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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. What is thermography? Thermography is an infra-red picture of the body that measures heat and blood vessel patterns. It is a “physiological” test and has been the subject of hundreds of published studies, which document its ability to pick up inflammation, possible infections, and functional concerns throughout the body that may not be otherwise evident.
2. How does thermography work? It measures the heat (infrared radiation) emitted from the body. Thermography is a type of imaging test that measures small temperature changes. It measures temperature differences between two sides of the body or temperature differences withing a specific area. It is used to monitor temperature changes over time. The test is noninvasive and does not use radiation.
3. What conditions can thermography help screen for? Studies show that it can be particularly helpful for evaluating the health of the breasts, because the physiological changes identified by thermography are associated with an increased future risk of breast cancer. Because our cameras are calibrated to the human body we can scan any area of the body, including the head chest, abdomen, back, legs and arms. Thermography identifies areas of heat that may represent inflammation, lymphatic congestion, neovascularity (new blood vessel growth) or hormonal changes.
The most exciting fact about thermography is that it is the only technology that can pick up abnormalities before they may become cancer. Therefore, it is the only truly preventative technology. You can think of thermography as a thermometer that is checking to see if there is a heat that could represent inflammation and an increased risk of a developing disease. Identifying these changes early means that simple diet and lifestyle improvements can prevent the development of disease.
4. Is thermography safe? Yes, thermography is completely safe. It does not involve ionizing radiation or physical contact. It is very much like a digital camera, except that instead of recording the light being reflected off the body to create a picture, it is registering the heat coming from the body to create a thermal image.
5. How is thermography different from mammography? Thermography and mammography are two different technologies that detect different characteristics of breast tissue. There is absolutely no risk from Thermography and it is effective on all types of breast tissue; dense breasts, fatty breasts, breast implants and breasts of all sizes (big or small). Images include the area below the neck, the breast tissue itself and the underarms. It detects the increase in blood flow that accompanies cancer or other breast conditions, but it cannot pinpoint the exact location of a tumor. Slow growing cancers may not produce enough heat to be detected by thermography.
The most exciting fact about thermography is that it is the only technology that can pick up abnormalities before they become cancer. Therefore, it is the only truly preventative technology. Mammograms use X-rays and compression to detect dense areas within the breast tissue. The risk associated with mammograms comes from radiation and compression. Images are taken of the breast tissue that can be compressed in the machine. They do not image the underarms, upper chest or inframammary regions of the breast. It is effective for fatty breasts and microcalcifications but is not as effective for imaging dense breast tissue and can be painful for women with small breasts or large breasts. It may miss the fast-growing cancers that are accompanied by changes in blood flow. The most exciting fact about thermography is that it is the only technology that can pick up abnormalities before they become cancer. Therefore, it is the only truly preventative technology.
6. Can thermography replace mammograms? No, thermography should be used as a complementary tool, not a replacement for mammograms. Mammograms are very good for showing the exact location of a tumor which is very important when the need for a biopsy arises.
7. What are the benefits of thermography? It is non-invasive, painless, and can detect changes in the body before they become serious and does so without harming the body in any way.
8. How long does a thermography session take? A breast screening appointment is thirty minutes and a full body appointment is one hour. The actual imaging takes minutes, but we schedule time to allow you to change into a disposable cape or gown, to review the patient information, and to allow time for questions.
9. What should I expect during a thermography exam? You will be given a gown to put on and the technician will take the necessary images.
She will review the patient intake forms with you and ask questions to make sure she understands what your concerns are. After you leave our office the thermographer will upload the images and submit them to the staff of licensed M.Ds. who will write a report correlating your symptoms with the thermal findings.
10. Is there any preparation needed before a thermography exam? No oils on the skin. No exercise before your appointment. Avoid getting sunburned or using a cryogenic chamber before your appointment. The camera is registering the heat from your body. Oils and antiperspirants may block the heat emanating from being registered by the camera. Exercise increases blood circulation and may make your thermal images warmer than normal. You can eat or drink anything you would like before your appointment. There are no eating restrictions.
11. How are thermography results interpreted? Our reports are written by board certified medical doctors. All of them are trained extensively on interpreting thermal image and to correlate findings with reported symptoms. Many thermography clinics do not use licensed M.D.s to write reports and this is one of things that makes us different from other thermography clinics.
