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Radisphere Medical Director of Radiology at Hi-Desert Medical Center
Joshua Tree, CA
Phone
About
Bio
I am a board certified general radiologist with specialty training in body imaging and breast imaging.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Radiology
Doctor Q&A
96 Answers
18 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Yes: At the appropriate time during gestation (usually 20 - 24 weeks) a fetal ultrasound can usually accurately assess the kidneys.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
No: The only way to be sure is to get a biopsy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Yearly: Initially, mammogram every 6 months for two years, then yearly. Yearly MRI breast is also recommended.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
No: That dose of radiation is well within acceptable limits. I suggest getting MRI of the brain to reduce your radiation and get more information.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
More tests: You can expect more mammogram images, possibly a breast ultrasound. A breast mri, other studies, and biopsy may also be required.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Focus: A head ct takes about 10 - 40 seconds.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
No: There is no pain associated with the procedure. Mri machines are quite loud and you will probably be supplied with earplugs and possibly headphones. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Benign or malignant: A tumor at the knee in a child is usually benign. However, there is a high frequency of malignant masses at the knee in kids.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 54-year-old male asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Correct: Both are correct. In general "tiny nodules and scarring" are a common finding on ct chest.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Yes: It is very important to compare current studies with any relevant previous study.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Transit time: This exam demonstrates the small bowel in detail and demonstrates the time it takes for the barium to get through the bowel. This test can also demon... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Possible obstruction: The tubing which collects the urine from your kidneys is abnormally full and distended.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Lots: There is a lot more detail and information in an mri. For example, blood vessels and lymph nodes are much better evaluated using mri.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old female asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Fat: Adipose is fat. This seen in dermoid tumors.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Yes: Nutrition is extremely important. Here is a link with some useful information:
http://cancernutrition.Com/breast_lecture.Htm
here is another useful... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Anatomy: At 20 weeks, a fetal ultrasound will assess the fetus size, heart rate, position and anatomy. The exam will also look at the placenta and the amnioti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Nothing: The rash may or may not be related to the intravenous contrast. Take benedryl if it helps. See a doctor if rash persists. If you get another contra... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
No: Before your MRI you will be asked a series of questions to determine if the MRI is safe for you. The metal plate in your leg should not prevent you f... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
An imaging procedure: Mri is an imaging procedure which provides the radiologist with detailed images of the body. The machine uses a very large magnet to help produce the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
In the neck.: The thryoid gland is located in the anterior part of your neck above the clavicles and below the larynx (adams apple).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Yes: Nutrition plays an important roll in cancer risk. Try this tool to learn more: http://www.Aicr.Org/site/pageserver?Pagename=reduce_diet_quiz.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Ultrasound pelvis: This exam technique is used primarily in the first trimester to give us a more detailed and accurate assessment of the pregnancy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old female asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Worry never helped: If the ultrasound finds a cyst, then this not something to be concerned about unless it becomes painful or keeps getting larger.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Better resolution: Spect technology allows the radiologist to see abnormal findings more accurately.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Maybe: Enlarged liver and fatty liver are not specific for cirrhosis. These are common findings with many liver diseases. Still, they are not normal and yo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old female asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Get a second opinion: It is possible this is simply "growing pains." however, it is reasonable to seek a second opinion on the MRI of the knee from a musculoskeletal speci... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Maybe: Unfortunately, xrays of the lumbar spine have a low correlation with the actual cause of the back pain. The radiation exposure is considerable and th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
All: The radiologist reviews all of the images that the technologist obtains. Of course, the radiologist is limited to seeing only the images the technolo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old female asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
I don't know "why": However, if you develop lump(s) in your breast during pregnancy, then and ultrasound of the breast may prove helpful.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Right lower quadrant: Typically the "rebound" for acute appendicitis is elicited in the right lower quadrant. However, "rebound" can be elicited from anywhere in the abdom... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
No: Ultrasound exam does not harm the fetus. Be aware that every test has a margin of error. The more times you do a test the more likely there will be ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Yes and No: Ct scan is usually done first because it's quick and informative. However, MRI is superior at evaluating stroke.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Yes: That is a normal feeling. It will pass quickly.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Yes: The x-ray will be able to tell if there has been any change.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
2 seconds: Once a clot is free in the vein, it will travel immediately to the lung.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
No: There are dangers in every workplace. Radiology departments are under a great deal of state and federal scrutiny, so they are typically safe. Try th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Yes: While it's best to follow the bowel cleansing regimen prescribed, the end result to completely cleanse the colon so that clear liquid is coming out be... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 59-year-old female asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Bowel prep: I would also like to emphasize the importance of breathing during the procedure. Also, the procedure will go much smother and be much more successful... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
No: If your doctor determines that you need imaging to better understand your back pain, i strongly recommend getting an MRI rather than xray. Mri is muc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Yes: Skin changes around the nipple are abnormal. You should go to your doctor promptly and get it examined. In some cases this finding is associated wit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Yes: Women and men with a family history of breast cancer are at increased risk for developing breast cancer. Knowing other types of cancer in your family... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Images of the body: Ultrasound, ct, and MRI are three different types of imaging procedures which allow the radiologist see what's going on in your body. Each modality h... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
No: There is some evidence that "dense breasts" are at increased risk for developing breast cancer. Breast cancer may be less detectable in breasts with ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Rare: Death 1/10, 000. Severe bleeding 1/500 or 0.4%. Pain 20%. Infection - rare. Puncture lung - rare. 1-3% of people getting liver biopsy require hospit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
More info: Each imaging modality can be optimized to help learn more about diseases and help answer questions your for your doctor and you. For example, ultraso... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
What does it mean on your scan: broad based posterior disk protrusion without spinal canal stenosis?
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Disc disease: The disc between the vertebral bodies is bulging into the spinal canal. This can be painful or not. This could be affecting nearby nerves or not. B... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Details: The transvaginal ultrasound exam can offer a more detailed assessment of the ovaries, ovarian cysts, the endometrium, endometrial polyps, and fibroids... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
Usually normal: This article explains choroid plexus cysts. The good news, they are usually incidental and rarely indicate a problem.
http://downsyndrome.about.com/o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
No: The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound guided breast biopsy is 94.7%.
Here is a reference: http://www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/pubmed/21215163.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Stephen Saponaroanswered
Specializes in Radiology
One week: There are many reasons for a delay. Most reports are available within a week. More than a month is unacceptable. Call your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
271
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Apr 9, 2013
I suffered a fall. The Radiologists here said that my films were normal yet I was in severe pain. I sent my films to Dr. Saponaro who found several fractures that they missed! I was able to get prope...Read More
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Saponaro is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Saponaro is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thanks, this checklist made me feel good I had my CT done last night in the ER. Came out clear, closer to diag.
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, PA
MD
Residency
PENNSYLVANIA HOSP OF THE UNIV OF PA HEALTH SYS
Awards
Top Doctor, Third Place, Palm Springs/Rancho Mira, CA - Winter
2013
Most Influential, Second Place, Palm Springs/Rancho Mira, CA - Winter
2013
Thought Leader, Third Place, Palm Springs/Rancho Mira, CA - Winter
2013
Affiliations
Aurora Breast MRI Society
Publications
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