Frequently Asked Questions & Prep Protocol

in the month &week prior to your appointment
1 Month Prior:
● No minor breast surgery, i.e. biopsy.
● We may still perform testing after biopsy. Write this in your intake form.
​
1 Week Prior:
● Be cautious of too much sun exposure in order to avoid sunburn.
● Scans will have to be rescheduled if the patient has a sunburn of any sort. 48 Hours Prior:
● For best results, men should shave facial hair and excessive back hair.
● Avoid all tanning and limit sun exposure.

24 Hours Prior:
● Avoid chiropractic care, massage therapy, or acupuncture.
● No saunas, steam baths, hot tubs, heating pads, or hot water bottles.
● No analgesic creams or balms.
● Do not shave underarms (should be done prior).
● Please reschedule if you are feeling feverish or ill in any way.
● Refrain from sexual activity. 
On the day of your appointment
Day of Appointment:
● Do not use creams, lotions, cosmetics, ointments, deodorant, antiperspirants, powders or any other skin product.
● Please bring a hair tie to remove hair from your forehead and back of neck.
● Remove all piercings and jewelry prior to exam, unless unable to.

4 hours prior:
● Women - do not wear a bra for the 4 hours leading up to the exam
● Avoid hot showers or shaving.
● Avoid physical therapy or exercise.
● No coffee, tea, soda, or other beverages containing caffeine. No alcoholic beverages.
● Do not smoke cigarettes or use any product which contains nicotine.
● Do not use a seat warmer.

2 hours prior:
● Avoid hot or cold liquids.
● Avoid eating or chewing gum.
● Avoid using a cell phone to ear. You can still text, use the speaker, and GPS.
● Do not use a smart watch. 
During your appointment
● Please inform us if you have a hot flash during the session. Try to relax prior to and during the exam. Stress will affect your exam. Let the technician know of any concerns or injuries.
How long is an appointment?
In total, about 30 minutes.
Imaging only takes a few moments, but you will need to acclimate for a time in-office prior to the actual imaging for accurate results. 
How long does it take to get the results?
In most cases, results are returned to you within a week. The images go through 3 interpreters during that time.
Does insurance cover thermography?
Not at this time. Often our clients find that HSA and Flex Spending accounts will. We encourage you to understand the importance of viewing inflammation in your body as a priority in your decision making. Click here to see if you qualify for a grant of up to $150 toward a breast screening session. 
do I need a mammogram?
Only you and your primary care physician can make that decision. Thermography is an adjunctive tool that can be used with other screening methods. 
should I get a full body scan?
About 90% of clients of Breast Thermography International labs nationwide have a full body screening session done. BTI labs also has a 97% client satisfaction rate based on surveys. Clients appreciate that they see possible areas of dysfunction and if their current personal wellness plan is working. 
how often do I need a thermogram?
Your initial scan will dictate what follow-up is necessary. With no suspicious findings, most follow-up recommendations will be 12 months. Scans that warrant monitoring typically will be 3-6 months. If you are using thermography to monitor your overall health then it is a good idea to be tested quarterly until your health is stable. Annual wellness checks are recommended.
who interprets the images?
Board Certified Physicians interpret thermography images.  Breast Thermography International relies on the advanced training and certification through certification through the Professional Academy of Clinical Thermology. Our thermography interpreters have over 40 years of experience in medical thermography.  Every image is analyzed by three levels of interpreters.
Is there radiation?
No. Nothing is projected at your body to gain these readings. The camera is simply recording heat that your skin is naturally emitting already. 
Are there contraindications?
There are no contraindications for thermography. If you have had a biopsy or surgery, or if you are scheduled for one, please contact us to let our technician know. If you have physical concerns about the process, we will make appropriate accommodations.
how do I receive My results? 
A complete assessment of your skin surface temperature measurements will be compiled in a multi-page report after our medical thermology team has completed their in-depth work.  Reports will be issued in a digital format so you may enjoy the high resolution images on your favorite digital device via a HIPAA compliant portal. You will see various measurements and comments based on your findings that will need to be investigated by a physician.  Medical Thermology reports are easy to understand by your doctor as their training in physiology and anatomy is extensive.  If they need help understanding our team of doctors are always willing to lend a hand. A baseline study is usually needed so that future comparisons can be analyzed.
Do you use the cold challenge as part of your imaging? 
We do not, and here is why. Blood flow constriction from the cold challenge may cover up underlying heat and result in more false suspicious readings. This link has a more in-depth answer: ​Cold Challenge 
What is the resolution of the camera?
640dpi
Do the interpreters look at grayscale images as part of their interpretation? 
Yes. The 3 levels of medical interpretation given to your images are viewed in inverse grayscale (the heat shows up darker) and in rainbow. The reports you receive include both types of each image.
Is there financial help available so I can get a thermography session? 
Proudly powered by Weebly