If you think about it, MRIs, x-rays, and ultrasounds are "freaky" things. To be able to see INSIDE…read moreyour body? Whoa nelly! Admittedly, it is also a blessing and certainly helps discover the mysterious factors effecting our bodies. I am currently having some issues which seem to be baffling doctors and required ultrasounds of my mid-section organs (liver, gall bladder, pancreas, bladder, etc). I was referred to University Imaging by the Urgent Care in Studio City.
University Imaging is located on a busy intersection with a surprise alleyway entrance which pops out of nowhere. Not to mention, it is marked as one-way (in) but is also the way out (plus,it is only one-lane) so it is an accident waiting to happen (is this irony?). Be careful! The entrance to the business is in the back of the building so don't try to go in through the front.
Once inside, University Imaging is quite welcoming in terms of appearance. Instead of having a clinical hospital-like feel, University Imaging has warm colors, a TV, and fresh snacks/refreshments. This continues into the examining rooms which look more like a massage spa having low lights, wooden floors, flowers... one would almost expect the sound of waterfalls or birds! It's very zen. The only negative is that the back area is squished: you can see into other rooms if the doors are open and you have to walk by the radiologists on computers to get to some of the examining rooms (this was the case with me).
I had to get an ultrasound so I can't vouch for the MRI or X-ray services. However, my experience with Dr. Farrokh Zandpour was excellent. He constantly made sure that I was comfortable and made genuine conversation (although sticking to protocol of not telling me if he saw something wrong). He even asked if I wanted to check my phone when an alert beeped in my purse! The great thing about him was that he went above and beyond the call of duty by checking other organs/areas versus just what the doctor ordered. He stated that some doctors make their minds up ahead of time so he wanted to make sure all areas were covered. Impressive! He was very thorough and I felt I was getting my money's worth (services for about an hour of ultrasounds cost $125 with no insurance. Must be paid in full on the spot. Credit cards are accepted).
My major complaint was with the customer service of the reception staff. Red flags went off when I first called to make my appointment. The girl I spoke to was quick to rush me off the phone and gave me no details of what to expect or prepare. When I arrived, the receptionist attending to me (there are always two on duty) was chomping gum in my face like a cow (how professional!) and was quite rude with an attitude. She also tried to have me pre-pay which I had concerns with and I said I would pay afterwards which obviously upped her attitude.
A week or so after my testing, I needed copies of my ultrasounds for further doctors and I called University Imaging to ask how I could obtain these. The receptionist said their machine was down that day but they would be fixed the next day and that I could come in during business hours to get a burned CD of my ultrasound images (for free). I went in about 4 days later to learn that the machine was still down and so they couldn't burn the CD. Of course no one told me so I drove there for no reason! Wow! Thanks, University Imaging! Luckily, I was able to ask the same gum-addicted receptionist to mail me the CD when the machine was working in order to avoid driving back needlessly. The CD arrived a couple says later so at least that was speedy.
Speaking of speedy, University Imaging was quick to send my ultrasound results to the Urgent Care doctor who had my results within an hour after my session.
Overall, University Imaging is great in terms of the actual radiologists and ultrasound service but the receptionist and customer service end of things are terrible and makes patients feel unwelcome and like they are merely being a hassle to University Imaging. This is unacceptable and is strong enough that the thought of going back isn't necessarily a pleasant one. I suppose however, that the important thing is the medical service which seems to be on-par. Just try to ignore the poor receptionists and client care.
As a note: my ultrasounds were clear and now I have to see some specialists...