1. Why would I want to have a Coronary Artery Screening CT?
Coronary heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Most of the 250,000 people who die each year could have been effectively treated and cured had they known before it was too late.

2. Who is a candidate for having this type of screening test?
Men - 45 years of age or older, Women - 55 years of age or older, and people with a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, a history of smoking, high blood pressure, high stress levels, diabetes, or a sedentary lifestyle.

3. What does the test show?
This test is able to show calcification in the arteries which could restrict blood flow and cause of heart attack.

4. How do I make an appointment?
You can call our scheduling department at (702) 732 6000. At the voice prompt choose option 2, then option 1 for CT scheduling. When you call, please be prepared to give the following : Your name, address, phone number, and birthdate. Please indicate your desired date and time.

5. How long will my appointment be?
The actual time spent in the CT scanning room takes only about 5 minutes (with set-up and scanning time). The time during which you are actually scanned takes less than 30 seconds. The registration and interview with the coordinator, which is performed prior to the scan take approximately 25-30 minutes. It is recommended that you set aside one hour for your appointment, although usually they are completed more quickly.

6. Will I have to pay for the screening CT?
Yes. At the present time, the scan costs $250.00, which includes all professional fees and interpretation. This fee is collected on your visit date and can be paid with a credit card, cash, money order or cashier's check.

7. Will Medicare or my insurance carrier reimburse me for this test?
This test is currently not approved for reimbursement by insurance carriers. At your visit you will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging your responsibility to pay all bills from this procedure. As additional information about the utility of this test becomes available, insurance carriers may reconsider their position.

8. What are the steps taken if there is a finding on my screening CT?
Based on results of your test we may recommend a follow-up diagnostic CT scan to take a closer look at suspicious findings. A diagnostic scan differs from the screening scan in that it uses the standard amount of radiation and creates a higher resolution images. From that exam, we will have a better idea as to how we should proceed. Further diagnostic testing should be covered by your insurance.

9. If my test is normal (no findings) how often should I have a screening CT?
At the present time, we recommend annual screenings. As new information becomes available, the suggested time between screening studies may be modified.