Frequently Asked Questions About CT Scans

It is not uncommon that health problems can persist without being diagnosed. When these aggravating instances occur, your doctor may likely suggest a CT scan. There are many reasons why your doctor might suggest a CT scan in order to diagnose you properly. CT scans are usually performed directly after severe car accidents, in order to detect any internal injuries that might have caused internal bleeding. However, a CT scan may also be used to locate tumors, infections, or blood clots and other various internal afflictions that other regular x-ray machines would not be able to detect.

The “CT” in CT scan stands for computerized topography scan. This procedure is also known by the names CAT scan and x-ray CT. This advanced scanning procedure is vastly more detailed than regular x-rays. The scanner takes many images all at once from every angle to create multiple cross-sectional images that lead to a final comprehensive multi-dimensional image of the patient’s particular body part being scanned. Going through this procedure can give doctors and patients accurate diagnoses of disease and injury in order to plan and execute proper treatment.

CT Scan FAQs

What does it feel like / is it painful at all?

No, a CT scan does not cause any pain. You will be instructed to keep ` still as possible during the screening which can be slightly uncomfortable at times but the scan itself causes absolutely no bodily sensations. If you are receiving an iodine contrast injection, then you may experience a moment of slight and temporary discomfort at the injection site.

Is the procedure safe?

Yes, a CT scan is considered safe. There is a exposure to radiation but the diagnostic benefits that the exam provides usually outweigh any of the risk involved from the x-ray radiation exposure.

How long does it take?

How long a CT scan takes always depends on what type of scan you are receiving. The scan can usually can take anywhere from ten minutes to forty-five minutes. Although, there are some specialized scans that take longer than forty-five minutes.

Do I need a contrast injection for my CT scan?

Not everyone who gets a CT scan will need to get a contrast injection. You can find out if you will require one by asking your prescribing physician. If you require one, a pharmaceutical contrast made of iodine will be used.

What ZendyHealth Offers

ZendyHealth offers four different CT Scan procedures for you to bid on. These options include the following:

CT Scan (except Sinus) Without Contrast

A CT scan without contrast of a single body area (single-study) usually includes an imaging review by a Board-Certified radiologist, a report for your doctor, and a computer disc and/or digital copy of your report and images for you. The average price for an CT scan without contrast is $650 per scan but ZendyHealth can save you between 20-60% when you pick your own price.

CT Scan (except Sinus) with Contrast

A CT scan with contrast of a single body area (single-study) usually includes an imaging review by a Board-Certified radiologist, a report for your prescribing doctor, and a computer disc and/or digital copy of your report and images for you. The average price for an CT scan with contrast is $725 per scan but ZendyHealth can save you between 20-60% when you pick your own price.

PET/CT Scan

A PET/CT scan usually includes an imaging review by a Board-Certified radiologist, a report for your doctor, and a computer disc and/or digital copy of your report and images for you. The average price for a Bilateral Breast CT scan with contrast is $3,200 per scan but ZendyHealth can save you between 20-50% when you pick your own price.

CT Scan of Sinuses

A CT scan of the sinuses (single-study) usually includes an imaging review by a Board-Certified radiologist, a report for your doctor, and a computer disc and/or digital copy of your report and images for you. The average price for a CT scan of the sinuses scan is $650 per scan but ZendyHealth can save you between 20-65% when you pick your own price.

Sources:

http://www.imaginis.com/ct-scan/frequently-asked-questions-about-computed-tomography-ct-imaging

https://zendyhealth.com/procedure/ct-scan/

https://uamshealth.com/medicalservices/radiology/ctscanfrequentlyaskedquestions/