Once the medical doctor has written your report, it will be sent back to us for Dr. Garcia’s review and we will send it to you either by email or regular mail.
12. How long does it take to get results? You should receive your results within twelve to fifteen days. If you need your results sooner because you have an appointment or would simply like to receive the results sooner, we can request an expedited service for a $25 fee. Expedited reports are received within thirty hours of your appointment time.
13. How much does Digital Infrared Imaging Cost? The costs are as follows: Breast Scan (5-7views) – $280 (Save $43 with Special Promotional Price of $237, through March 31, 2026), Enhanced Full Body Scan (Includes Full Breast Screening and Arms and Legs) Reg. $495 (Save $68 with Special Promotional Price of $427 through March 31, 2026). Standard Full Body Scan (Includes Full Breast Screening. Arms and Legs are NOT INCLUDED) – $465 (Save $68 with Special Promotional Price of $397 through March 31, 2026). One of our Certified Thermographers will answer your questions about your report for free or if you prefer a 15-minute phone consultation with
Dr. Garcia is $50 or $80 for a 30-minute consultation.
14. Can men benefit from thermography? Yes. Men use thermography to screen for conditions like unexplained pain, joint issues and other health concerns. Although the incidence of male breast cancer is rare, thermal imaging is often a first imaging assessment when there are male breast concerns because it easily images small breast contours and the axilla (underarms).
15. How often should I get a thermography screening? The standard recommendation for breast screening is annually, after a stable baseline has been created. Early detection of potential developing pathology relies on a 12-month interval between thermal breast studies. Full-body studies or thermography for other parts of the body can be repeated at the patient’s and/or the referring practitioner’s discretion, as often as deemed necessary.
16. Can thermography detect cancer? It can indicate abnormal thermal patterns that may suggest cancer, but it is not a definitive diagnostic tool. The only way to diagnose cancer is by having a biopsy.
17. Is thermography covered by insurance? Coverage varies widely by insurance provider; check with your plan for specifics. Most insurances do not cover thermography screening. We do, however, accept H.S.A.( Health Savings Account) cards for payment. Many of the smaller or private insurance companies do re-imburse patients. Check with your insurance company.
18. What are the limitations of thermography? Thermography is great for early detection and can highlight areas of concern that may require further clinical evaluation. It cannot provide a definitive diagnosis and should be used alongside other diagnostic methods.
19. Can thermography detect inflammation? Yes, it is effective in identifying areas of increased heat, indicating inflammation in the body. It is considered to be preventative screening because it detects changes in temperature which can be the first sign of disease.
20. Is thermography useful for monitoring treatment progress?
Yes, it can help monitor changes in thermal patterns over time to assess treatment effectiveness.
21. Can thermography be used for pain management? Yes, it can help identify areas of pain and inflammation, aiding in pain management strategies.
22. What age should women start thermography breast screenings? Thermography is safe for patients of any age. Young women under the age of 25 should consult with their doctor. This is because it is difficult to establish a stable baseline while there are hormonal development changes taking place. The false positive rate is generally not acceptable until full maturity and developmental changes have finished. If there are specific symptoms that need thermal evaluation in this early age group it will be a ‘non comparative’ study which must be used by a clinician in conjunction with the symptoms that he or she will be referring the patient for. Immature breast tissue is subject to hormonal changes and may result in false positive findings.
23. Can thermography help with early detection of breast cancer? It can help identify abnormal heat patterns that may indicate early changes, but it is not a standalone diagnostic tool.
24. How does thermography help in assessing vascular health? It can detect thermal patterns that indicate increased, decreased or abnormal blood flow and temperature variations that may indicate vascular issues. Patterns of heat are often associated with increased blood flow. Cold thermal patterns (hypothermia) may be an indication for poor circulation.
25. Can thermography be used for sports injuries? Yes, it can help identify inflammation, lack of circulation, and injury in athletes.
26. What should I wear to a thermography appointment? Wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid tight garments that compress tissue, leaving “garment markings” that may affect the thermal readings. Tight belts or undergarments can cause reduced circulation in those areas.
27. How does thermography help in dental health? It can detect areas of heat or cold in the jaw and surrounding tissues. Thermography is one of the only ways to detect T.M.J. (temporal mandibular joint) dysfunction. It may also identify bruxism (grinding/ clenching) or other jaw dysfunction. Dental issues, if left untreated, have the ability to develop into smoldering subclinical infections, leading to chronic inflammation that can lead to chronic disease.
