Resources and FAQs

 

Notice required by the FDA: Breast thermography is not a stand alone device and does NOT replace a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI or any other diagnostic device or examination. Breast thermography is registered with the FDA

as an adjunct to mammography.

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What is medical thermography?

Medical thermography is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses a digital infrared thermal camera to capture the heat patterns emitted from the body’s surface. These patterns can provide information about physiological changes such as differences in circulation, inflammation, vascular activity and can watch for upcoming pathology.

 

How does thermography work?

Your body naturally gives off infrared heat. A specialized infrared camera captures that heat, converts it to colors, and creates a thermal image, or thermogram. Areas of the body can then be compared for differences or asymmetries in temperature patterns.

 

Is thermography safe?

Yes. Thermography is no-contact, non-invasive, and does not expose you to radiation. The camera simply records the infrared energy naturally emitted from your body.

 

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No, you do not.

 

Who interprets the scans?

Your images are reviewed according to established thermography interpretation protocols. Your report is designed to describe the thermal patterns observed in your images and identify areas that may warrant attention or follow-up.

I work with a company called EMI – Electronic Medical Interpreters. They employ about 15-20 board certified medical doctors from all over the world who are additionally trained to interpret and read thermology. Once you are established with a doctor, he or she will be the one who will continue to interpret all your future scans.

 

When will I receive my report?

Within seven days after your appointment. It will come from EMI_Reports and will be password protected. You’ll receive an email from me with your password shortly after you receive your report. If you do not receive your report within that time frame, please either call or email me at 815.482.6224 or cindy.thermographytoday@gmail.com.

 

Does thermography hurt?

Not at all! There is no touching, needles, compression, or radiation involved. The imaging itself is completely painless.

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How long does an appointment take?

Most appointments take approximately 30 minutes, depending on the type of imaging being performed. A full body scan will take approximately 60 minutes.

 

What areas of the body can be scanned?

Thermography can be used to image many areas of the body, including the head and neck, spine, breasts, abdomen, pelvis, arms, legs, and other areas of interest.

 

What can a thermogram show?

A thermogram can show patterns of heat and temperature differences at the skin's surface. These patterns may be associated with changes in circulation, inflammation, vascular activity, muscle activity, or other physiological processes.

 

Can thermography detect inflammation?

Thermography may show patterns of increased or decreased heat that can be associated with inflammation or changes in blood flow. However, a thermal pattern does not by itself identify the specific cause of that change – we do not diagnose.

 

What does a "hot spot" mean?

A hot area simply means that an area is warmer than surrounding tissue or its corresponding area on the opposite side of the body. There can be many reasons for increased heat, including inflammation, increased blood flow, muscle activity, injury, or other physiological changes. A hot spot is not a diagnosis and not always cause for concern.

 

Can thermography diagnose cancer?

No. Thermography is not a diagnostic test for cancer. Much the same as an x-ray, mammogram, ultrasound or MRI cannot detect cancer. Biopsy is the only diagnostic test. Thermography may identify thermal patterns that warrant further evaluation, but it cannot determine whether cancer is present. Any concerning finding should be discussed with your healthcare provider and, when appropriate, followed up with standard diagnostic testing.

 

Can thermography replace a mammogram?

Thermography is a test of physiology and works alongside structural/anatomical testing such as mammogram, ultrasounds and MRI. They all show different information. Thermography should always be used in conjunction with anatomical testing. 

However, thermography can show tumor development 6-8 years before structural testing can detect it, and can show inflammation, lymphatic congestion, vascularity, and neurological changes as a precursor to disease.

 

Why would I choose thermography if I feel perfectly healthy?

One of the interesting things about thermography is that it provides a picture of physiological patterns rather than simply how you feel at a particular moment. Some people choose thermography as an additional way to establish a baseline and monitor changes over time. It's enlightening to see where inflammation lies in your body and how quickly you can reduce that inflammation now that you know about it.

 

Can men have thermography?

Absolutely! Thermography isn't just for women. Men may choose thermography for areas such as the head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, legs, or other areas of concern, i.e., half body, full body, or just a region of interest.

