FAQ's

GENERAL
SCHEDULING
PROCEDURES
PAYMENT/BILLING
RESULTS

General:

Where is JCDC located?

Our center is conveniently located in the immediate vicinity of Emory at Johns Creek Hospital. The street address is 6920 McGinnis Ferry Road in the McGinnis Ferry Medical and Office Center. Suite 300 is positioned in the center of the complex.

For directions and maps, please click here to go to “directions to JCDC”

How long has JCDC been open?

Johns Creek Diagnostic Center opened for business on July 5, 2006 performing only CT scans. MRI services began in February of 2007, and ultrasound was added in January 2008. Our parent company, Cypress Partners, LLC., has owned and operated multiple diagnostic centers in the southeast United States since 2000.

Is JCDC an accredited facility?

In 2007, Johns Creek Diagnostic Center sought and received accreditation from the American College of Radiology. The ACR is a national organization that has been designated as an accrediting body by the FDA. Although healthcare facilities are NOT CURRENTLY REQUIRED to obtain ACR accreditation, JCDC chose to become accredited due to the numerous benefits it would provide for patients, staff and partnering physicians as we made improvements to our center. >> More

Do you provide x-ray services?

We do currently provide routine diagnostic x-rays. To download your paperwork, please click here. Please have these completed for faster service upon your arrival.

What should I expect upon arrival at JCDC?

You will be asked to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Please be prepared to show us your photo ID and insurance card. We encourage you to print and fill out paperwork prior to arrival in order to expedite the registration process (Link to pdf forms here). Our staff will work to have you registered quickly and you can expect the technologist will begin your exam at or before your scheduled appointment time.

Is it safe for children to have diagnostic procedures?

Neither MRI nor ultrasound scans involve the use of radiation and are considered safe for children. CT scans however do use radiation to produce images and it is the responsibility of the referring physician to determine that the benefits of the information that can be gained by the scan is greater than the risk of exposure.

JCDC has pledged to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Image Gently campaign http://www.pedrad.org/associations/5364/ig/ in order to ensure that your child receives the lowest radiation dose possible.

What questions should I ask relative to my child's radiation dose?

Some facilities that perform CT scans on adults do not use radiation dose reduction techniques when scanning children. You won't know unless you ask, and it is reasonable and within your rights to do so. At JCDC, our CT technologists can provide you with information about what they do to reduce radiation doses during CT.

Scheduling:

At JCDC, we take pride in scheduling appointments in a timely manner through ‘person to patient' phone calls. You will never be bothered with impersonal automated phone systems, and we promise to keep any hold times to a minimum. Each staff member is trained to take your pertinent information and work to schedule an appointment that is convenient for you.

How do I schedule an appointment at JCDC?

Often, your referring physician will make an appointment for you. Some offices prefer to fax us your order and insurance information, then have us contact you to make the appointment. If you are asked to schedule your own appointment, please have your physicians' order and insurance information available when you call. We can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at 678-835-2299.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

JCDC goes the extra mile to get you on our schedule as quickly as possible. We know you are anxious for results and we can often accommodate same day appointments. A full time benefits specialist is on staff to immediately begin the insurance precertification process and get you on the schedule, usually within one or two days. There are a couple of insurance companies that require a five day process for pre-certification and, if that is the case, you will be notified of this situation when you make your appointment.

Are doctor's referrals required for scheduling an appointment?

Yes, doctor's referrals are always required. If your doctor has provided you with a written referral for your diagnostic exam, please bring it with you. If your physician's office is sending the referral for you, we can accept faxed referrals.

Procedures:

Frequently Asked Questions about…

MRI

What is an MRI and How Does it Work?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces images of the body's internal structures by passing radio waves through a powerful magnetic field. Differing frequencies of radio waves are produced by the different body structures and, in return, these are mapped and converted into digital images by a computer. MRI is especially good for imaging soft tissues of the body, including the brain, nerves, muscles, and organs.

How do I prepare for my MRI exam?

Most MRI exams do not require special preparation, and you may eat normally and take medications as usual unless your doctor has given you other instructions. If your exam does require any fasting or other preparation, you will be informed during your appointment confirmation call.

Since you will be positioned within a large, very strong magnet, you will be asked to remove all loose metal objects. Doing so is important for your safety as well as that of our staff, and for proper functioning of the equipment. You may be asked to change into a gown unless you are wearing clothing that is metal free (no buttons, snaps, zippers, or hooks). You will also be asked to remove eyeglasses, jewelry, dentures, and other loose items you may have with you. We will provide a private locker for storing your personal items during the exam.

If you doctor has prescribed anti-anxiety medication, please make sure to have someone accompany you to drive you to and from your exam.

What should I expect upon arrival at JCDC?

