Amino believes freestanding facilities are able to keep their costs down thanks to smaller staffs, more regular business hours, and specialized services.  The price of studies, such as an MRI exam, can vary by thousands of dollars between a hospital and a stand-alone facility.  In nonemergency situations, an independent imaging center is often the most affordable option.

Unfortunately, many stand-alone facilities are not able to survive in the current healthcare climate.  This is largely due to the low reimbursements they receive from the insurance companies.  They often receive less reimbursement than a hospital does for performing the same study; and sometimes the amount that the independent facility gets back is even less than what it costs them to perform the exam.  In turn, this pushes smaller providers out of the market and the control of pricing goes to the hospitals.

When it comes to diagnostic exams, it is important to remember that quality and price are not necessarily correlated.  At Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology, the most advanced technology and the most specialized reads are offered in a comfortable and welcoming environment at the lowest prices to patients.  At Zwanger-Pesiri, scans are performed at the lowest cost against a patient’s deductible and there are no facility fees, double co-pays, or parking fees.  Additionally, the 22 convenient locations are open seven days a week and evenings to ensure that patients are accommodated around their personal schedules.  These features have made Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology the most popular choice for radiology exams on Long Island.

Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology is a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence. The DICOE program represents the pinnacle of medical imaging care and is an achievement that goes beyond accreditation to recognize best-quality imaging practices and diagnostic care.