Frequently Asked Questions

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) is an imaging technique for measuring and displaying the surface temperature of the body.  It is a physiological test, as opposed to an anatomical test like an MRI or CT scan, which relies of sympathetic nerve control of the skin blood flow to demonstrate change in the body.  This allows objective imaging of conditions which can otherwise not be detected. 

There is no radiation and there are no risks or contraindications for DITI. 

No, Central Florida Thermography, LLC sees patients with both self and physician referrals.

Breasts are a unique structure in the body with respect to thermographic imaging.  Typically, structures are compared one side to the other, however, this does not apply to breasts.  Rather, each breast has its own unique “fingerprint” to which all future scans will be compared.  The initial thermogram is compared to the three-month follow-up to establish this baseline fingerprint and all future breast thermograms are compared to the original.  This allows the earliest detection of abnormalities possible as one of the strengths of thermography is assessing changes over time.

There is no risk to DITI if pregnant or breast feeding.  However, due to hormonal change in the breast during pregnancy and breast feeding, no baseline comparison can be made.  Please wait three months after pregnancy or the cessation of breast feeding to have valid breast DITI performed.

The thermograms are sent to an interpretation service that employs Medical Doctors (MD) and Osteopaths (DO) who are board certified Thermologists by the American College of Clinical Thermology.

Reports are normally ready in a few days and they are securely emailed to you and health care provider or attorney of your choice.

Typically thermography is not covered by insurance. We suggest you call your health insurance company, and ask if thermograms are a covered benefit.  Typically insurance companies require a diagnostic code for filing of services and a physician order. Your physician of choice, who is ordering the thermography, will be required to supply this for you; Central Florida Thermography does not provide physician services and cannot supply this information for you. We require payment at the time of service, and can provide you with a statement to forward to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Please call our office to learn more about thermography pricing.

The use of the cold-challenge (placing the patient's hands in ice-water or using ice packs placed on the mid-back) was discontinued in the late 1980's. Originally thought to improve the sensitivity and specificity of a breast thermogram, a review of clinical literature, as well as consensus among experts resulted in this practice being discontinued.