You should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your exam time. Upon arrival, you will be asked to provide your insurance card and picture identification. You will be asked to complete and review necessary forms including a safety screening form. Because the strong magnetic field used for MRI may impact surgically placed implants or objects, we carefully screen each patient for metallic implants. You should also bring the written prescription for the exam from your doctor.  

Please let us know if you have any of the following:

• Pacemaker
• Defibrillator
• Implanted Port
• Infusion Catheter
• Vascular Stent
• Aneurysm Clip
• Other Metallic Implant
• Heart Stent
• Shrapnel or non-removed bullet
• Metal in Eyes
  
• IUD

Some implanted objects are safe and can be imaged with MRI, while others are not and those patients would not be allowed to have an MRI. Please inform the JCDC staff if you have any of the above mentioned items. Your technologist will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

What should I expect during the exam?

During the MRI scan, you will lie comfortably on your back on a table that will be moved inside a large magnet.   Since MRI is extremely sensitive to motion, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible, and you will need to hold very still during the exam. A piece of equipment called a “coil” which acts as an antennae to send and receive the radio frequency waves used in the equipment, will be placed around the area being examined. During the scan, you will hear various noises, ranging from buzzing to a loud knocking. For most exams, you will be given headphones and can choose music to help reduce the amount of noise you hear.  

Because an MRI exam takes images or “slices” from various angles, several sequences or sets of images will be taken. Each sequence will last from one to 10 minutes, and the technologist will inform you before the scanning noise begins. The total exam time for a scan can range from 30 to 60 minutes. Depending on your symptoms or prior medical history, you may be given an intravenous contrast medium for you exam. The technologist will explain this procedure if it is necessary.  

Our MRI machine is called a high field, short bore magnet. A high field magnet is stronger than those used in open MRI machines and produces more detailed images. The short bore means that the tunnel is shorter in size than traditional MRI machines and less intimidating to patients who fear small areas.  

When the exam is over, you may be asked to wait a few minutes until all the images are examined to make sure all necessary information has been gathered. Some doctors request films or a CD of the images be given to you to bring in at your follow up appointment. A radiologist specializing in MRI will analyze your images and a report will be sent back to your doctor, usually within 24 hours.   Physicians vary in their methods of communicating results to patients. Some may ask that you call 2-3 days after your scan, others prefer you wait until a follow up appointment. You should ask their policy at the time they tell you to schedule your exam.

Can children be safely scanned through MRI?

MRI does not use radiation and is considered a safe procedure for children. Since the MRI machine uses a very strong magnet, it is recommended that you dress your child in clothing that has no metal snaps or zippers and remove any jewelry or hair accessories prior to the scan. A toy or stuffed animal may be brought into the MRI suite, but it cannot have metal parts.

What is an MRA?

Magnetic Resonance Angiography is used to examine blood vessels in the body and is useful for detecting disease processes such as atherosclerosis and aneurysms. In some cases, a contrast material is used to enhance the pictures of the blood vessels throughout the body.

CT Scans

Frequently Asked Questions about CT

What is a CT scan?

Computed Tomography (CT), also known as computerized tomography or computed axial tomography (CAT), is an advanced x-ray technology that produces a sequence of detailed cross-sectional images of the interior of the head, chest, abdomen, or other areas of the body. The complex images are produced by rotating a focused x-ray beam around the patient and taking these x-ray images from numerous angles, guided by a computer. CT examinations produce detailed organ studies by capturing multiple individual image “slices”.  

Can anyone have a CT scan?

Yes, with only rare exceptions.

How do I prepare for my CT exam?

Some CT exams, such as those of the abdomen and pelvis, require oral and/or intravenous contrast.   The use of contrast helps to enhance certain structures within the body.  If you are having a CT exam, you must fast (nothing to eat or drink) beginning four hours before your scheduled appointment time. One hour prior to your exam, you must drink 32 ounces of water. If you are required to take medications, you may take them with a very small amount of water.

If you are to receive intravenous contrast, you will be asked to fill out a thorough questionnaire. The technologist will go over the questionnaire with you and answer any questions you have prior to injection.  

Patients who have diabetes or renal disease may require special lab tests prior to having a contrast injection.

What should I expect upon arrival at JCDC?

You should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your exam time. Upon arrival, you will be asked to provide your insurance card and picture identification. You will be asked to complete and review necessary forms. If your doctor gave you a written prescription (order) for the exam, you should also bring that with you.  

What should I expect during the exam?

For your CT examination, you will be asked to lie on a table that rides on a track through the doughnut-shaped scanner. As the procedure begins, you will hear humming or clicking sounds from the CT machine. The table will move in short steps through the scanner as the CT tube rotates around you. At each step, the scanner completes a separate view. The information is processed by the computer and displayed as images on a video screen to the technologist.  

You should remain as still as possible to produce the clearest images. Depending upon the procedure being performed, you may be asked to hold your breath for up to 30 seconds. The technologist will be in communication with you during the course of the exam. Most exams require 15 to 45 minutes to complete.  

