Stroke Information: Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I know I’m getting a professional stroke screening?
  At Unique Imaging Solutions, we take great pride and confidence in the service we provide any patient we see. We have our business license and ARDMS Certification, Posted in our Mobile Lab for you to view at any time. We require every vascular technician to adhere to ICAVL Standards, the registering organization for vascular technologist and certifying body for Stroke Screenings. All stroke screenings are reviewed by board certified vascular surgeons or Radiologist with extensive experience in vascular disease and diagnostic testing of vascular disease.

• Can I just ask my doctor to do these tests for me?
  No. Medicare and insurance companies will not pay for a screening study when the patient has no signs or symptoms of disease. Our plan is to screen you, before symptoms or problems begin.

• Should I have these tests done if I show no symptoms?
  When the signs and symptoms of vascular disease do appear, the disease is already in an advanced stage. Consider the following facts: Stroke is the third leading killer in the United States and 2 of 3 people who suffer a stroke have no symptoms prior to the stroke. The vast majority of people who have an abdominal aortic a aneurysm have no symptoms what so ever. The mortality rate from a ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm approaches 90%. Peripheral Vascular disease in the legs is closely linked to Heart Disease. Osteoporosis is a silent bone disease that can be detected, prevented, and treated.

• I have a Doctor. Why do I need to have a Vascular Screening?
  Unique Imaging Solutions, wants to provide care to you that will assist your doctor in the decisions he makes regarding your health. At your request, we will happily email your doctor a copy of our report, after our reading physician has reviewed our findings. We are simply trying to provide him/her with more information that can help you avoid one of these diseases.

• Where does Unique Imaging Solutions set up these Stroke Screeings?
  We have a mobile office (34’ RV, equipped to see patients). If it’s more convenient for you. Call our office and make an appointment for you or your group.

• What are the Staff’s Credentials?
  Our Vascular Ultrasound Technologists are Registered Vascular Technologists with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) the national credentialing body for ultrasound technologists. They use protocols developed in vascular laboratories and hospitals to ensure accuracy and consistency in the vascular screening process.

• What type of equipment is used?
  Unique Imaging Solutions utilizes “state of the art” Color Duplex Ultrasound Machines. These are the same type that are used in hospitals and doctor’s offices throughout the United States

• How do I receive my results?
  All participants will receive a letter detailing the results of the screening. When our reviewing physician determines there is an abnormal finding, the individual will receive a review letter detailing the abnormalities. This letter will also include recommendations for further follow up with your own physician.

• When will I receive my screening results?
  A preliminary report will be given to you by the Registered Vascular Technologist at the time of the screening and a final review letter with recommendations from the reviewing physician will be sent to you in 7 to 10 days.

• Do I need to follow up the doctor reading the test?
  No. After one of our physicians has reviewed the screenings, you would go to your own physician if further evaluation is suggested.

• Is there a contractual agreement required for your Screenings?
  No. We can schedule a date with no contractual agreement, market and promote stroke screening, and then determine whether to move forward with the screening depending on the response from the community.

• Is Prevention Health Screenings insured?
  Yes. All Prevention Health Screenings employees have professional liability insurance and Prevention Health Screenings has general liability insurance for each screening site.

• Can Strokes be prevented?
  Yes. People who lead healthy lifestyles can be less prone to strokes and arterial disease. However, some people are predisposed to these diseases because of their genetics. These people are at highest risk because they will have little or no warning signs and may still be diseased.

• Can Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm be prevented?
  No. Unfortunately abdominal aneurysms are also highly hereditary and should be detected before they can rupture.