IMT dates increase from TWO to FOUR times per year

Dear ECN Clients,

Because we have had a lot of response from you about scheduling constraints when it comes to participating in our bi-annual IMT scans, we are increasing the number of times we offer this service from two to four times per year! We will now be hosting IMT scanning days in January, April, July and October. Our dates are currently pending for the rest of this year, but as soon as we have an April date, we will be letting you know!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the IMT, here is an excerpt from our newsletter:

"The doctors at Emerald City Naturopathic Clinic have been made aware of a type of quick, easy, in-office cardiovascular screening exam that is more predictive of heart disease than blood tests for cholesterol, C reactive protein, and homocysteine. It is even more predictive of heart attacks than the standard stress EKG. The test is called Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) Scanning, often referred to as an IMT scan. Unlike the health screening duplex ultrasound, which detects narrowing of the arterial lumen and velocity of blood flow, IMT measures the thickness of the arterial walls and visualizes the presence of plaque. It even categorizes the type of plaque, measuring the soft plaque that is most likely to rupture, leading to a thrombus. In fact, it is 10 times more predictive of heart attack and strokes than information on narrowing of the arteries, which is what the duplex ultrasound measures. This is especially true in females.

The scanning takes about 10 minutes, and patients are not exposed to any radiation and do not need to undress. Vital signs will be taken before the scanning, and a return office call to go over the results will be scheduled for 1 month after the testing.

The procedure costs $175 if you prepay at the time you schedule, or $200 if you pay on the day of service. We do not bill insurance directly, and payment is due at the time of service. We will provide you with a superbill for potential reimbursement by your insurance company. This cost does not include your follow visit. "

Please call the office at 206-781-2206 for any further questions you may have, or to ask your doctor if this is a recommended test for you.