Having a copy of your medical images is important for a number of reasons. For example  if your condition requires monitoring over time, it’s good to have a copy to compare studies to priors. When you have images performed in a new facility or when you are seeking a second opinion on a study

When a doctor has access to you medical images and reports, it provides him with the opportunity to

• Compare new studies with prior medical images
• Monitor conditions and abnormalities over time
• Avoid repeating tests you’ve already had

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) you are guaranteed access to your medical images and reports. Images are kept and stored in the facility where you had your exams done. When  you request your images, the facility may ask you to sign a release form. Facilities can deliver the images to patients in different formats, but usually done by CD.

If you are having a follow up study done, in a new facility take the CD with you so the doctor can do a thorough follow-up.Always, just in case, keep a copy.

If you are looking for a second opinion. You can upload the images from the CD directly to the website when using www.secondopinions.com.

Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by a particular type of mosquito. The infection is most common in areas of Africa and South America, affecting travelers to and residents of those areas. Symptoms of yellow fever include fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. It is difficult to diagnose, especially during the early stages. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in blood and urine can sometimes detect the virus in the early stages of the disease. In later stages, testing to identify antibodies is needed (ELISA and PRNT). Yellow fever is prevented by an extremely effective vaccine, which is safe and affordable. A single dose of the vaccine is sufficient to grant sustained immunity and life-long protection against the disease. A booster dose of the vaccine is not needed. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com for your peace of mind.

It is estimated that around 3 million Americans have glaucoma, this makes it one of the leading causes of blindness in the US. Start healthy this year by learning about this disease, who it mostly affects and how to start taking steps to reduce your risk of vision loss.

What is glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. This happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. The extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. This damage leads to patients losing their vision, if not properly treated, can lead to blindness. Glaucoma is often called “the sneak thief of sight” because it has no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred, and although there is no cure, routine eye exams for a diagnosis, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss.

Although anyone can suffer from glaucoma, there are certain groups that are at higher risk. People from African-American descent are 6 to 8 times more likely to get glaucoma. Also people with family members with glaucoma are considered at high risk. If you have diabetes or take corticosteroid you have a higher than normal risk of getting glaucoma.

According to the AAO ( American Academy of Ophthalmology) The only sure way to diagnose glaucoma is with a complete eye exam. A glaucoma screening that only checks eye pressure is not enough to find glaucoma.If you’re at high risk for glaucoma, you should have a dilated pupil eye examination at least every one to two years. To help diagnose glaucoma, an ophthalmologist or optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye exam

February is American Heart Month. #OurHearts is an inspiring way to encourage and motivate everyone to adopt heart-healthy behaviors, together. Studies show that having positive, close relationships benefits your heart health. When we take care of #OurHearts as part of our self-care, we set an example for those around us to do the same. Heart-healthy living involves understanding your risk, making choices, and taking steps to reduce your chances of getting heart disease, including coronary heart disease, the most common type. Coronary and other types of heart disease cause heart attacks, but by taking preventive measures, you can lower your risk of developing heart disease and also improve your overall health and well-being. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on your heart health has never been more important. Health officials say people with poor cardiovascular health are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Health experts suggest preventing heart disease by choosing healthy habits. That involves exercising and keeping a healthy weight and diet. If you would like a second opinion on your treatment and diagnosis, contact us at secondopinions.com for your peace of mind.

The liver is the largest solid organ in the body, weighing on average about 3.5 pounds. This organ is responsible for many vital functions. It produces proteins, factors that aid in blood clotting, synthesis glycogen, produces bile and manufactures cholesterol and

triglycerides. The liver also metabolizes many of the toxins that are ingested, such as chemicals, medications, and drugs, as well as substances that occur naturally, such as insulin. Once these substances are metabolized by the liver, they are excreted by the kidneys in the form of urine. Further, the liver is organized strategically to coordinate its structure, including its blood circulation, with its functions. The most common liver diseases are various types of acute (sudden) hepatitis (inflammation), chronic (long duration) hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis (scarring), and cancer. Common causes of liver disease include: viruses; drugs – prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), herbal supplements, vitamins, and dietary supplements (for example, acetaminophen [Tylenol and others]; alcohol; metabolic problems; immune (defense) system; and genetic (hereditary) abnormalities. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com for your peace of mind.

Leg pain is one of those particularly irritating types of pain. Leg cramps or charley horses can be excruciating. The leg muscles cramp when they involuntarily contract. This usually feels like a painful knot on the leg muscle and renders it momentarily immobile. There are certain activities that make a person more prone to leg cramps. These include exercises that rely heavily on the leg muscles, such as recreational running, weight training the legs, and sports that require a lot of running, such as soccer or basketball. Muscle fatigue is the leading cause of leg cramps. The risks are even higher when these muscles are fatigued in hot weather or when a person doesn’t stay hydrated. A doctor will want to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms first and then test for other possible causes. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com.

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans by a bite from an infected black-legged or deer tick. The tick becomes infected after feeding on infected deer, birds, or mice. Infected ticks thrive in forested areas. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms and physical findings (e.g., rash). Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans (a flat, circular rash that looks like a red oval or bull’s-eye anywhere on your body). Symptoms can occur anywhere from 3 to 30 days after the bite and can be wide-ranging, depending on the stage of the infection. The chances a person might get Lyme disease from a tick bite depend on the kind of tick, where the person was when the bite occurred, and how long the tick was attached to the person. Black-legged ticks must be attached for 36 to 48 hours to transmit Lyme disease. If the tick or ticks are removed within 48 hours, a person isn’t likely to get infected. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com, for your peace of mind.

Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. In people with emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs are damaged. Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture creating larger air spaces instead of many small ones.
You can have emphysema for many years without noticing any signs or symptoms. The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath, which usually begins gradually. You may start avoiding activities that cause you to be short of breath, so the symptom doesn’t become a problem until it starts interfering with daily tasks. Emphysema eventually causes shortness of breath even while you’re at rest. Emphysema is a progressive disease, which means it continues to get worse.
The major cause of emphysema is smoking cigarettes and marijuana, also longtime exposure to dust or chemical fumes and aging. Regardless of the cause, lung damage in emphysema cannot be reversed.
Emphysema patients may develop pneumothorax, heart problems and bullae.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Emphysema and you would like a second opinion on an Xray or CT by a board certified radiologist please visit secondopinions.com for your peace of mind.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs. Autoimmune diseases are any conditions that cause the immune system to believe that the body’s tissues are foreign pathogens, and as such, attack the tissues. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other disorders. The most distinctive sign of lupus, a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks, occurs in many but not all cases of lupus. Some people are born with a tendency toward developing lupus, which may be triggered by infections, certain drugs or even sunlight. While there’s no cure for lupus, treatments can help control symptoms. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com.

Lactose Intolerance is a condition of the digestive system in the small intestines with symptoms, such as bloating, diarrhea, and gas, after consuming foods or drinks that contain lactose. The condition, which is also called lactose malabsorption, is usually harmless, but its symptoms can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing. Lactose malabsorption occurs when your small intestine doesn’t produce enough of an enzyme (lactase) to digest milk sugar (lactose). Being lactase deficient, the lactose in food moves into the colon instead of being processed and absorbed. In the colon, normal bacteria interact with undigested lactose, causing the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance. Symptoms may include bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and pain in your abdomen. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com.