Ct Scan
What is a CT?
Computed Tomography (CT), commonly called a “CAT scan,” uses a narrow beam of x-rays to produce images of the inside of your body.
As you move through the CT scanner, a source of x-rays rotates around your body. The scanner is not rotating but the invisible x-rays are. The scanner produces these x-rays in a narrow fan shape around the area of the body being scanned. The fan of x-rays can be different thicknesses. The thickness is called a slice. Just like a loaf of bread can be sliced into pieces with different thicknesses, the x-ray fan can slice the image of the body into different size slices. The scanner used at CDI is a 16-slice GE Bright Speed Elite. This means the scanner produces 16 slices at a time and adds them together to create a 3-dimensional image. This scanner is reported to reduce radiation exposure by up to 40%.
Why Did My Doctor Order a CT Scan?
CT scans are used to see internal injuries and bleeding, as well as to see cross-sectional views of bone, blood vessels and soft tissue inside your body.
A few of the reason that your doctor may order a CT scan is to evaluate things like:
- CT Scan of the abdomen and pelvis to identify the cause of abdominal or pelvic pain.
- CT Scan of the sinuses to diagnose sinusitis, evaluate the sinus membranes or look for the cause of other inflammation.
- CT Scan of the spine to determine if there are structural abnormalities or to determine the presence of tumors or lesions.
This is only a very short list of reasons why your doctor may have ordered a CT scan.
What Should I Expect?
Before the exam, a technologist will call you to provide instructions about eating and drinking before your scan. If your doctor ordered oral contrast, you may be asked to come to CDI before the scan to get the medication. When you arrive, a technologist will ask you questions about your symptoms. Your doctor will determine if contrast should be used during the CT scan. If IV contrast is needed, a technologist will start an IV. You will be provided with a private changing room where you can leave all personal items. The technologist will give you a key to this room. You can secure all personal items in this space.
Low Dose Radiation
No Pain
How Long Will It Take?
CT scan times differ depending on the part of the body being scanned and if contrast is used. A CT scan without contrast is typically completed in 10-15 minutes, while CT scans with contrast typically take less than 20 minutes.
How Will I Get the Results?
After your scan, a board-certified radiologist will read the images produced from the scan. The radiologist will prepare a report that will be sent to your doctor. Your doctor’s office will contact you with the results.
You Get to Choose
Switching your imaging to CDI is simple and will almost always mean less out-of-pocket costs to you. Choose whichever method you prefer:
For Physicians
CDI offers the following scans.
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CT of abdomen, pelvis, brain, chest, lower and lower extremities, neck, sacrum-coccyx, sinuses, spine (cervical, lumbar, thoracic), and temporal bones.
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CT angiograms of head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and lower extremities.
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Also offered are CT Urograms and CT Enterography
Because CDI is a small facility, our negotiated allowable rate for third party payors is less than big box facilities.
This means the out-of-pocket percentage required by the patient is much less.
Contact Us
The friendly, professional CDI staff is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns or help transferring imaging orders to us. We’ll make it easy.