FDG PET-CT Second Opinion for Oncology (Cancer)
NationalRad - Specialists in Nuclear Medicine and FDG PET-CT
We Specialize in Interpreting FDG PET-CT Studies for Oncology (Cancer) and Giving You the Answers You Need
FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) PET-CT studies are complex imaging studies that provide important information about cancer, its progression or remission, and the effectiveness of cancer treatment. FDG PET-CT studies are often performed over time to monitor the cancer and evaluate the response to treatment.
The degree to which your doctor discusses your FDG PET-CT results with you will depend upon your doctor. As the patient, you have the right to view your FDG PET-CT report, which outlines the findings and interpretation of your study. You also have the right to know who is interpreting your FDG PET-CT and writing your report and to request a second opinion on your FDG PET-CT study.
A FDG PET-CT second opinion can be vitally important to your care. We invite you to learn about our expert FDG PET-CT second opinion service
provided by our highly-trained nuclear medicine physician to determine if this is right for you.
Why Get a FDG PET-CT Second Opinion?
A FDG PET-CT second opinion can offer you:
- An explanation of your imaging study.
- An expert opinion about the findings and results of your study.
- A confirmation of your diagnosis or a differing opinion.
- Necessary information to make informed decisions when discussing your results with your treating physician.
- Answers to questions about your study, results or diagnosis you have been given.
FDG PET-CT Second Opinion Cases
Cases We Accept
Our nuclear medicine physician reads FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) PET-CT studies for the following conditions:
- Cancer
- Cardiac Conditions
- Lung Nodules
In particular, our nuclear medicine physician reads studies for various cancer diagnoses, including:
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About Our FDG PET-CT Second Opinion Service
How It Works
The process is simple. You start by registering and creating a login (email address and password) for a NationalRad second opinion account through our secure, HIPAA-compliant ImageShare portal provided by DICOM Grid. Once set up, you upload your FDG PET-CT study images from a CD provided by the center where your study was performed. You will then be asked to answer a series of questions to help our nuclear medicine physician understand your case and condition / diagnosis, as well as to provide your original radiology report and any comparison or previous studies. Once you have uploaded your medical images and radiology report and answered all required questions, you will be asked to provide your credit card information to pay for your second opinion or consultation. We charge an upfront, flat, professional radiology fee of $320.00 for our FDG PET-CT second opinion service, which you can learn more about on our Second Opinion Pricing & Payment Options page.
Once we have received your second opinion case and payment, we will assign your case to our nuclear medicine physician, who will begin reviewing your case. Should our doctor have any questions or require further information to interpret your studies, we will notify you through an email from ImageShare / DICOM Grid asking you to contact us. If the physician has everything needed to read your studies and develop an impression of your case, your detailed diagnostic report will be created and uploaded to your secure ImageShare / DICOM Grid account. You will receive an email from ImageShare / DICOM Grid asking you to login to your account and access your diagnostic report, which you can download, save and print for future reference or use as you wish. You will also receive instructions should you wish to schedule a 15-minute consultation with our nuclear medicine physician to discuss your report, including findings and impressions, and ask the physician questions about your diagnosis.
Our Consulting Nuclear Medicine Physician
Ashley F. Blurton, MD
Board-Certified Nuclear Medicine Physician
Dr. Blurton is a nuclear medicine physician who specializes in FDG PET-CT imaging used to detect and monitor complex diseases such as cancer. She has more than a decade of experience reading FDG PET-CT studies, and her expertise spans different types of cancer, including metastatic disease. Prior to completing her nuclear medicine residency, Dr. Blurton trained in radiation oncology, giving her unique insights into cancer treatment, as well as care for patients with cancer.
Dr. Blurton is an assistant professor of radiology and medical imaging at University of Virginia (UVA) Health System's Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging. She is a member of the Division of Nuclear Medicine and PET Imaging, where she and her team use molecular imaging to diagnose, monitor and treat diseases such as cancer. In addition to her clinical work with patients, Dr. Blurton serves as a clinical performance development physician mentor at the UVA School of Medicine and on the UVA Medical School admissions committee and UVA’s radiation safety committee.
Previously, Dr. Blurton served as an assistant professor of radiology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Blurton has conducted research on various different PET radiotracers, including F-18 FLT in breast cancer patients, F-18 FDG in head and neck cancer and brain tumor patients, and F-18 FBT, a novel cholinergic imaging agent. She has published and presented her research and work for such organizations as the Academy of Molecular Imaging (AMI), Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO). Presently, her clinical research efforts focus on PET-CT imaging of neurodegenerative dementias.
Dr. Blurton has received numerous awards and honors for her scholarly work and is an active member of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).
Areas of Interest / Subspecialization: FDG PET-CT
Patient Testimonials:
"Doctors can do amazing things, and I have the utmost respect for the profession, but they are all human. A second opinion can prevent medical misdiagnoses that often lead to unnecessary, costly and painful procedures. I got a second opinion from Dr. Ashley Blurton and it was the best decision I've ever made. She is a passionate advocate for second opinions and it made me feel a lot more comfortable, more relaxed. I was very pleased with the care and attention of all concerned. Feeling confident and assured is priceless. If you feel you need another opinion, get one. It's your life after all. You are worth the fight." - Blanka M.
"I directed a family member to Dr. Blurton for a second opinion. She received a very timely reading, which was invaluable. The personal attention and fast response were most welcome at a time of extreme stress." - William F.