What is a CT Scan?
A computerized tomography (CT) scan uses radiation to take x-ray images from lots of different angles to create cross-sectional images of the body. A CT scan can get very accurate images of bone, soft tissues, and blood vessels. CT images are more accurate than traditional x-ray images. Because a CT scan utilizes radiation, it is not suitable for some patients, such as young children or pregnant women.
What can I expect?
A CT scan is very quick, usually only a few minutes, and painless. CT scanners are shaped like a donut on its side and are not closed-in like an MRI. Patients lay down on a table and are moved into the machine by a technologist. You may require an injection of contrast medium that will help make the images easier to read. The tech will be able to hear and see you the whole time, and you will be able to talk with them at any time. You may be asked to hold your breath for very brief periods during the exam. After the scan, you can resume normal activities, though you may be instructed to drink lots of water to help flush the contrast medium from the body.
How can I prepare?
You generally do not have to change your normal routine before a CT scan. You can eat, drink, and go about your day as usual. You will most likely need to remove clothing and jewelry before the scan and wear a hospital gown. As a CT scan is not enclosed like an MRI, claustrophobia is generally not a concern for most patients.
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Anthem’s Changes Will Not Affect Medical Imaging in Our Community
Hear from CEO, Ed Swager
If you are a patient with Anthem medical insurance, you may have heard about changes to some of the requirements for medical imaging that will occur in 2018. Anthem’s new rules will require that high end outpatient imaging, like MRIs and CTs, for their fully insured patients be provided in a non-hospital setting that does not bill as a hospital.
CT scan vs. a PET scan
A CT Scan vs. a PET scan; how do they differ? CT scans and PET scans are actually very different and often serve a different diagnostic purpose. While your doctor will prescribe the scan that most effectively addresses your needs, you might be curious about how they work. Here is a quick guide to help you understand the basics.
What Molecular Imaging Means for Fredericksburg
The most valuable tool we have in the fight against cancer is early detection. The sooner we can detect it, the more successful we can be in our treatments. That’s why Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg makes use of the most cutting edge imaging technologies, using innovation to save lives. And now, with the addition of the latest PET/CT technology to their facility,
Our Accreditation
ACR
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY
DICOE
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