28. Can thermography be used for thyroid issues? Yes, it can help identify abnormal thermal patterns associated with sub-optimal thyroid function. If abnormal thermal patterns are identified in the thyroid region, laboratory assessment is recommended in the presence of associated symptoms.
29. Is thermography effective for monitoring hormonal changes? It can help identify changes in heat patterns related to hormonal fluctuations or changes.
30. Can thermography detect skin conditions? Yes, it can help identify areas of heat associated with skin irritation or inflammation.
31. How does thermography assist in breast health monitoring?
It can detect changes in breast tissue temperatures that may indicate potential issues.
Once a tumor forms, the findings on thermography can be variable. Sometimes we see very hot patterns that are highly concerning. Other times, the patterns can look benign and may even appear cold if the cancer cells have started to die in the center of the tumor.
32. Can thermography be used for chronic pain conditions? Yes, it can help identify areas of inflammation and guide treatment for chronic pain.
33. Are there any risks associated with thermography? There are no known risks to thermal imaging. It is a non-invasive procedure.
You can also use thermography to track treatment protocols because there is no limit to the number of times you can repeat a thermal scan.
34. How do mammograms differ from thermography for patients with fibrocystic breasts? Mammogram images of patients with fibrocystic breasts are very difficult to interpret, because calcifications are very hard differentiate from fibrocystic or healthy breast tissue. The accuracy of thermography is not affected in patients, with dense or with fibrocystic breast tissue because thermography is looking at thermal patterns and not at calcifications or structural changes.
35. Can thermography be used for monitoring post-surgical recovery? Yes, it can help assess healing and may identify complications post-surgery. The patient will be able to see a reduction in temperature as the healing process progresses.
36. Is thermography effective for detecting breast density? No, thermography does not measure breast density; mammograms are used for that purpose.
37. Can thermography be used for assessing digestive health? Yes, it can help identify thermal patterns in the abdomen associated with digestive dysfunction or irritation and inflammation.
38. How does thermography help in identifying autoimmune conditions? It can detect abnormal thermal patterns suggestive of inflammation associated with autoimmune disease. Autoimmune dysfunction is often evidenced by a hypothermic or cold pattern at the upper thoracic vertebral spine or slightly below the posterior neck.
39. Can thermography be used for monitoring pregnancy? Thermal assessment during pregnancy is technically limited by hormonal fluctuations that accompany pregnancy and lactation. It is recommended that patients wait 3 months after discontinuing breastfeeding, to do thermographic breast screening.
39. How does thermography assist in identifying nerve damage? Thermography does not diagnose nerve damage. It can show patterns of inflammation or cold that are often associated with a lack of circulation or possible nerve impingement, that requires further clinical evaluation.
40. Can thermography be used for assessing lung health? It may help to identify thermal patterns suggestive of pulmonary irritation or inflammation, but thermography is considered insensitive to lung lesions.
41. How does thermography help in identifying headaches? There are many causes of headaches. Thermography may identify sinus inflammation or congestion that can contribute to headaches. It can detect temperature changes in the head and neck that may correlate with headache conditions associated with neck tension, but an M.R.I. is needed to identify any brain changes.
42. Can thermography be used for assessing joint health? Yes, it can help identify heat patterns associated with irritation or inflammation in the joints.
43. How does thermography assist in identifying chronic fatigue syndrome? Thermography does is not a diagnostic tool, but it can detect thermal patterns often associated with inflammation at specific acupuncture points suggestive of chronic fatigue syndrome.
44. Can thermography be used for assessing sleep disorders? No. Thermography cannot identify sleep disorders. A sleep study is the best way to diagnose sleep disorders.
45. Can thermography be used for assessing overall wellness? Yes, it can provide insights into various health conditions and overall wellness.
46. Can thermography be used for assessing cardiovascular health? Yes, it can be helpful in identifying issues related to blood flow and vascular health.
47. What is the future of thermography in medical screening? As technology advances, thermography may become more widely used as a complementary tool in early detection and monitoring of various health conditions.
