A CT scan is an imaging process that allows radiologist to get a cross-sectional view inside the body. These scans provide more details than X-ray scan. A CT scan is more likely to find:
Cancers. Many doctors use CT scans as the way to find lung, liver and pancreatic cancer. The tumors and easier to see and measure.
Heart Problems. The three-dimensional scan allows doctors to have a cross-section view of the chest.
Vascular Diseases. CT scans can detect blood clots and abdominal aortic aneurysms. These conditions can lead to death if not caught earl.
Trauma. After a car accident or other severe injury, doctor need to assess the damage to the internal organs quickly. A CT scan gives doctors a clear view of the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys and other internal organs.
Detect problems with the musculoskeletal system such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
CT SCAN VERSUS OTHER MODALITIES
CT is fast, which is important for patients who have trouble holding their breath.
CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate.
A major advantage of CT is its ability to image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels all at the same time.
Unlike conventional x-rays, CT scanning provides very detailed images of many types of tissue as well as the lungs, bones, and blood vessels.
CT examinations are fast and simple; in emergency cases, they can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.
CT has been shown to be a cost-effective imaging tool for a wide range of clinical problems.
CT is less sensitive to patient movement than MRI.
CT can be performed if you have an implanted medical device of any kind, unlike MRI.
CT imaging provides real-time imaging, making it a good tool for guiding minimally invasive procedures such as needle biopsies and needle aspirations of many areas of the body, particularly the lungs, abdomen, pelvis and bones.
A diagnosis determined by CT scanning may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and surgical biopsy.
No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT examination.
X-rays used in CT scans usually have no immediate side effects.
By maintaining the primary focus on the trabecular compartment, a bone density scan takes the most precise pictures of your bone.
Types of CT Scans
CT Head. A doctor will request a CT Head scan to:
Determine if a patient with a head injury has bleeding, a skull fracture or another brain injury.
Check for bleeding caused by an aneurysm.
Detect the presence of a blood clot after a patient has a stroke.
Check for brain tumors.
Find any malformations of the skull.
Check for problems with the sinus passages.
CT Chest. A doctor will request a CT Chest scan to:
Diagnose the reason for problems such as cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. The diagnosis could be pneumonia, tuberculosis, emphysema, bronchitis, inflammation or other diseases.
Look for tumors or to see how tumors are responding to treatment.
Determine the impact of a chest injury to the organs and bones.
CT Abdomen. A doctor will request a CT Abdomen scan to:
Detect infections including appendicitis and diverticulitis.
Diagnosis conditions such as pancreatic, inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease.
Check or see the progress of cancers of the colon, liver, pancreas and liver.
Find abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Check for injuries to the liver, spleen, kidneys and other internal organs after an injury.
CT Pelvis. A doctor will request a CT Pelvis scan to:
Detect problems with the prostate in men.
Detect problems with the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus in women.
Preparing for a CT Scan
Based on what type of CT scan you are having, you may be asked to drink a contrast material. If you have any allergies, you need to tell the doctor before your scan. You may be asked to fast before your exam.
Wear comfortable clothing. You may be able to wear your own clothes or you may be asked to put on a hospital gown.
Do not wear any metal objects such as jewelry, hairpins or glasses. Tell your doctor if you have any type of metal inside your body such as a plate or screw or metal dental work.
Women who may be pregnant should tell their doctors before the CT scan.
How it Works
Most CT scans are performed at diagnostic imaging centers. The CT scanner looks like a small tunnel with a table located on the outside. You will be asked to lie very still on the table. The examiner will go to another room and give instruction to you through a speaker. The table moves into the tunnel. You will hear the machine as it makes images of your body.
After your exam, unless you were asked to drink a contrast agent, you can go back to your normal routine. If you had a contrast agent you may be asked to stay to make sure there are no ill effects.
The Results
The results are read by a Los Angeles radiologist. Please note that the radiologist is not necessary at the imaging center; he or she may be a teleradiologist who is located at another office. Results are forwarded to your doctor, who will tell you the outcome of the scan and what treatment is necessary.
Scheduling Your CT Scan
Scheduling your MRI is easy. You can call us Afari Radiology at our Los Angeles diagnostic imaging center at 1-800-626-8315 or use our online CONTACT FORM.
CT SCAN (CAT Scan) Types and their respective CPT CODES:
CT Abdomen w/o contrast 74150
CT Abdomen with contrast 74160
CT Abdomen with & w/o contrast 74170
CT Pelvis w/o contrast 72192
CT Pelvis with contrast 72193
CT Pelvis with & w/o contrast 72194
CT Chest w/o contrast 71250
CT Chest with contrast 71260
CT Chest with & w/o contrast 71270
CT Head w/o contrast 70450
CT Head with contrast 70460
CT Head with & w/o contrast 70470
CT Sinus/Maxilla/Mandible w/o contrast 70486
CT Soft Tissue Neck w/o contrast 70490
CT Soft Tissue Neck with contrast 70491
CT Soft Tissue Neck with & w/o contrast 70492
CT Cervical Spine w/o contrast 72125
CT Cervical Spine with contrast 72126
CT Cervical Spine with & w/o contrast 72127
CT Thoracic Spine w/o contrast 72128
CT Thoracic Spine with contrast 72129
CT Thoracic Spine with & w/contrast 72130
CT Lower Extremity (leg) w/o contrast 73700
CT Lower Extremity (leg) with contrast 73701
CT Lower Extremity (leg) with & w/o contrast 73702
CT Lumbar Spine w/o contrast 72131
CT Lumbar Spine with contrast 72132
CT Lumbar Spine with & w/o contrast 72133
CT Orbits/IAC w/o contrast 70480
CT Orbits/IAC with contrast 70481
CT Orbits/IAC with & w/o contrast 70482
CT Upper Extremity (arms) w/o contrast 73200
CT Upper Extremity (arms) with contrast 73201
CT Upper Extremity (arms) with & w/o cont 73202
CT Angiogram Brain with & w/o contrast 70496
CT Angiogram Chest with & w/o contrast 71275
CT Angiogram Abdomen with & w/o contrast 74175
CT Angiogram Pelvis with & w/o contrast 72191
CT Angiogram Neck with & w/o contrast 70498
CT Angiogram Upper Extremity with or w/o contrast 73206
CT Angiogram Lower Extremity with or w/o contrast 73706
