About Radiology
What is radiology?
Generally, radiology refers to such things as x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance and radiopharmaceuticals that are used to create medical imaging or pictures to assist in diagnosing and treating medical conditions and injuries. Interventional radiology is a subspecialty of radiology. Interventional radiologists specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments. Images are used to guide small instruments through vessels and other pathways. These procedures have less risk, less pain and less recovery time compared to open surgery and have reduced and/or eliminated the need for surgery for many patients.
What is a radiologist?
A radiologist uses medical imaging to help other physicians diagnose and treat their patients. A radiologist uses his/her expertise to interpret medical images and to provide a written report of their findings to patients’ physicians.
A radiologist is a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who has completed college, medical school, and a radiology residency program. Radiologists are trained to interpret medical imaging studies, and to perform interventional radiology procedures. Many radiologists complete additional fellowship training in specific areas of expertise such as mammography, interventional radiology, neuroradiology or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
All radiologists at Grand Traverse Radiologists, PC are board-certified. Many have completed additional subspecialty training by participating in a Fellowship program beyond their residency in their respective subspecialty. For a description of our physicians’ training, please refer to Our Team.
Locations and Services
Where do I go to get radiology services?
For a list of services provided by Grand Traverse Radiologists at the facilities they serve click here. Your personal physician may have the ability to provide a small number of services in their office. For the majority of services not available at the physician office, hospitals in your community provide a comprehensive set of radiology services at their locations. There are some very specific radiology services that may only be available at large teaching hospitals/universities. Your physician or the hospitals’ radiology department will know what procedures are available locally.
How do I schedule a radiology exam?
Although there are a few exceptions, the vast majority of radiology services are ordered and scheduled through physicians’ offices. Once your physician determines which radiology service is needed, they will either schedule the exam for you or provide you with the appropriate order form and contact information for you to do so on your own.
Munson Medical Center, Kalkaska Memorial Health Center and Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Central Scheduling: 231.935.2812
Mercy Hospital Cadillac Central Scheduling: 231.876.7352
Learning About Services
Where can I learn more about radiology exams like CTs, MRI’s, ultrasound and how do I prepare for them?
Grand Traverse Radiololgists, PC offers comprehensive radiology services within the healthcare facilities we serve. Click here to learn more or go to Radiologyinfo.org.
Insurance, Billing, and Payment Information
Are all radiology services covered by insurance companies/health plans?
Not all radiology services are covered by insurance companies/health plans. In addition, some insurance companies/health plans require “pre-authorization” before the services can be provided. Grand Traverse Radiologists participates with the largest insurance companies/health plans in the area (i.e., Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Priority Health), but they do not participate with all insurance companies/health plans. Patients need to contact their insurance company/health plan in advance to make sure the service will be covered, to find out if pre-authorization is required by your insurance company and to find out how much you, as the patient, may be responsible for paying.
Why do I get two bills for radiology services?
Radiology services are divided into two parts: 1) the hospital part of the bill that includes the use of the equipment, time and talent of the hospital staff, and supplies used during the service, and 2) the radiologist part of the bill that includes the expertise and time of the physician who is interpreting and reporting their findings to other physicians and clinicians. The hospital bill is typically much larger than the radiologist bill. If you need information about the cost of a specific radiology service please contact our office at 231.935.0497.
Where do I send my payments?
Radiologist bill: Grand Traverse Radiologists, PC, PO Box 1320, Traverse City, MI 49685-1320.
Hospital bill: Munson Medical Center, Kalkaska Memorial Health Center and Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital should be sent to Munson Medical Center, PO Box 1131, Traverse City, MI 49685-1131. Mercy Hospital Cadillac payments should be sent to Mercy Hospital Cadillac, PO Box 369, Cadillac, MI 49601
What if I have questions about my bills?
Grand Traverse Radiologists bill: 1-800-383-1656
Hospital bill for Munson Medical Center, Kalkaska Memorial Health Center and Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital: 231-935-6160 or 1-800-437-3615
Hospital bill for Mercy Hospital Cadillac: 231-876-7856
Can I pay my Grand Traverse Radiologists, PC bill on-line?
Yes. Please visit https://www.obatds.com/