Imaging Healthcare Specialists

I used to go to the free-​parking facility on Laurel and I loved it. That building was smaller but the service was faster and better. They now move to this new location and I want to give it a try because it is close to my home. There was no one in line at the time. Still, it took me a while to check-​in. There were many associates sitting at a large round desk. Some were typing, others were drinking coffee. One lady told me «we will be with you shortly» and continued with her work. Finally a beautiful lady at a small booth on the right side checked me in. I am glad that she and the technician were quick so I could leave the building within 20 minutes. I did check the Imaging Healthcare Specialists website before going to the appointment and learned that this new facility has an ACE parking lot right next to the building. I thought it would give patient different options (1 hr, 2 hr, 3 hr…) to pay for parking like other Medical buildings nearby. Nope! Even it said «Discount» for patients but the fee listed at the machine was 0 — 2 hrs = $ 5.00. It cost me $ 5.00 for only 20 minutes parking. I think that was a big RIP-​OFF. Wonder why the huge parking lot looked so empty. I definitely will schedule my future appointment at a different facility.

I’ve been waiting for over an hour, had to go feed the meter twice and just got back from getting change cause I ran out after $ 3.00! Not a good system of just taking walk ins! My Dr gave me a referral to this place but I would recommend going to another location and call ahead to see what the wait time will be.

Beware! The reception or people who manage your paperwork in my opinion are very unprofessional. I went to check in and was told to go to another station with a representative that was completely unaware that we were there. After she acknowledged me, she called another patient to help her. In the meantime the receptionist/​account manager who sent us to this rep, had completely checked in 2 additional patients while I continued to wait. Now that I was being helped, the account representative informs us that there is no record of our previous appointment and we have to complete all of the paperwork again. (WTF) After the paperwork is complete, we are informed of the reason for our visit, yet it doesn’t match the original reason from our last visit. Remind you that this is a resheduled appointment so nothing should have changed but the time and date. Example: Original visit was for a shot in the right toe. now its for a shot in the hip (???) We fill the paperwork out and wait to see the doctor so that we can resolve the confusion in what the appointment was for. While waiting I observe the account managers giggling and laughing while conversating with each other, definitely not work related while looking at something on the phone. Next thing you know, there are what I believe to be nurses joining in on the fun also (Party at station 2 and 3). After the party breaks up I notice that there doesnt seem to be a dress code or code enforcement as the rep at station 2 has on blue jeans, chuck taylors and a sweat shirt (wow). Station 3 doesnt look professionally dressed also. I didnt really have a good look at station 1, but noticed from what I could see is that she seem to be continously working. Station 4 was dressed appropriate and seem to have a great concern for trying to address my needs even though she wasnt assigned to help me. To the manager in charge of this place, your account representatives are the first and last people your patients see when coming to your health center. Looking like you are a patient or walk in while managing my healthcare appointment doesn’t exude confidence in the services I am here to recieve. Also informing me that you do not have any record of my last visit and that the reason for my visit is apples and oranges seems to be VERY unprofessional. An enforced dress code. maybe professional uniforms along with additional training on what the importance of keeping well documented notes. Save the laughing and giggling for your break. you are on the front line and someone is always watching. You represent either competance or incompetent.. As im finishing writing this review I look up and station 2 rep is on her personal phone. standing outside the cube as she goes back to her station ending the call as she sit. The professionalism really needs to be addressed.

Couldn’t figure out where to leave a tip. The hours are 8am-​5pm Mon-​Fri. I Just found out the hard way lol.

Back down to 1 star… negative stars if I could. In September, I came here for an MRI and CT Scan prior to my foot surgery in November. Although I knew I had already reached my out of pocket maximum with my insurance company, because this facility could not validate that, I was required to pay my 20%, which I did, $ 189.04.
Once the insurance company made their payment in October, I called asking about a refund. I was told it had to be investigated. No response from Imaging Healthcare Specialists. Shocker…
I called again in November and was told it was ‘approved’ for reimbursement on 11÷24÷15 and credited back to my credit card. I called on 12÷30÷15 because it still hadn’t been credited to my Visa card and I was told to call back in a few days. WTH?!
They’ve been holding my money hostage for almost 3 months and that is ridiculous. My next step… contacting the Department of Consumer Affairs to file a complaint.
Don’t use this place!!!

I wish I could give less than one! First off the parking was terrible. Second, to get a mammogram I would not recommend this place! The lady made faces the entire time she was doing it and took way too long. They wouldn’t let me see a radiologist or ask anything. Over a week and still no results have been given. They didn’t introduce themselves or even say anything at the end. Definately didn’t feel at home or happy leaving here.