48. What is different about your type of thermography compared to other thermography clinics? Our camera is a Class 1 FDA registered medical device with a 510(K) clearance number K003332. Thermography has been “cleared” by the FDA but most thermal cameras are not registered with the FDA. Most cameras at other clinics are industrial cameras that have been modified for clinical use. Our camera is designed for medical use and is not used in other industries. Our camera is calibrated to one 1/100th of a degree and records over one hundred thousand temperatures in each image. The 8 degree temperature range allows for small changes in temperature to be detected. It is the best, most advanced thermal imaging camera available.
49. Some of the other clinics have told me that I should come in for breast screening in the morning and not the afternoon? Because of the advanced technology designed into our camera, we can take images anytime during the day without affecting the accuracy.
50. What is the difference between Computer Regulation Thermography (CRT) and your thermography? Over 15 years ago we quit offering computer regulation thermography. CRT records temperatures from 120 specific points on the body in order to create a graph of temperature readings showing temperature differentials. It does not create a thermal image. Of those 120 points used in the CRT full-body scan, only 13 points are in the breast area. It does not measure temperatures in the axillary region (underarms) where thermal changes may indicate lymph node involvement. The camera in our clinics records 100,000 temperatures in each of six images for a breast study or screening. A full-body thermal study with a minimum of 23 thermal images records over two million temperatures. The time of day and the room temperature is critical for the best results with computer regulation thermography. With our digital infrared thermal imaging camera, images can be taken at any time of day and the room temperature is not critical. We can complete a full-body scan in minutes. With computerized regulation thermography two sets of temperatures are taken with an interval cooling period and it takes time to record 120 separate temperatures.
51. Can I bring my service animal to my Thermography screening session? Some of our patients have severe allergies so we ask that you leave your service animal at home or in your vehicle. If you need assistance getting from your vehicle to our office we suggest that you bring a friend to assist you.
52. Can I bring my child to my thermography appointment? You are welcome to bring your child as long as they are not disruptive to other clients and can be left unattended in the waiting room or can sit quietly in the thermal imaging room while your images are being taken.
53. Can I come for thermography if I am wheelchair bound? We can image the upper body (head and neck and chest / breast) in a wheelchair. If the patient can transfer from a wheelchair and sit on a backless chair or stool safely then we can also image the upper back. Most clients that are wheelchair bound limit themselves to breast studies. We suggest that you bring someone to assist you with dressing and undressing.
51. What is thermal imaging used for? Most patients come to us for breast imaging but it is also used to help in determining areas of dysfunction and inflammation that require clinical evaluation or further imaging techniques.
55. Does it hurt to have a scan taken? No. There is no contact with the body or painful breast compression.
56. How can I make an appointment? Call our office at (505)271-6608 anytime between the hours of 9am and 9pm. We answer phones 7 days a week for questions or to make an appointment. We are almost always available by phone unless we are on a call with another patient. If you reach our recording, please leave your contact information. We will be notified that you have called and we will return your call as soon as possible.
57. Do I need a referral or prior authorization? No. You do not need a referral. Many patients come to us self-referred. Many practitioners refer their patients to us for thermography but they do not need to send a referral or requisition form.
58. How far in advance should I schedule an appointment? If your schedule is flexible, we can usually get you in for a scan within a few days. If you are coming from out of town and need a specific date we advise that you call at least two weeks in advance and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
59. How and when will I get my report for the scan? Your report will be mailed to you within 10 to 15 working days from the day of your scan. Most patients find the report self-explanatory but you are welcome to call our office and our Certified Thermographers who answer the phone will be glad to answer your questions or go over your report with you. If you would like, Dr. Garcia will review the results with you over the phone for a consultation fee of $50 for 15 minutes, or $80 for thirty minutes. Patients that need to receive their results faster can request expedited reporting. For a fee of $25 your report can be marked “EXPEDITED” and you will receive your report within 24 to 30 hours.
60. Who evaluates my scan? A licensed M.D. trained in thermographic interpretation will write the report and send it to us. Dr. Garcia will also review your report and point out any issues that require further evaluation or attention. Our Certified Thermographers who take the images are trained and certified by the American College of Clinical Thermology.
61. Can you E-mail my report to me? At the time of your appointment we will give you the option to receive your results by either U.S. Mail or Email. Please include the exact address (either physical or email) where you would like the report to be sent. If you request a report by email, be aware that we send the email 2 or 3 times so that it is easy to find in junk or spam mail. Please provide your practitioner’s mailing or email address at the time of your appointment if you want us to send a copy to them. If you want us to send either you or your practitioner a copy at a later date there will be a $25 charge. If you receive your report by email we suggest that you download it or save it in case you need to send it to another practitioner later so that you can avoid the $25 charge.
