Diagnostic radiology has entered the space-age. MRIs, CT scans, PET scans, mammograms and x-rays of the body leave little to the imagination, detecting potentially life-threatening health problems before they create signs or symptoms.

 With managed care and its emphasis on keeping costs down, most expensive high-tech radiological equipment is housed in major hospitals. There is, however, an option for those who shun the cold, gray and large hospital setting for something more caring and personal.

 Neistadt, Jacobs, Hertz, Sherman, Sferlazza & Kazam, M.D. is a diagnostic radiology practice located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The private practice opened when the equipment was much simpler, more than 40 years ago. The doctors pride themselves on their academic roots, unparalleled experience, publications and numerous scientific presentations. Yet, there is another side to this private environment: it's technology.

 "We recently acquired 2 light speed ct scanners scanner from General Electric. The scanner allows rapid acquisition of the highest quality CAT scan images. Exams are extremely fast. It's important that we continue to stay on the cutting edge of technology. But more than the technology, we feel we offer our patients quality care in an atmosphere that makes getting the testing done a far better experience." Says Craig Sherman, M.D., a partner in the multi-board certified staff.

 The practice, which offers men and women all types of radiological services, also has a separate section, The New York Partnership for Women's Health.

 According to another partner, Ilona Hertz, M.D., women have unique options in imaging. Mammography is only the beginning. Stereotactic and ultrasound guided breast biopsies can provide women with rapid answers to their concerns and can eliminate the need for a more complicated and invasive hospital-based procedure. Women who require imaging of their reproductive systems have options of obstetrical and pelvic sonography, conventional hysterosalpingography and the new technique of sonohysterography. The group has the state-of-the-art instrument to measure bone density for the detection and management of osteoporosis. "The Partnership is ideal for us because we can address the very special needs of women and integrate this part of the practice with our existing larger radiology office. Female patients, therefore, benefit from our capability of providing advanced CT scanning, nuclear scanning and MRI, without having to change facilities as often occurs in other Women's Imaging Practices. This continuum of care is especially important in this era of managed care, in which obtaining various imaging studies can be a bureaucratic nightmare.

 The mammography facility is accredited by the American College of Radiology and the Food and Drug Administration. All the facility's mammography technologists are certified by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists. According to Dr. Hertz, the practice accepts referrals from physicians with any hospital affiliation and participates in many health plans, including Medicare.

"Medicine has evolved away from the private practice and more into the institutional setting. We've maintained our commitment to practicing quality medicine with advanced equipment, but without sacrificing our personal environment or one-on-one oatient care. We even use high-technology communication tools such as the Internet, to educate our patients on an ongoing basis. Still, regardless of the communication method, the emphasis is on thorough patient care and education," say Drs. Hertz and Sherman.

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