What is the difference between a screening and a diagnostic study?

Our mission is to provide you, the participant, with knowledge about your circulation which will inform you of your choices and help lower your risk of heart attack or stroke. Cardio-Gram Screening provides information about your heart valves, blood circulation through within the heart, heart rhythm, neck and leg arteries, blood pressure and presence of aortic aneurism. The object of a preventative vascular screening is to identify certain, but not all, risk factors for vascular disease and aneurism. The idea of a screening study is it should be inexpensive, readily available, educational and very reliable with few false negatives. No study is 100% accurate. Screening is not meant to be a substitute for a thorough examination or testing recommended by a physician. The data received from Cardio-Gram Screening is preliminary, for informational use only and is in no way diagnostic or conclusive.

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I have a doctor. Why do I need Cardio-Gram Screening?

Cardio-Gram Screening is not trying to replace your doctor. We are simply trying to provide you and your doctor with more information that can help you to reduce your risk for vascular disease. You are encouraged to take your screening results to your personal physician. The goal of screening is to provide you with information so that you can be more Informed about your vascular and heart health. Your results will be send to you within 14 days following your appointment. Any abnormal findings are highlighted.

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Can my physician do this type of general health screening as part of my routine physical?

Yes, however most physicians do not order ultrasound images of the carotid arteries or your heart unless you are experiencing symptoms. Most insurance providers do not cover the cost of "preventive" screenings. Unfortunately, the first symptom is often the heart attack or stroke. They are not able to order them as a preventive measure. Our goal is to identify individuals with significant cardiovascular disease through the screening process, before a problem occurs.

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Where does Cardio-Gram Screening set-up?

Cardio-Gram Screening is offered at a local healthcare facility, within the privacy of a standard patient room.

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Does Medicare or insurance cover your professional health screenings?

Medicare does not currently allow for coverage of our screenings. Insurance coverage varies from policy to policy. However, most insurance companies do not cover preventative screenings. We will provide you with a detailed receipt that can be submitted to your insurance company to determine coverage. Your results should be shared with your physician. All insurance policies are different based on your individual coverage. We are covered under most employee Flexible Spending Accounts.

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How often should I have these general health screenings done?

Many of our customers come back on a yearly basis. Since plaque buildup is a progressive disease, many people feel comfortable being screened annually as part of their preventive healthcare regimen. It is important to follow the progression of your vascular health, so we recommend repeating your Cardio-Gram Screening annually.

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How long does it take to have the screenings done?

Each Cardio-Gram Screening health screening takes thirty minutes. The entire process from paperwork to consultation should be forty five minutes.

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I work; can I get a later appointment?

We try to accommodate working people with early times and times available during lunch hour. We often have later appointments available and some screenings are offered on Saturdays and Sundays.

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When will I receive my general health screening results?

Your reports will be mailed or emailed to you within 14 days of your appointment.

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Will I be diagnosed after my appointment?

No, the mission is to provide you with information about your circulation.. Any abnormal values for blood pressure, heart rate, heart echocardiogram, , ABI and aortic aneurism screening are highlighted.

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At what age should I be screened?

Nearly one out of every five American teenagers have coronary artery plaque. It is important to perform non-invasive vascular screens at an early age. This screening is not just for the older population.

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What type of equipment is used?

Cardio-Gram Screening offers an affordable, high quality screening through the use of state-of-the-art Doppler color flow ultrasound technology. We use the same ultrasound technology found in most hospitals or emergency rooms.

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What are the qualifications of your ultrasound Sonographers?

Our highly skilled and experienced sonographers have all completed formal training programs in ultrasound and clinical rotations in a hospital environment as well as specialized training from Cardio-Gram Screening National Trainers. Our sonographers are active members of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

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Being a mobile operation, how can we be sure that your equipment is up to our standards?

We utilize state of the art ultrasound equipment the same as what you would see at your local hospital. All our machines are under the manufacturer warranty and are calibrated with manufacturer direction. Our technicians must be registered and keep their credentials up to date through CME.

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Does Cardio-Gram Screening hurt?

No, no needles are involved with the screening. No blood work is taken. It is a completely painless procedure. It is non-invasive and involves no radiation.

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Can I have the health screenings if I have a pacemaker?

Yes, a pacemaker will not interfere with the screening

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Can I have the health screenings if I am pregnant?

No, if you are pregnant all testing should be conducted under direct supervision of your managing physician.

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Why are your tests shorter than those performed in hospitals?

Cardio-Gram Screening is only a screening, your first step in learning about your vascular health. It is not meant to be a diagnostic study. Sonographers look for the area of greatest plaque and capture only a few images for each carotid artery. If your physician is concerned about the nature and degree of plaque, he or she may order a full diagnostic study. With our qualified technologists and state-of-the-art ultrasound machines, we are able to actually visualize the inside of the arteries and measure the velocity of the blood going through these arteries, using abbreviated, medically approved and accurate protocols.

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How can your company afford to do these professional health screenings for such a low cost?

Our screenings are done on a volume basis so the cost of equipment and staff is spread across a large number of people as opposed to two or three tests per day as performed elsewhere.

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I am concerned about privacy. How private is the testing area?

All screening is performed in the privacy of a medical facility exam room. Your health information is protected and is not shared with anyone.

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Do I need to fast four hours before these screenings?

Only if an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening test is being performed.

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Why should I have these tests done if I have no symptoms?

Unfortunately, your body's warning signs often come too late. Since more than half of the individuals who have a stroke show no symptoms prior to the attack, it is important to have a screening to identify problems before symptoms arise and potentially avoid a serious problem. The vast majority of individuals who have a heart attack or stroke have no symptoms. Vascular disease is a "silent" disease that can be detected, prevented and treated. It is not an inevitable fact of aging. We want to motivate individuals to become aware of signs and symptoms and to modify lifestyles for personal health and wellness. Now is the time to take charge of your vascular destiny. Don't delay, you do not want to be the next statistic.

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How accurate are your health screenings?

Ultrasound is the most accurate technology we have that is safe, non-invasive and allows us to look directly into the carotid arteries, the heart and the aorta to visualize plaque build-up and blood flow. Our adherence to a strict protocol, highly qualified technologists, state-of-the-art equipment and internationally recognized physician advisory board make our screenings extremely accurate.

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Why don't your results give percentages of blockages?

Our tests are screening in nature. Our goal is simply to identify a potential problem before it causes any harm.

The carotid arteries carry blood to the brain. Narrowing of the carotid arteries increases your risk of stroke. Thickening of the inner lining of the carotid arteries, which is how plaque begins, is correlated with blockages of the heart's arteries. Plaque in the carotid arteries is associated with the presence of plaque in the heart's arteries. So studying the carotid arteries gives you information about your heart's circulation. 15% of all strokes occur because of plaque in the carotid artery.

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If my cholesterol levels are within normal range, would it be necessary to have a Cardio-Gram Screening?

Yes, cholesterol level is not the best indication for your risk of a heart attack or stroke. The Ankle Brachial Index is the number one indication for vascular disease. 40% of individuals who suffer a heart attack have normal cholesterol levels. Checking your cholesterol is only one measure and certainly not the most predictive.

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