62. Will my insurance cover the infrared procedure/ test and the office visits?
At the present time, most insurance companies do not cover the procedure. You are given a receipt for your visit, which can be used as a medical expense for your taxes if applicable. Our policy is to receive payment in full at the time of service and we can provide you with the paperwork necessary for you to submit the bill to your insurance company for possible reimbursement in the form of a “Super Bill”.
63. Do you accept credit cards? Yes. We accept all forms of payment including Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. We also accept HSA(Health Savings Account) credit cards and can provide you with a Super Bill if necessary. We also accept cash or checks for payment of services.
64. Will a Thermographic scan tell me if I have Cancer? Mammograms, Thermograms, MRIs, X-Rays or any other imaging scan do not diagnose cancer. The most common way to make a cancer diagnosis is with a biopsy and having a lab analysis for pathology. A thermogram is able to detect areas of dysfunction in the body by imaging hot and cold areas. The reason this is so important is that a change in temperature is one of the first signs of disease and this allows thermography to reveal areas of dysfunction much earlier than with any other imaging technique. You can think of thermography as a thermometer that can show if your breasts are running a fever. When your breasts run a “fever,” they are inflamed, and research shows they have a significant increased risk of developing breast cancer in the future. The beauty of finding these changes so early is that simple diet and lifestyle improvements may reverse those patterns and stop the future progression to cancer.
65. What are the advantages of Thermographic Imaging? Thermography is able to produce heat maps of the body. It can image changes in local physiology and blood flow unlike other clinical exams. It is the only truly preventative technology. Unlike mammography, accuracy of the test is not compromised by dense breast tissue, common in women of all ages, but most common before menopause.
66. How Often should I have a Breast Thermography? Thermography can be repeated at the patient’s or referring practitioner’s discretion, but the standard of care is to repeat breast imaging once a year, after a stable baseline has been established.
67. I have a history of breast cancer, will Thermography be helpful? Yes. You can repeat thermographic scans as often as you would like without exposure to radiation, painful compression or exposure to toxic chemicals. Thermography is a good way to image any changes in thermal patterns that may be associated with treatment protocols or a developing pathology. With mammography, most patients are encouraged by their physicians to limit mammograms to twice a year.
68. Is Thermography appropriate for Breast Implants? Yes. The accuracy of Thermography is not affected by breast implants. Since there is no compression there is zero risk of causing damage to the implants. There is no exposure to cancer causing radiation which can also cause drying of the implant membrane potentially leading to leaks.
69. What parts of the body can be scanned? Thermal images are taken of the whole body, or individual regions including breast, head, arms, legs, back torso, etc. We offer breast screening- which includes the entire breast area; including under the arms. Enhanced Full Body Screening- which includes the full torso (front and back) the head, breast, abdomen, back, arms and legs. Standard Full Body Screening – which includes the head, breast, abdomen and back. The standard full-body screening does not include the arms and legs.
70. What is thermal imaging used for? Most patients come to us for breast imaging but we also use it to help in determining the cause of unexplained pain and identify areas requiring further clinical evaluation.
71. Does it hurt to have a scan taken? No. There is no contact with the body or painful breast compression.
72. How can I make an appointment? Call our office at (469)333-0623 anytime between 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week for questions or to make an appointment. We are almost always available by phone unless we are on a call with another patient. If you reach our recording, please leave your contact information. We will be notified that you have called and we will return your call as soon as possible.
73. How far in advance should I schedule an appointment? If your schedule is flexible we can usually get you scheduled for an appointment within a few days. If you are coming from out of town and need a specific date we advise that you call at least two weeks in advance and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
74. Can friends or partners come to the visit? If you have a friend or partner who would like to accompany you to the appointment, they are welcome to be present. Most often they will wait in the waiting room while the images are taken so as not to interfere with thermal readings at the time of imaging.
75. What if I have questions about my results? Most patients find the report self explanatory but you are welcome to call our office and our Certified Thermographers who answer the phone will be glad to answer your questions or go over your report at no extra charge. If you would prefer to speak to Dr. Garcia, she will review the results with you over the phone for a consultation fee of $50 for 15 minutes, or $80 for thirty minutes.