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FHDI: Computed Tomography (CT)
Your doctor has referred you for a medical diagnostic procedure known as a CT scan or "CAT scan".
The exam is an efficient, quick and comfortable outpatient procedure which helps your doctor obtain information to evaluate your medical condition.
By using computerized processing of x-rays, CT imaging produces cross-sectional pictures of the body.
This page answers most people's questions about CT imaging. Study this carefully. We welcome any further questions you may have.
How CT imaging works
Computed tomography, called CT or CAT scanning, is an advanced x-ray system. It produces detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
CT imaging is the preferred method for evaluating many medical conditions. It is used primarily to study the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and spine.
The equipment used for the CT examination has an x-ray tube which moves in a circle around the body. The information collected is processed by a computer to generate cross-sectional pictures as though they were "slices" through the part of the body being studied.
These pictures are then analyzed by one of our radiologists and sent, along with a written report, to your physician to become part of your permanent medical record.
Preparing for the examination
You may drink clear liquids, and you should continue taking all prescribed medications as usual. Also, if your study involves these areas:
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| Head, neck or chest |
No solid food for 2 hours before the examination |
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| Abdomen or pelvis |
No solid food for 4 hours prior. You may be asked to drink an oral contrast beverage before arriving for the examination |
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| Sinus |
No special preparation |
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| Spine |
No special preparation |
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It is important to let us know if you are breast feeding or if you may be pregnant.
If you are a diabetic and are taking prescribed medication please call ahead for instructions.
What to expect
You will be asked to remove glasses, jewelry, dentures, hearing aids or other objects which might interfere with x-rays. You may be asked to change into comfortable clothing which we provide for your examination.
In the imaging room, you will be helped onto a padded table which will move during the study to position you for the pictures.
Most CT examinations of the abdomen and pelvis require an oral contrast agent, to better see the anatomy of the stomach and bowel. You will be asked to drink this contrast liquid one or two hours before the study.
Examinations of the head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis often require an intravenous contrast agent. This is given as an injection during the study.
The examination itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on what part(s) of the body are being studied. While you are being scanned, you may hear humming or clicking sounds from the CT machine. The table moves to position you for the images.
Your job during the examination is simply to relax and not move. The quality of your CT study depends on your ability to hold still. As in a time exposure photograph, the medical image will blur if you move.
Results
We will send films of your examination and a written report by our radiologist to your doctor. You and your doctor can then discuss how the information applies to your medical care.
Risks and complications
CT imaging uses a thin beam of x-rays to produce the diagnostic images.
In many cases, no injections are involved. For some examinations, an intravenous injection and/or an oral contrast agent is needed, to better define the part of the body being studied.
All contrast materials are FDA approved and are considered quite safe; however, some persons are sensitive to them. Reactions can range from an occasional case of sneezing or hives, to serious reactions. The physicians and staff at First Hill Diagnostic Imaging are trained to treat these reactions, if they occur.
You may be at higher risk of reaction if you have:
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Experienced prior reactions to x-ray |
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Severe allergies or asthma, particularly allergies to iodine-containing foods, such as shellfish or other seafood |
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Severe or incapacitating heart disease |
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Multiple myeloma, sickle cell disease, polycythemia or pheochromocytoma |
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Severe kidney disease, particularly caused by diabetes |
If you may be in one of these categories, please notify the receptionist or technologist.
Billing
Your CT exam is billed as a medical diagnostic procedure. As a courtesy, we will bill your insurance program on your behalf. Ultimately, you are responsible for payment.
We are preferred providers for most health plans.
For any portion not paid by your insurance, we accept cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard. Accounts are due within 30 days from the time of service.
About First Hill Diagnostic Imaging
First Hill Diagnostic Imaging is known worldwide for development of innovative clinical imaging techniques.
Our staff physicians are all board-certified radiologists and have many years of clinical diagnostic experience with MR imaging, computer tomography (CT), and ultrasound, all of which are available at our facility. First Hill's doctors regularly participate in clinical research projects and publish and present the results of their research at national and international medical conferences.
Our support staff is both personal and professional. Everyone at First Hill is committed to making your visit comfortable and efficient for you.
We invite you to call with any questions or concerns.
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