Ft. Jesse Imaging and Gale Keeran Center for Women
By Melissa Donovan
Whether you have a torn ligament, the doctor suspects cancer or MS, or you’re living with chronic pain, the costs of medical care can feel overwhelming.
Have you delayed seeking medical help due to financial concerns? You are not alone. Rising inflation, increased cost of living, and tight family budgets mean that healthcare expenses are a significant worry for many individuals and families.
Still, timely medical care is vital for protecting your health, managing symptoms early on, and avoiding serious complications. Medical imaging often plays a crucial role in that process. Imaging can give doctors a clear picture of what’s happening inside the body and help to guide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
When your doctor recommends medical imaging to uncover the cause of your symptoms, there’s good news: you don’t have to drain your wallet. Outpatient imaging centers like Ft. Jesse Imaging and Gale Keeran Center for Women offer a convenient, affordable alternative for high-quality diagnostic services—without the sticker shock that often comes with hospital-based care.
Affordable Solutions
It’s common to assume that diagnostic imaging, such as MRIs, CT scans, or mammograms, comes with a hefty price tag. While it is true these tests can be costly, the location you choose to have them performed makes a huge difference.
Independent outpatient imaging centers—unaffiliated with hospitals—are typically the most cost-effective option. At Ft. Jesse Imaging, patients receive the same high-quality scans, read by board-certified radiologists, at a fraction of the cost compared to hospital-affiliated facilities.
Why the Cost Difference?
Hospitals charge significantly more for most imaging services due to special billing designations and additional overhead costs. They may also add separate fees for the use of their facilities, radiology services, and imaging equipment. These extra charges can cause bills to skyrocket.
Outpatient centers like Ft. Jesse Imaging don’t pass on those inflated costs to patients. In fact, you may save up to 60% compared to hospital imaging rates—without compromising the quality of your care.
Transparent Billing
Multi-part medical bills create unnecessary stress and confusion. At Ft. Jesse Imaging and Gale Keeran Center for Women, you receive one simple, all-inclusive bill. We use global billing, which means all services, including the scan, the radiologist’s interpretation, and facility fees are bundled into a single, transparent charge. No surprise charges. No extra bills. No hidden fees. Just one clear, honest price. We also accept most major insurance plans, and our team is happy to help you understand your coverage before your appointment. That way, you know exactly what to expect, financially and medically.
The Hidden Costs of Delayed Care
When your doctor recommends imaging, it’s not just to check a box—it’s to get vital information. Delaying care may seem like a way to save money in the short term, but it can lead to much higher costs down the line, not just financially but physically and emotionally as well.
How Delayed Imaging Can Lead to Higher Cost
- Bone Health: A simple bone density scan today could prevent a major fracture tomorrow. Hip fractures alone can cost over $50,000 and often require surgery, hospitalization, and months of rehabilitation.
- Cancer: Early detection is key. Imaging helps detect cancer at earlier, more treatable stages, when interventions are more effective and less invasive.Delaying these scans may result in the need for aggressive and expensive treatments in the future.
- Progressive Pain: Pain doesn’t always stay in one place. What starts as minor back or joint pain can evolve into widespread discomfort, affect posture and mobility, and disrupt your daily life. Imaging can help identify the root cause early so you can start targeted treatment before the condition worsens.
- Work and Daily Life: Untreated health issues can result in missed workdays, lost income, and increased stress. They can interfere with daily tasks, relationships, and your overall quality of life. Early imaging helps you get back on track sooner.
Take Charge of Your Health
Getting the care you need shouldn’t be stressful, or expensive. At Ft. Jesse Imaging and Gale Keeran Center for Women, we make medical imaging simple, affordable, and accessible for every patient.
We help you take control with confidence:
- Flexible Scheduling: We offer appointment slots throughout the day, including early mornings, evenings and weekends, so you don’t have to rearrange your life for your health.
- Quick Turnaround: Most exams can be scheduled within a week, with fast results sent to your physician. You won’t be left waiting and worrying.
- Self-Scheduling Made Easy: Use our convenient online booking tool to schedule your mammogram appointment anytime, no need to call during business hours.
- Walk-In Mammograms: We make preventive care even easier with no-appointment-needed screening mammograms. Just walk in when it works for you.
- Comfort-First Experience: From calm, modern exam rooms to caring technologists who explain every step, we prioritize your comfort and peace of mind.
- All-Inclusive Billing: With transparent pricing and most insurances accepted, you’ll know exactly what to expect—no confusing invoices or billing surprises.
Local Care That Feels Personal
As a locally owned imaging center, we’re proud to serve the central Illinois community with personalized, compassionate care. We live and work here too, and we treat every patient like our neighbor, not a number. Our board-certified radiologists and skilled technologists use state-of-the-art equipment and follow national imaging standards to ensure your results are accurate and timely. We’re committed to creating a better experience for our patients, one where you feel supported, informed, and empowered to take care of your health.
A Smarter Approach to Imaging
Medical imaging is often a crucial first step on the path to diagnosis and recovery. Choosing where to go for that imaging can make all the difference, not just in cost, but in convenience, service, and your overall healthcare experience. With Ft. Jesse Imaging and Gale Keeran Center for Women, you don’t have to choose between affordability and quality. You get BOTH! Bonus, you are treated by a team who truly cares about your health and well-being.
Don’t let cost or confusion delay your care. Choose local, affordable imaging that puts your health first. Ft. Jesse Imaging is located at 2200 Fort Jesse Rd., Suite 120 & 130 in Normal. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (309) 454-5552 or visit them online www.ft.jesse.com.
