What is Thermography?

Thermography is a digital infrared thermal image (DITI). Thermography captures the heat patterns on the skins surface. DITI can detect dysfunction and abnormalities which are presented on the skin’s surface through the sympathetic nervous system.

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How is a thermography scan different than a mammogram?

Thermography is a test of physiology and detects metabolic and vascular changes in the breast tissue. A mammogram is a structural test and detects masses. Digital infrared thermal imaging is aimed at screening the breasts for change over time to detect developing pathology at an early stage. It is a specialized physiological test designed to detect a giogenesis, nitric oxide, estrogen dominance, lymph abnormality, inflammatory processes including inflammatory breast disease- all of which cannot be detected with mammography. Mammograms are useful for detecting established tumors and calcifications.

 

Which is more accurate: a mammogram or a thermogram?

Mammograms and thermograms are completely different tests. A mammogram is a structural test that detects masses/lumps. A thermogram is a test of physiology and detects changes in the breast tissue that shows the risk for breast cancer development. Both mammograms and DITI have about 83% accuracy rate as a stand-alone test. Mammograms are useful for detecting established tumors and calcifications. Thermograms are useful for detecting physiological changes in the breast tissue that show the development of pathology. Thermography is a useful test to detect physiological changes such as angiogenesis, nitric oxide, estrogen dominance and inflammatory process it the breast tissue. It can show possible pathology development 8 to 10 years before those cells would double enough to produce a mass that a mammogram could detect.  Combining DITI along with a structural test such as a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI will provide the highest accuracy.

 

If thermograms are “so good” why aren’t thermograms the “standard”?

Thermography is a prevention screening tool however it is not diagnostic. The insurance industry sets the standards and even though DITI is FDA approved as a medical screening tool it not considered standard by insurance.

 

What types of scans do you offer?

Breast $175

Regions of interest $175

Women’s health study $275

Upper body $350

Lower body $250

Full body $475

 

What can a thermography scan find?

Thermography is a test of physiology. It is a screening tool and not meant for diagnosis. Thermography is a digital infrared thermal image. It is capturing the heat patterns on the skins surface to show abnormalities and dysfunction in the body. A full body scan can detect sinus inflammation, TMJ, dental and periodontal concerns, thyroid dysfunction, carotid arteries, breast cancer cells, lymphatic congestion, dysfunction with the: liver, kidneys, spleen, esophagus, uterus, ovaries, colon, bowels, systemic inflammation, DVT, neuropathy and more.

 

Why should I get a thermography scan?

Thermography can detect breast cancer cells 8-10 years before those cells would form a mass that could be detected on a mammogram. Thermography shows physiological and vascular changes in breast tissue. It shows your risk factor for developing breast cancer BEFORE you actually have breast cancer. One of the biggest benefits of thermography is that it gives you time to correct and reverse disease.

 

How often should I get a scan?

It is imperative to establish a breast baseline. A breast baseline requires an initial study and a repeat study in 3-4 months. Those two studies will establish a breast baseline- as long as there are no changes. After the initial study is established then annual scans are sufficient.

*some women may require additional imaging to monitor any abnormal changes in the breast tissue.

 

Is thermography safe?

Thermography is completely and totally safe! It is a pain free, radiation free, non-invasive screening test. There are absolutely no contraindications or risks.

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Is thermography safe for a pregnant or nursing mom?

Thermography is completely safe and there is no possible harm to the mother or baby. However, we advise to wait 3 months postpartum or post breastfeeding to do a breast study. Thermography does not provide actionable information about breasts during breast feeding or during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes which affect the breast tissue.

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Is Thermography FDA approved?

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging, otherwise known as thermography, is FDA approved as a medical screening test. Thermography Of Brevard uses the best equipment in the industry. Our infrared camera is manufactured in a FDA-approved facility to be a medical screening tool. We use state of the art equipment and HIPPA compliant database.

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Who does the imaging?

Katie Ainsley is the owner and certified clinical thermographer at Thermography Of Brevard, LLC. Katie is married and has 5 kids and is a breast cancer survivor. She is passionate about helping women prevent breast cancer.

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Who writes the reports?

Thermography Of Brevard, LLC contracts with a professional thermology group, Electronic Medical Interpreters, to interpret the patient's studies. EMI is an organization of board certified practicing medical doctors who represent a variety of specialties such as Emergency Medicine, Functional Medicine, OB/GYN, General Practice, Radiology; they are also board-certified in thermology.

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How long does it take to get the report back?

Most report are back within 3-4 days.

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What type of camera and equipment is used?

Thermography Of Brevard uses the best equipment in the industry. We use the IRIS 7.5 camera which is the flagship medical model that all thermographers use. It has maximum sensitivity, accuracy, specificity and stability for the applications that are use in general practice. We recommend the 160 x120 as the accuracy, sensitivity and stability is greater than the higher definition cores. Every temperature measurement (pixel) is calibrated against an internal reference source as the temperature is taken.

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What are your credentials?

Thermography Of Brevard, LLC is proud to be trained and certified by the American College Of Clinical Thermology. We have had extensive training for certification and continued education along with biennial conferences.

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Do you bill insurance?

We do not bill insurance. Most insurance plans do not cover thermography, however if your plan includes thermography we can provide you with a detailed paid invoice to submit to your insurance carrier for a reimbursement.

*Flexible spending or health savings account can be used to pay for thermography imaging.

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Is there a discount for “self-pay”?

All patients are self-pay as we do not bill insurance. Therefore, prices are the same.

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Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, we accept all credit cards, including flexible spending or health savings cards. As well as cash and checks.

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Do you offer financial assistance?

Stop The Pink is a local foundation that works directly with Thermography Of Brevard, LLC. Stop the Pink offer grants for women with financial constraints who live in Brevard County and Indian River County. You can apply at www.stopthepink.org .

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