Everyone needs tips for finding the best radiology clinic. And most clients do not realize that they have an option to choose a facility that is right for them. Your doctor may advise you to go to a hospital to have your diagnostic test completed but is that the right choice for you. Below you will find some of the tips you need to select the best radiology clinic.
What do you mean I have a choice?
There are many radiology clinics. They fall into two categories: hospital-based or independently owned. You, as a consumer, can research the best option for you. Just like you would research any other facility, like a hospital, or a doctor, you should do some research to select the best radiology clinic for you.
Here are some of the tips for finding the best radiology clinic.
Here is your first tip – Cost
When you look at the costs of having any diagnostic procedure, you will find a significant difference between a hospital-based facility and an independently owned clinic. A hospital typically has extremely higher prices than an independently owned clinic.
Why is that you may ask? Hospitals have a higher overhead than the independent radiology clinic. Because a hospital is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, the costs need to be higher to off-set costs, like staffing. And this cost is passed onto you. This can mean you pay more because you have not met your deductible, or because the cost is higher, your portion of the cost, called a copay, is higher too.
Hospitals are large entities and because of their size, they can negotiate a higher reimbursement. This allows them to charge higher fees. Sometimes, thousands of dollars more. An independent clinic has normal business hours, and so the costs associated with running this type of facility is decreased. Therefore, your portion of the cost is lower.
Your next tip is the location.
You are going to want your trip for the diagnostic procedure to be convenient for you. If you must drive across town, or even the next city to get your procedure completed at the nearest hospital, you will spend a lot of time just driving there and back.
Why not find a radiology clinic near you, so you can save your time? Independently owned radiology clinics are located near you. The clinic usually has fewer consumers, because everyone thinks they must have their procedure done at the hospital.
Even more important, when you go to a hospital, don’t you have to find parking? It usually involves driving around to find a space, or parking in a garage far away from the building. But that is just the beginning. Then you will find you have a distance to walk just to get into the hospital.
What about finding the entrance you should use? Knowing exactly where to go often takes some detective work. Then navigating the hallways to get to the radiology department can be frustrating too. Once you are there, you find you have a long wait before you can get the test you need.
At an independently owned radiology clinic, you can pull up and park right near the door. There isn’t a large parking lot, nor do you have to maneuver or navigate the hallways. The entrance is clearly marked, and you walk into the clinic to find the waiting room right in front of you.
How about your next tip? It is Service.
The next tip to finding the best radiology clinic should be about the service. Have you ever gone into the hospital just to feel like a number? Hospitals are cold environments, and not just the temperature. The staff are usually overworked and do not think of you as a consumer. The environment usually leaves you feeling like cattle in a herd.
Independent radiology clinics have a warmer feel to them. You are treated with more respect, and each staff member is focused just on you. The scheduling isn’t frantic because there aren’t emergencies that prevent you from having your procedure done on time. And because these facilities aren’t open 24 hours a day, you are not just a number, and you feel like you matter.
At Starling Diagnostics, you will find all these tips-cost, location, and service, to be our number one priority. You will feel welcome, save up to thousands of dollars, and receive the service you deserve. Call us at (718) 319-1610 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We are here to serve you. So, make an appointment today.