If you are given intravenous contrast medium, you may notice a metallic taste in your mouth and a warm sensation throughout your body. These sensations are harmless and subside within a few moments.

Can children be safely scanned through CT?

CT is a very powerful and valuable imaging technique that can provide important and even life-saving information. Sometimes, however, imaging tests like ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide the same information as CT but not expose your child to any radiation. We highly encourage parents to ask your child’s doctor whether these alternatives are appropriate for your child’s situation. If a CT is the best test, then rest assured we will use appropriate low dose techniques to minimize radiation exposure during the test.

What is a CTA?

CT angiography (CTA), computed tomography using a contrast material produces the detailed pictures. CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple images and a computer to join them together in multidimensional views. CTA can be used to image blood vessels in the brain, kidneys, and other areas of the body. It is useful for diagnosing aneurysms, atherosclerosis, and other abnormalities of the blood vessels.

Ultrasound

What is Ultrasound Imaging?

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

Sometimes, a physician will order a Doppler ultrasound which uses special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Ultrasound examinations can help to diagnose a variety of conditions and help evaluate symptoms such as pain and swelling. It is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to the:

• heart and blood vessels, including the abdominal aorta and its major branches
• liver
• gallbladder
• spleen
• pancreas
• kidneys
• bladder
• uterus, ovaries, and unborn child (fetus) in pregnant patients
• eyes
• thyroid and parathyroid glands
• scrotum (testicles)

What do images from ultrasound allow physicians to see?

Doppler ultrasound images can help a physician to see and evaluate:

• blockages to blood flow (such as clots)
• narrowing of vessels (which may be caused by plaque)

How do I prepare for an Ultrasound?

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined. You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.

Abdomen/Gallbladder/Aorta

• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight

Pelvic

• Drink 32 ounces (four 8 oz. glasses) of water to be finished one hour before your appointment time.

Renal/Thyroid/Scrotal/Carotid/Venous Doppler Legs and Arms:

• No prep

How is the procedure performed?

You will be asked to lie face up on an examination table. A clear gel is applied to the area of the body being studied to help the transducer make secure contact with the body and eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin. The sonographer (ultrasound technologist) presses the transducer firmly against the skin and sweeps it back and forth over the area of interest.

When the examination is complete, you may be asked to dress and wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed.

In some ultrasound studies of the female pelvis, the transducer is attached to a probe and inserted into a natural opening in the body. These exams include:

Transvaginal ultrasound. The transducer is inserted into a woman's vagina to view the uterus and ovaries. This exam is performed only after patients’ consent.

How long do exams last?

Most ultrasound examinations are completed within 30 minutes to an hour. Once the imaging is complete, the gel will be wiped off your skin.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?

Your images will be sent to one of our radiologists who is specifically trained to interpret ultrasound examinations. He will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician within 24 hours. Your physician will share the results with you after he has time to review your medical chart.

Payment/Billing

Will my insurance cover the cost of my scan?

JCDC employs an Insurance Specialist on site who will call your insurance company and check your benefits immediately after we schedule your appointment and will obtain precertification if it is required. Insurance plans vary in the benefits they provide, so it is best to contact them if you are unsure of your coverage. Please keep in mind, that even if your plan covers the scan, you will be responsible for any co-payment, co-insurance, or deductible amount.  

Will I have any out-of-pocket expenses?

The amount your insurance company will pay for a scan depends on the co-pay, co-insurance, and deductible amounts that must be met. It is best to contact your insurance company prior to your appointment so that you will be informed and prepared to pay any amount due at the end of your visit.  

Does JCDC participate in my insurance plan?

JCDC is a preferred provider for over 25 plans. Please review our current list of participating insurance providers below.

Will I get a separate bill from the radiologists?

Unlike hospital imaging departments that will bill you for the scan and then separately for the interpretation, we use global billing and you will only receive one bill that covers both your scan and the interpretation.

Do I need a pre-authorization for my scan?

Typically, MRI and CT scans require pre-authorization (also called pre-certification). Our on-site Insurance Specialist will work with you and your referring physician to obtain the information we need for this process.  

What if I have a question regarding my bill?

You may contact our billing department using our toll free number 866-709-7974. A billing specialist will then answer all of your questions. Our billing department is located at our Cypress Partner affiliate's office, Columbus Diagnostic Center, which is located at 2040 10 th Street, Columbus, GA   31901.

What if I do not have insurance?

JCDC offers discounted rates for those who are uninsured (self pay). Full payment is expected at time of service. Please contact us for current self pay rates.

Results

How long before I know the results of my procedure?

Following your diagnostic procedure, image results from your exam are transferred to one of our radiologists. The radiologist then prepares a diagnostic report to send to your referring doctor within 24 hours. Your physician will review and consider the information provided in context with your medical circumstances and needs. Depending on your individual situation, this could take several days. He/she will discuss the results with you.