Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)

  • What is a CT Scan?
  • What to expect in your CT exam

A CT scan is a diagnostic test that takes cross sectional pictures of the patient's internal anatomy. It is like an advanced x-ray made up of multiple smaller x-rays. These pictures are reconstructed by a computer to form a complete image that shows the body as a series of slices, like a loaf of bread. A CT can show bone and soft tissue structures such as internal organs, muscles, and blood vessels. This is used to view a variety of problems and diseases, which include injuries, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, infections, and cancer. A CT scan may require a contrast media such as barium or IV contrast to better highlight abnormalities.

  • High Resolution Imaging
  • 3D Reconstruction
  • 1 mm slices
  • Sub Second Scanning

CT Heartscore

  • An important Health Screening Exam that will let the patient know how his or her heart "measures up"
  • Enables an individual to know the amount of calcification buildup (plaque) in the heart
  • Presence of calcification buildup may mean that coronary artery disease is developing - one of the conditions that can lead to sudden heart attack
  • Detects degree of stenosis at less than 20%
  • Quick, Non-invasive, Painless
  • Requires No Special Preparation
  • Total Scan Time of less than 60 Seconds
  • No needles, No dyes
  • Physician Referral is required for possible insurance coverage
  • Patients can self refer if: Male over 40 or Female over 45 with one or more of the following Cardiac Risk Factors

Healthscore CT of the Lungs

  • An important Health Screening Exam that is 10 times more likely to detect "malignant lung disease" than traditional x-ray
  • Detects abnormal growths and nodules measuring as small as 3 millimeters, a size undetectable with x-ray
  • Survival rate of five years after detection is as high as 70-80%
  • Quick, Non-invasive, Painless
  • Total Scan Time of less than 60 Seconds
  • No needles, No dyes
  • Physician Referral Required

Full Body CT

  • An important wellness and screening test for full body disease before it becomes symptomatic
  • Detects the presence of many common forms of cancer in early stages, which gives a head start needed for early intervention
  • Detects non life-threatening conditions including gall bladder and kidney stones, arthritis, and osteoporosis
  • Captures hundreds of 3-Dimensional images that focus on the heart, lungs, liver, and other vital organs throughout the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis
  • Non-invasive, Painless
  • Requires no special preparation
  • Total Scan Time of 10 minutes
  • Physician Referral Required
  • Who Should have a Full Body CT

CT SCAN

DURING THE EXAM:

You may be asked to wear a gown during your exam. The technologist will position you on the scanner and monitor the procedure from the control station. You may communicate with the technologist throughout the procedure. During the exam the table will move, you will hear the x-ray tube circling your body and you may be asked to hold your breath momentarily. Some exams require a contrast injection that will aid the physician in making a diagnosis. Please refer to Preparation for the Exam for additional instructions on IV Contrasted CT Exams.

AFTER THE EXAM:

There are no restrictions, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. Any contrast given will be eliminated within a few days.

HEALTHSCORE CT OF THE HEART

DURING THE EXAM:

You may be asked to wear a gown during your exam. The technologist will position you on the scanner and monitor the procedure from the control station. You may communicate with the technologist throughout the procedure. During the exam the table will move, you will hear the x-ray tube circling your body and you may be asked to hold your breath momentarily. You will also be monitored by an EKG machine throughout your exam.

AFTER THE EXAM:

There are no restrictions, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

HEALTHSCORE CT OF THE LUNGS

DURING THE EXAM:

You may be asked to wear a gown during your exam. The technologist will position you on the scanner and monitor the procedure from the control station. You may communicate with the technologist throughout the procedure. During the exam the table will move, you will hear the x-ray tube circling your body and you may be asked to hold your breath momentarily.

AFTER THE EXAM:

There are no restrictions, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

FULL BODY CT

DURING THE EXAM:

You may be asked to wear a gown during your exam. The technologist will position you on the scanner and monitor the procedure from the control station. You may communicate with the technologist throughout the procedure. During the exam the table will move, you will hear the x-ray tube circling your body and you may be asked to hold your breath momentarily.

AFTER THE EXAM:

After the scan, you may return to your normal activities or follow any instructions set by your physician. Your physician will then let you know of the results from your scan.