A Hollywood, Florida company that provides nuclear stress testing is enabling private physicians' offices to add one of the most profitable diagnostic services they can provide in-house.
"In these times there is a need for in-house diagnostic procedures in order to efficiently detect early disease and provide the best possible patient care at a convenient point of service." says Armando Clavera co-founder of UND. Most cardiologists and groups with cardiovascular interests have already adopted this ancillary service. However, many physicians are now realizing the utility of this service to their patients, their practice and there own lifestyle. He went on to say,
"We have helped physicians of all sizes comply with the new guidelines and safely perform in-house nuclear diagnostic and testing procedures. In addition, University Nuclear Diagnostics have helped physicians become promptly licensed and ICANL certified in order to have their own Nuclear Laboratory with no initial investment or capital expense."
University Nuclear Diagnostic's nuclear medicine technologists perform the stress tests in physicians' offices for a set fee per test based on a legally reviewed leasing model. Physicians in turn provide a dedicated room for the imaging equipment, supervise and subsequently perform the global insurance billing.
The test improves on general exercise stress tests by using radioactive dye to give clear images of the heart's operation during exercise. Like traditional stress tests, it's indicated for patients with risk of heart disease as defined by local coverage determinations and most 3rd party insurers.
A privately held well financed company UND has been in business since 1999. Relying solely on word of mouth, it grew to dozens of clients. Five months ago, the company set out to aggressively expand their company and University Nuclear Diagnostics now enages the services of dozens of qualified people. Half are technologists and half are in sales or administration.
"Our goal is to continue to grow throughout Florida, then offer this unique service nationally," Clavero said.
Testing profits
University Nuclear Diagnostics client Rafael Nunez, MD, of West Palm Beach, said he typically earns a net profit of at least $300 to $400 for each nuclear stress test done in his office. He's been testing six or seven patients a week since enlisting University Nuclear Diagnostic's service almost 3 years ago.
"The most lucrative (services) are diagnostics. A physician can double or triple his income by appropriately utilizing them."
-University Nuclear & Diagnostics
Like most University Nuclear Diagnostic clients, Nunez leases his camera. One day a week, a University Nuclear Diagnostics technologist comes in to perform services on Nunez's patients. An off-site nuclear cardiologist working with Dr. Nunez later reads the images. The complete service, including the camera lease, costs Nunez $400 per test. He said most HMOs pay him $700 to $800 and other private insurers as much as double or triple that amount.
"University Nuclear Diagnostics has proven to me that, unlike other camera dealers, they stay with you and guide you in all the daily lab operations at no additional cost. That's peace of mind," said Nunez.
Some private physician offices and clinics have their own nuclear cameras but contract with University Nuclear Diagnostics to help them reduce costs, increase buying power and optimize radiopharmaceutical purchasing power, daily lab administration, and technologist services.
University Nuclear Diagnostics provides new cameras with full service but is usually asked by clients to maximize cost savings by using refurbished models with the latest computer software packages and complete extended warranty's.
Nunez said he would encourage colleagues who want to boost their bottom line to consider nuclear stress testing, as Florida's aging US population creates a strong market for the diagnostic test. Most of my patients like it," Nunez said. "We can speed up the clinical diagnosis for the patient by doing it in-house."
Why Build Your Nuclear Lab With Us?
"Heart disease kills more Americans every year than any other type of disease. Nuclear stress testing is the best and cheapest option to detect early heart disease."
University Nuclear Diagnostics takes away the worry of equipment ownership, lab set-up, nuclear staffing, daily lab operations, licensing and lab certification, radiation safety and quality control.
University Nuclear Diagnostics, with their strong reputation, experience, and unmatched value, is the best resource for all your nuclear diagnostic needs.