I’m glad I saw all these reviews. I don’t feel alone now. I was made to pay a $ 20 copay in April 2015, even though I didn’t owe one. To date and many phone calls later, including a letter asking that my money be refunded, I still have not heard from anyone.
I have been seen at the IHS on 5^th St. and IHS on Laurel and 1^st St. for many years and gotten x-​rays and MRIs and never paid a copay. The front desk staff had it all together in those locations.
I would recommend anyone using the Hillcrest/​Washington St. location, to have paperwork in front of you that shows whether you do or do not owe a copay. Have proof! Once there, if the front desk person demands a copy, show proof.
That was the only problem I had, besides the $ 5 parking fee which isn’t told when you call.

I would recommend to avoid this provider, if possible.
I had read the negative reviews beforehand thinking that I would be better prepared. However, it seems that I have fallen into the same pit as others. And, nearly 4 months later, I am still dealing with the repercussions.
In the beginning of July, Imaging Healthcare Specialists (IHS) overcharged me, against my objections. They assured me, however, that I would receive back the overcharges over my CoPay amount once they verified my deductible. (BTW…in this case, the deductible had nothing to do with the CoPay, however, that is the story they tell you.)
IHS not only initially overcharged me for my one visit, they also billed my insurance company with multiple visits which allowed them to claim more CoPay dollars and insurance money. My feeling is that this is part of a systemic billing practice.
There have been no less than a dozen calls to their billing department and my insurance company trying to straighten out their creative billing.
A representative from Anthem, my insurance company, even called them trying to straighten out their mess while I was also on the line. IHS’s billing department generally played dumb, but said the overcharges would be refunded. They all gave different time-​frames (all past due) on when this would happen, and here I am 4 months later — with nothing.
Ask your doctor if you can get an alternative provider. You will feel much better if you do!

The new facility is clean and beautiful but gosh the people working the check in are horrible!!! I have to pay for parking and your wasting time chatting about your life while there is a line of 6 people. Not to mention one worker couldn’t find something and literally all of them stopped working to find it that’s not productive!!! It made me and my husband very angry!!!

I’ve been going to Laurel for years. Although the building was old, it was much more organized. I have never payed for parking and wasn’t told about the parking lot which is $ 5 min. I checked their website before hand to see what the new parking situation was but nothing was on there and it was impossible to get through on their number. That should be relayed especially if it’s a new facility. You also can’t park on the street in that area or else you will be towed. It’s metered or paid parking only.
Like the other reviewers noted, you have to wait in a single long line and if you need or want confidentiality, this place is not for you. Unfortunately, I was filling out paperwork at the desk and overheard everyone else’s information. I waited in the line for 20 minutes before I got to check in and had to wait again to go back for the image. Once, I got back there, things went along as normal. This never happened in the years I’ve been going to Laurel.
Finally, I had to call back for a follow up appointment and was on hold for 10 minutes, gave all of my information only be be transferred to another desk, was on hold again for another 15 before I ever spoke to a person.
It’s stressful enough for some people to even be there in the first place. I will complete this follow up visit and look for a new place to go that is more organized and better staffed. I have a completely lack of confidence because of the poor communication, the long hold times and the long waits.
The tech that performed the image was very professional and on top of it to give a fair review.

Reading awful reviews I was scared to come here, but I had no choice. This facility is close to my home and in network. I had an MRI. I was able to schedule it last week for today.
When I arrrived there was absolutely no line (12:40 pm), they did not hold my insurance card and my ID as other people said. They just took it and gave it back a few minutes later while I was watching everything. The receptionist even told me what door they are going to call me from, so I could sit closer. They called me 5 – 6 minutes later! MRI was done in 15 minutes and I am all done!
I did have to pay $ 5 for parking and it sucks, but other than that my experience was great!
I now hope they will fax my results to my Dr fast and to the correct facility.

Had an MRI here. The Dr that injected the contrast into my shoulder joint was done in about 10 mins. He did a great job, got it perfect the first time like it was no big deal, obviously he had done several hundred if not over a thousand of these. The Dr also had perfect hair and his assistant was pretty, I felt like I was at a David Copperfield magic show. The MRI itself only took like 30 mins, I was in and out like a poptart. Then to get the CD of my images only took another 20 mins. This place truly has their act together, I was HIGHLY impressed, they were punctual, accurate, friendly, and professional. Honestly the contrast injection was painless, getting my teeth cleaned is far worse!

