F.A.Q.

Clinical Thermography: Painless, Contact-less, Radiation-Free, Non-Invasive

"A healthy outside starts from the inside."— Robert Urich

What is thermography?

Is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses infrared cameras to detect and record temperature changes on the surface of the body. This method helps to visualize and map patterns of heat and blood flow, which can be indicators of underlying physiological processes or inflammation.

 

How does thermography work?

During a thermography session, an infrared camera captures the temperature distribution on your body, creating images called thermograms. These images are then analyzed to detect unusual patterns that may signify inflammation or other health concerns.

 

Is thermography safe?

Yes, thermography is a completely safe and non-invasive method. It uses infrared technology which is completely is free of radiation and safe, making it a harmless way to monitor body health.

 

Does thermography replace mammography?

It does not because they are NOT the same type of exam. While mammography uses X-rays to look at the internal structure of the breast, thermography provides information on heat and blood flow patterns. Thermography is an amazing adjunct test even for a mammogram. If you have dense breast, adding thermography to your annual mammogram routine can be of great benefit. In addition, adding Thermography to an ultrasound health check can provide a more comprehensive view of breast health, helping to inform further diagnostic decisions.

Who reads the images taken during my thermography session?

The images captured by thermography are carefully analyzed by experienced MDs, DOs, or Licensed Naturopathic Physicians highly trained to interpret the thermal patterns and variances. These specialists are skilled in recognizing indications of physiological changes and potential concerns, ensuring a precise and informed assessment of the thermal imaging results.

 

What should I expect during my first thermography appointment?

During your first visit, you'll have a consultation to discuss your health history and any specific concerns. The actual imaging is quick and painless; you will be asked to remove your clothing (in a private setting for your comfort) depending on the area being photographed and simply stand in front of an infrared camera while it captures the necessary images. There’s no physical contact, body part manipulation, or use of radiation.

Your visit can last anywhere from 30- 90 minutes depending on the thermography areas to be photographed and any consultation time.

 

How long does a thermography session last?

A typical thermography session lasts approximately 30 minutes, though your first appointment might take 45-50 minutes due to the medical history intake. If doing a full body scan or wellness scan, it can take anywhere from 60 minutes to 90  minutes.

What should I wear to my thermography appointment?

We always recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing to avoid overheating the body and having to spend extra time cooling down. Avoid wearing jewelry, deodorants, lotions, or any other substances that might affect skin temperature.

Read our Preparation for a Thermography Exam instructions here.

 

Are there any special preparations required before a thermography session?

Yes, it is recommended to avoid heavy exercise, hot showers, and caffeine for at least 3 hours before your session. These can alter your body’s heat patterns and affect the results. Avoid wearing jewelry, deodorants, lotions, or any other substances that might affect skin temperature.

Read our Preparation for a Thermography Exam instructions here.

 

How often should I have thermography done?

The frequency of thermography can vary based on individual health needs and risks. Generally, it’s recommended to have a baseline thermogram and follow-up scan 3 months after to be able to then assess changes in thermal patterns. You can then space out your sessions to every six months or a yearly basis if there are no significant findings.

Keep in mind that you can do a thermography session as often as you feel is needed since it has no harmful effects (i.e., every 3, 6, 9 months, etc.) or as advised by your healthcare provider to monitor any changes over time.

 

I am a cancer survivor. Will thermography help me monitor my breast?

Yes, thermography can be a valuable tool for cancer survivors in monitoring breast health. As a non-invasive method, it detects and visualizes changes in skin temperature and blood flow patterns that could indicate changes worth noting. While it does not replace your regular medical check-ups AND should not be considered as the only monitoring tool, thermography can serve as an additional monitoring tool to help track any new developments or changes in your breast/body health over time. 

 

If there are findings in my Imaging, Will The Reading Doctor Diagnose me?

Thermography itself does not provide a diagnosis. If the thermographic imaging reveals any unusual patterns or areas of concern, the findings will be detailed in your report. However, these findings are typically used to suggest further evaluation or testing. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider, who can perform additional tests if necessary and provide a definitive diagnosis based on a comprehensive assessment of all available information. Our certified thermographer will help you create an action plan to address any report findings.

 

Will thermography help me prevent cancer?

Thermography does not prevent cancer, but it can be a valuable tool in a comprehensive preventive health strategy. By detecting unusual patterns of heat and blood flow that may indicate areas of concern, thermography provides early insights that might not yet be visible through other methods. This early detection can lead to prompt follow-up and, if necessary, earlier intervention, which can be crucial in managing health effectively. However, it is important to maintain regular health screenings and adopt a healthy lifestyle as part of an overall approach to cancer prevention. Your thermographer Andrea Rojas is also a Functional Nutrition Practitioner who can help you learn more about lifestyle changes that can help prevent dis-ease- be sure to ask her.

 

Is It FDA Approved?

Thermography is FDA-cleared, meaning it has met the standards set by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. In the case of thermography, it is certified for use as an adjunctive diagnostic tool alongside other medical testing methods. 

It is important to understand that the commonly known FDA "approval" is reserved for pharmaceuticals or procedures, and NOT devices. Therefore, for medical devices like thermographic equipment, the term used is "FDA-cleared" rather than "FDA-approved," indicating that the device has been found safe and effective for use in a specified manner.

 

Is thermography covered by insurance?

Sadly, no. That is why we work hard to make sure our prices are competitive while giving you our unique and premium service. We also offer Afterpay which allows you to make payments interest free* and in many cases you can also use your FSA/HSA card.

If you need frequent thermology monitoring, we will provide you our special monitoring rate to ensure that you get the benefits of thermography while keeping your piggy bank intact.

 

How can I book an appointment?

You can book an appointment by calling or texting us at 786-699-2623 or by clicking here. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you with scheduling and answer any further questions you might have.

 

What Local Areas Do you Serve?

We serve Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Weston, Davie, Southwest Ranches, Cooper City, Parkland, Boca Raton, Lighthouse Point, Miami Lakes and Doral. If you don't see your area listed, please give us call at 786-699-2623 - we may still serve you!