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FAQs

CCSVI DOPPLER ULTRASOUND SCREENING

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CCSVI DOPPLER ULTRASOUND SCREENING

What is CCSVI?

CCSVI- Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency. A medical condition termed by Paolo Zamboni, MD. A condition in which deoxygenated blood flow from the veins surrounding the brain and spine is altered or inhibited in its return to the heart. This condition arises from the obstructed outflow in the internal jugular veins (IJV’s), vertebral veins (VV’s), and/or the azygos vein (AZV) and their tributaries resulting in stasis or reflux of these outflow veins and redirection of flow through vicarious circuits.

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How do I know if I have CCSVI?

CCSVI can be detected by non-invasive Doppler ultrasound screening. A diagnosis is established by meeting a minimum 2 of the 5 criteria, as described by the Zamboni protocol.

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How do I make an appointment for my CCSVI Doppler ultrasound screening and whom do I speak with?

You can reach our patient coordinators by phone at 602-368-1079 or by email at ccsvi@azdoppler.com. The patient coordinator will provide you with all the necessary paperwork and confirm an appointment date, time and location for the CCSVI Doppler ultrasound.

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Is there a waiting list and how far in advance do I need to schedule an appointment for the CCSVI Doppler ultrasound screening?

Typically patients can be scheduled within about a week of the initial inquiry.

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Where will my CCSVI Doppler ultrasound screening be performed?

The CCSVI Doppler ultrasound is available at the following locations:

Arizona Doppler’s central Phoenix location:

727 E. Bethany Home Road
Suite A-106
Phoenix, Arizona 85014

OR

In the offices of Saguaro Surgical:

6422 E. Speedway Boulevard
Suite 150
Tucson, AZ 85710

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Do the technologists at Arizona Doppler use the Zamboni Protocol for detecting CCSVI?

The technologists at Arizona Doppler have had specific training at Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center (BNAC) in Buffalo New York to follow the Zamboni protocol.

For additional information on our training, please visit http://www.bnac.net.

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Will I be told on the day of the Doppler ultrasound screening if I am positive for CCSVI?

The technologist will be able to inform the patient at the time of the Doppler ultrasound if he/she meets a minimum of 2 of the 5 criteria for the CCSVI diagnosis.

*Please note that the final diagnosis does need to be confirmed by the interpreting physician.

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Will I receive a copy of my CCSVI Doppler ultrasound screening results?

A final copy of the Doppler ultrasound can be either mailed or emailed to the patient. Mailed reports can take up to 10 business days to receive.

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How long is the CCSVI Doppler ultrasound screening good for and/or how recent does the test need to be completed for it to be useful for a surgeon?

Typically the Doppler ultrasound is good for approximately 6 months. This is due to the possibility of new sites of narrowing or stenosis. Additionally, the sites of previously documented reflux or stenosis may have gotten worse over time and this would need to be re-evaluated.

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Are you able to see the Azygos vein?

The Azygos is too deep for ultrasound to detect; however the veins that are scanned in the brain can mirror possible complications in the Azygos. The Azygos is typically examined during a venogram.

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What is the difference between a Doppler ultrasound and a regular diagnostic ultrasound?

Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow in arteries and veins. Doppler is used to detect blockages, narrowing, reversed blood flow, blood clots, abnormal valves, septums, flaps and webs.

Diagnostic ultrasound is used to image the human body. This can include internal organs, fetuses, soft tissue structures, masses or tumors, fluid collections and even muscles and tendons.

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Are there specifics instructions before the CCSVI Doppler ultrasound screening?

There are no pre-screening instructions for your CCSVI Doppler ultrasound. However, please be aware that the screening will take between one and two hours to complete. During that time the patient will be required to lie flat on an exam table for a portion of the screening and also remain in a seated position for a portion of the screening.

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How long has Arizona Doppler been screening patients for CCSVI?

The first CCSVI Doppler ultrasound screening was performed in March of 2010.

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Should I plan on bringing someone with me to my CCSVI Doppler ultrasound screening?

It is always a good idea to bring someone with you; however we always request that you bring someone with you if you feel that you may need assistance positioning yourself on the exam table.

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Are Tucson and Phoenix the only areas that Arizona Doppler offers the CCSVI Doppler ultrasound screening?

Currently, Phoenix and Tucson are the only CCSVI Doppler ultrasound locations. However, we are a mobile ultrasound company and will consider traveling to a location closer to you, if there is a demand for the screenings. Please call our patient coordinators to put your name and city on our travel list!

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TRAVEL, HOTELS AND TRANSPORTATION

Do you schedule my travel accommodations and lodging, if needed?

Arizona Doppler does not book or confirm accommodations; however we will provide assistance with hotel recommendations and ground transportation options and information.

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COSTS/FEES

Does my insurance cover the CCSVI Doppler ultrasound screening?

Unfortunately we do not accept payment from insurance at this time. However, we can provide the procedure and diagnosis codes for the patient to verify coverage and to submit claims to insurance companies for direct reimbursement.

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How much does the CCSVI Doppler ultrasound screening cost?

$540.00- for new patients
$399.00- for a follow-up screening

*The $399.00 follow-up screening is a discounted rate offered exclusively to patients previously screened by Arizona Doppler.

**The above rates apply only to CCSVI Doppler ultrasound provided in our Arizona Doppler office or in the offices of Saguaro Surgical.

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What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, personal checks, cashier checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

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When do I pay my fees?

You are required to pay for the CCSVI Doppler ultrasound at the time of your appointment.

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