I have been coming to Imaging Healthcare for probably 15 years — always at the 1^st & Laurel location, and had no complaints — friendly, discreet service, they always got me in and out quickly, and free parking. This was my first visit to the new location (they combined, and closed, the others). On the plus side, the new space is very nice, modern, clean and light (I don’t mind the floors, but they are more what you might expect in a craft beer pub than a medical facility).
I didn’t like that (like prior reviewers noted) I waited in one line — they took and kept my drivers license and insurance card. Then I had to sit and wait again until they called me back. The people at the front desk weren’t overly friendly, either, except for the last one. Also, $ 5 for parking in the lot seems pricey to me; I was fortunate to find a meter in front. Hopefully, they read the reviews and can make some service improvements.

Schedule an appointment elsewhere, thank me later. This place is in need of some major adjustments. As we got closer to our due date our Dr. requested that we go back for a 2^nd ultrasound. Tried scheduling an appt and they said soonest appt we could get was three wks out. We explained that our Dr requested it and by that time it may be too late. They ended up giving us an appt for two wks out but at the hillcrest location. We live in el cajon, not exactly convenient. A few days before the appt they call us and tell us the appt has to be cancelled bc it was scheduled in error. They reschedule us for a week later. We begrudgingly agree to it.

We arrive at the facility and discover it’s $ 5 to park. Go inside, I thought we were at the dmv. Stand in line for about 10 mins. They took our id and insurance card for another 10 mins. Wasn’t a big fan of that. The rep that inputted our info came over and said we had a $ 43 co-​pay. I told her there must be a mistake. She said no, it’s correct and I can speak with billing if I had any questions. So I spoke with someone in billing and that rep told me they were mistaken about the co-​pay, it’s $ 40 not $ 43. I told her again that too must be a mistake bc at our last ultrasound appt (with them) there wasn’t a co-​pay. She said she was looking at my ins policy and it was definitely a $ 40 co pay. I tried calling my insurance (blue cross blue shield) but we were called back for our appt before I could speak with anyone. The woman that did our ultrasound was professional and knew her job inside and out, wish I could say the same about the front desk staff and billing. I called my insurance company back right after the appt and they said all pre-​natal procedures are covered at 100% with no out of pocket expense to the patient. I went back in to relay this info but receptionist went on lunch break and no one from billing (which was right upstairs) could come down to talk to me. The rep from BCBS said she could call them and put me on conference call. Tried calling them and the phone prompt just kept looping us back to the original menu despite the fact we had the ext of the person in billing. Very frustrating. My wife called them back when we got home and they said they couldn’t refund our co-​pay until explanation of benefits comes in the mail in a month. I plan on calling them first thing in the morning and demanding a refund.

I was sent here by Scripps for an MRI in this facility’s «big» machine, since I’m a little claustrophobic, and Scripps doesn’t have a big one like this. Being used to the «Scripps experience», where I’m used to being treated with care, competence, warmth, and discretion, this experience was disappointing.
When I walked in, there was no direction as to where to check in — I had to ask someone at the counter, who pointed to a sign at the very back of the large room that said «Please wait here.» It seemed like they didn’t call anyone for a long time, so I was about to ask the counter person again, when, finally, a guy said, «next person waiting,» and I checked in. Then, I waited another 20 minutes.
I was very unhappy about the fact that when you check in, they actually take your ID (drivers license, etc.) and your insurance card, and don’t give it back to you until about 20 minutes later, after it has been put into a folder, passed through I-don’t-know-how-many hands, scanned, and you fill out forms and check in at the counter again. I don’t like my personal information floating around that long out of my possession, not knowing where it goes. Also, the consent form you fill out says that they can release your information to «physicians and insurance companies» without specifying which ones. I spoke to the lady about that, and she said that they only release it to «physicians who request it», but that’s no consolation. Any doctor could request it for any purpose (i.e. research, claims investigation, etc.) and this release would allow them to. But I knew there was no use in arguing. If I wanted the MRI, I had to sign it.
I had arrived at 3:00 for my 3:30 MRI as instructed. I was told to show up at 3:00 because I would be taking Valium, and they wanted me to do it in their presence. But my prescription said to take it 45 minutes before my appointment. Luckily I followed the prescription instead of the facility’s instructions, because I didn’t even see a tech until AFTER 3:30 — around 3:45. I had to cancel a 5:00 appointment across town because they were late.
When someone called my name — very pleasant man — I had to correct him three times to get «Janice» right, He called my first and last name out to the whole room. I asked him about taking the Valium and he had no idea why I was told to take it in the presence of the tech. He was glad I had taken it earlier. He said that all they were concerned with was that I had someone there to drive me home.
It was really cold in the dressing room (I guess they have to keep the area cold for the machines?) They put a blanket over me after I had the gown on. There are combination locks for the lockers in the dressing room, and the people who take you back there have the combination. You don’t get to have your own key like most places I’ve been for scans or x-​rays.
The tech wasn’t particularly a «warm and fuzzy» person, but she was nice enough. She offered me ear plugs and a cloth to put over my eyes, which I much appreciated. She put the cloth over my eyes before I went into the machine, which was good, because I never had the experience of feeling confined by the machine because I never saw it once I was in it.
The noise was very loud and I was grateful for the ear plugs. However, she would try to talk to me in between filming the various views, and I couldn’t hear her. Apparently, she was trying to tell me what was coming next — I appreciate the sentiment — but she wasn’t talking loudly enough.
She injected the contrast dye into my wrist area near the end of the procedure and apparently, a couple of drops of it leaked somewhere it shouldn’t have, because my wrist got a little puffy and had a painful, burning sensation for about 5 minutes or so. She apologized and said, «it happens sometimes.»
This experience wasn’t terrible, but for people who have some anxiety about imaging (like going through an MRI), like I do, this place could do more to make you feel safe and well cared for. If I have a choice, I’ll probably go somewhere else next time. I guess I’m spoiled with the Scripps system! It’s rare that they have to send me out someplace else.