 

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Preparation is important because many things can temporarily change your body's surface temperature. Depending on the type of scan, you may need to avoid exercise, massage, chiropractic treatment, hot or cold applications, lotions, deodorant, coffee, or other activities for a specific period before your appointment. Look to the Resources Tab for Pre-Scan Instructions.

 

Can I exercise before my thermogram?

It's best to avoid strenuous exercise before your appointment because exercise can temporarily alter circulation and body temperature. Your Pre-Scan Instructions - found under the Resources Tab - will tell you exactly how long to avoid exercise before your scan.

 

Can I take my medications as usual?

In most cases, you should continue your medications as prescribed. Never stop a prescribed medication simply for a thermography appointment. If you have questions about a particular medication or preparation requirement, please contact us before your appointment.

 

What should I wear?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is best. Depending on the area being imaged, you will need to remove clothing so the skin can acclimate to the room temperature before imaging. Again, please look to the Resources Tab for Pre-Scan Instructions.

 

Will my menstrual cycle cause any issues?

No, a thermogram can be performed at any point during monthly cycles.

 

What happens if something unusual appears on my thermogram?

First, don't panic! An unusual thermal pattern does not automatically mean something is wrong. There are many possible reasons for temperature differences. Your report may recommend that you discuss a finding with your healthcare provider or consider additional evaluation, and you may want to begin a protocol to reduce any negative findings.

 

Have any studies been conducted regarding the accuracy of thermography?

Yes, hundreds of studies have been written in medical journals. For further information, please read:

http://www.iact-org.org/articles/articles-review-btherm.html

 

Can I share my thermogram with my doctor?

Absolutely. We encourage you to share your report and images with your healthcare provider, particularly if your report recommends follow-up. If at any time after your scan, you decide you'd like me to share your report with your practitioner, please email me at cindy.thermographytoday@gmail.com with a written request to do so.

 

Should I have thermography more than once?

Some people choose to have periodic thermograms so they can establish a personal baseline and observe changes over time. Our interpreting doctors usually recommend annual scans to monitor changes. Breast scans are an exception. For those you'll need a second baseline scan 3-9 months after your initial breast scan, then annual scans once an established stable baseline is determined.

 

Why do I need to come back for another breast scan in three months?

Because thermography is all about watching your body over time.

Your first scan gives us a picture of your unique thermal pattern, but we need a second scan to see whether that pattern stays consistent. Our interpreting doctors have no idea if what they see on your first scan is new, or has been your pattern for years. Comparing the two scans helps us establish your personal thermal baseline — your “normal.”

Once we have that baseline, future scans can be compared to it, making it easier to notice meaningful changes.

 

Why three months?

It gives your body enough time for physiological changes to become visible on a thermal image. Coming back too soon may not give us enough information to make a meaningful comparison.

Think of your first two scans as creating a starting point for your personal thermography journey. From there, we can monitor your thermal patterns over time and look for changes that may deserve further attention.

 

Does insurance cover thermography?

Unfortunately, not usually, but coverage does vary by insurance plan. Thermography is often considered an elective, preventative or complementary service, so we recommend checking directly with your insurance provider regarding your specific benefits.

 

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, check, Venmo. Credit cards, with their additional processing fee, will be accepted for those using HSA or FSA accounts.

 

Can I use an HSA or FSA to pay for thermography?

As far as accepting your card for payment, yes, but an extra charge will be incurred. I recommend checking with your HSA/FSA administrator before scheduling if you plan to use those funds. You will be provided with a detailed receipt before you leave your appointment for your reimbursement request.

 

Where does Thermography Today offer appointments?

Thermography Today offers appointments through our participating host venues and other scheduled locations. I partner with healthcare and wellness offices that would like to bring thermography services to their patients and community. See the Locations/Venues Tab to view all current partners.

 

What makes Thermography Today different?

We believe thermography should feel personal and comfortable — not intimidating or clinical. I make every effort to take the time to explain the process, answer your questions, and help you understand what your scan. My goal is to make your experience relaxed, informative, and empowering.

 

What is the most important thing to remember about thermography?

Think of thermography as another piece of the puzzle. It provides information about thermal patterns at the body's surface that can be used alongside your symptoms, health history, physical examination, and other appropriate medical testing. It doesn't replace your healthcare provider — it can provide you and your practitioner with information you and he/she may not have, and give you another conversation starter.