I went into the Hillcrest location today at 6:30, after paying for parking of course, I was not greeted for at least 10 min. I waited another 10 min just to start and complete the registration only to be told they are not doing anymore x-​rays. Why wasn’t I told this when I first walked in to the building? Why wasn’t I told this once I was finally greeted? Why wasn’t I told this after I was asked if I was there for an x-​ray? Why was I even allowed to register if we could not be seen.
This is absolutely unacceptable customer service. Keep in mind most of this happened while an x-​ray tech stood at the check-​in desk. If I had another option I would go somewhere else.

Wow… something needs to be fixed here. The wait time is ridiculously long, and when your ready they call your name out for the entire room to hear (and thanks to the new design, boy does it echo)…so much for privacy
Complete chaos, calling names that aren’t even here (and no-​ones left, so I haven’t a clue what list they are calling… eh I mean HOLLERING). How embarassing, kudos to the staff for keeping it together, I could
Not work in this kind of chaos and environment…
Seems to be a lot of unspoken attitude in here also, the people in the lobby look angry and the employees look like they don’t want to be here.
I really wish I didn’t have to come here…

Someone in charge there really needs to read these reviews… wow, pretty awful and for legit reasons.
Always nice to have a new facility, but not at the cost of it being $ 5 to park! Really? They even charge if you have a handicap placard… UGH! I will park on the street from now on even though I’m disabled, geesh.
There does seem to be a bit of an attitude with the people behind the counter there. Both times I’ve been there there seems to be a mix up of some kind with my appt.
This time it was the technician might have gone home already??? My appt was at 3 pm and that seems to be when most of them go home. They couldn’t reach her. When she finally appeared, she told me she didn’t know what their problem was… she was right there in her ultra sound room. So, even SHE thinks they have a problem!
Wow, get it together there. And they put away all the lobby chairs at the end of the day? What? Ok.

Bad first impression as soon as I walked in. I gave the woman my name and she asked me for my dr’s order. I told her they submitted it electronically. She rolled her eyes and said in this sassy way «well we will See about That!» Bad Sign #2.
First bad sign is the fact that you have to pay for parking. $ 5 for 0 – 5 hours. Im not down with paying for parking when my legs still work. Thats $ 5 saved for coffee. Yessssssiiirrrr.
Bad sign #3: a staff member just came out and yelled out «who is here for an MRI?!!». Omg… so ghetto. Is this McDonalds or a medical facility? Is our insurance paying for Xrays or did I just order some 99c chicken nuggets? Haha… Sheesh. Maybe they will hook me up w/​the nuggets after my x-​ray…
This place is clean and well-​designed but I will say that their floor looks dirty or like it was once fancy but then they had trouble cleaning up the body (gotta use bleach to get rid of dna evidence). Imma try to take a pic just cuz I’m bored and rude girl hasn’t called me back up to ask for my insurance card or roll her eyes at me again.
I came out from North County for an x-​ray and the customer service is so terrible, I have already waited 30 mins for them just to check me in and see if they my dr’s order for an x-​ray. I think I ‘m gonna cruise down to the lab-​rat hospital down the street bc surely the wait will come w/​an xray and a side of happy pills.

I have had an ultrasound done previously at one of the other locations and cannot say I was all that impressed.
For insurance reasons, I had no choice but to continue using this company. However, my mind was completely changed with this visit.
This is a brand new location (open for about a month as of this review). The interior is very large and the staff are very friendly.
My technician was very knowledgable and literally spent an HOUR doing our ultrasound to make sure she recorded/​observed every little facet and detail. I was super impressed by this! That kind of time spent by any medical professional in modern America is pretty much unheard of!
Keep up the good work at this location!