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CT Imaging

CT Scans at American Health Imaging

A CT scan—also known as a computed tomography scan or CAT scan—is a quick, precise imaging exam that creates slices (pictures) that can be examined one-by-one or combine them to create a single, 3D image. Physicians use them to diagnose injuries and conditions, determine cancer stages, plan procedures and gauge the success of treatments.

How It Works

A CT machine uses a rotating series of X-rays to produce cross-sectional pictures of your body. These pictures appear as “slices” of a specific body part, and they offer much greater detail than traditional, flat X-rays.

Find an American Health Imaging center offering CT appointments near you!

Reasons for CT Imaging

A CT scan is one of the most important tools physicians have to look for injury or disease inside the body. Radiologic technologists can perform many types of CT scan, and your scan will depend on your physician’s orders and the part of your body that needs to be examined.

CT scans help physicians identify a variety of illnesses and injuries, including heart disease, bone and muscle conditions, sinusitis and many types of cancer, among other conditions.

Your physician may order a CT scan to:

  • Check the condition of your blood vessels and look for signs of cardiovascular disease
  • Diagnose cancer or determine a cancer’s stage
  • Find out why you’re having chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • Look for a fracture or an injury to a muscle or organ
  • Plan surgery or radiation therapy for cancer

Patient Reviews

At American Health Imaging we provide a welcoming and comforting experience with helpful and friendly staff. See what our patients say.
My wife’s visit to this facility was very good. The kind and courteous demeanor of the employees was refreshing. Everyone was very considerate of her anxious feelings and worked patiently to alleviate those concerns. I highly recommend this company and these hard workers to anyone that needs imaging.
Benjamin H.
The experience of making the appointment was excellent. The registration was smooth using the links and uploading forms. The facility was spotless, and the on-time performance was good. My particular imaging needs were meticulous because of the area viewed. The technologist was patient and empathetic and guided me along, making a difficult test much easier. The headphones were great, and I got an hour of classic rock over the sounds of the machine, (definitely not the sounds silence). Thank you, AHI, your communication has been great.
Hal T.
Courteous and professional staff. They got my MRI results rushed over same-day to accommodate me so I can get a shot. I will definitely refer anyone needing an MRI to this facility.
Lorraine C.
The facility contacted me within 6 hours after my doctor appointment. I was able to complete my medical information online with no problems. I was seen within 15 minutes after I arrived for my appointment and was done in 20 minutes. My doctors will be able to view my imaging online, so I didn’t need to wait on results. It couldn’t have been any easier and I highly recommend using this facility.
Anna S.
Very sweet staff who definitely make you feel cared for and welcome! I love that! Not many places are very personable anymore, but this place had excellent staff who did a great job at what they do! Even learned a little bit of what was what on ultrasound. Kelsey was very sweet and compassionate! Highly recommend having any imaging done here.
Kayley F.
I had a good experience here when taking an MRI. The entire staff from the front desk to the MRI were extremely kind to me. The doctor who put the dye in my wrist was nice, as well as the young lady who prepped me so that he could do that in preparation for the MRI.
Yolanda F.

Why Choose American Health Imaging

American Health Imaging (AHI) is in-network with 99% of insurance plans for CT scans, offering scans at significantly lower costs compared to hospital-based imaging – up to 60% less. We prioritize your convenience, providing same day and next day appointments. Many of our locations have extended and weekend hours to accommodate your busy schedule. AHI has over 45 convenient, easy-to-access locations in multiple states.

CT Frequently Asked Questions

What can a CT scan show?

A CT scan can allow radiologists to see:
• Abscesses
• Aneurysms
• Arteries and veins
• Blood clots
• Bones, including those of the skull
• Compression fractures
• Herniated discs
• Kidney stones
• Muscles and other soft tissues
• Neck masses
• Organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and intestines
• Sinuses
• Spinal cord injuries
• Spinal stenosis
• Tumors, including those of the spine

What should I expect during a CT?

Getting a CT scan takes little time and requires minimal preparation. On the day of your exam, be sure to wear loose-fitting clothing and leave metal objects, such as jewelry, at home, if possible—you’ll be asked to remove any metal objects you bring with you.

You may need to fast for a few hours before your exam if you’ll be undergoing a scan that requires a contrast dye. If your exam does require a contrast dye, you’ll receive it before the exam begins as either a flavorless drink or an injection. A contrast injection helps the radiologist see blood vessels, certain tissues and organs more clearly, while an oral contrast dye helps to produce clearer images of your stomach and bowels.

During the exam, you’ll lie still on a cushioned table that will move into the CT machine, which is a large cylinder that, from the front, looks like a giant doughnut. The machine will rotate around the table to capture image slices. A technologist will monitor the scan from a neighboring room, and you’ll be able to communicate with him or her at all times.

Scans typically take just minutes, and many last only seconds. Your entire exam, including the scan itself, will likely last no more than 30 minutes. Your physician will receive the results of your scan within 24 hours and share them with you.

Why has my doctor ordered a CT scan for me?

If your doctor has ordered a CT scan, they’re likely looking for details that are impossible to spot with traditional X-rays. These details may include small injuries to bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels, any of which may help your doctor determine the underlying causes of your symptoms. Your CT scan may also help to determine the best locations to perform biopsies, detect tumors, or investigate chronic diseases.

What are the advantages of a CT over MRI?

A key advantage of CT is its ability to display the details of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues in the same image – something much harder to achieve with MRI and traditional X-rays. Given its ability to reveal tumors, CT is also one of the best diagnostic imaging tools for cancer patients. Finally, it is commonly used to diagnose vascular diseases, osteoporosis, and traumatic injuries to internal organs.

In addition to its diagnostic imaging benefits, CT is also faster and cheaper than MRI. It also exposes patients to minimal radiation – less than a single traditional X-ray.

How is a CT scan performed?

Unlike MRI, CT does not require your body to be immersed in an imaging machine. Instead, you’ll lie on a table that slides into a donut-shaped scanner, which will be positioned only around the area of your body being imaged. As you lie still, the scanner will rotate around you, allowing multiple X-ray devices to capture a three-dimensional image.

Why are contrast dyes used in CT scans?

Depending upon the body part being imaged and the specific type of CT scan your doctor has ordered, your exam may require the use of a contrast dye. These dyes contain iodine, which illuminates certain tissues and helps radiologists see finer details in organs, bones, and blood vessels.

If your exam does require a contrast dye, it will be administered through an intravenous injection just before your exam, or as an oral solution several hours prior to your exam. These dyes are safe and well-tested, and our staff will examine your medical history to determine whether there is any risk of allergic reaction.

How long does the procedure take?

The newest CT scanning machines can provide a full-body series of images in as little as 30 seconds. Including preparation time, your entire exam will likely take between 15 and 30 minutes.

How should I prepare for my exam?

Your preparation will depend upon your exam type, medical history and whether or not you will need a contrast dye. In all cases, AHI will provide full instruction prior to your exam, offering you ample time to prepare.

Can I drive home after my CT scan?

Absolutely. CT does not require sedatives, and the process is quick and pain-free. Whether your exam requires a contrast dye or not, you’ll be able to drive home immediately.

How long will it take for my physician to get the results of my CT scan?

The radiologist will review and interpret your CT scan as soon as it’s completed.* Within 24 hours to a few days, your doctor will receive a written report, as well as copies of the images for their own inspection.

How much does a CT scan cost?

CT scan costs vary widely, and the price of an exam may differ by hundreds of dollars between various hospitals and imaging centers. Typically, the cost is a combination of technical and professional fees. Technical fees include the costs of the imaging procedure itself, and professional fees are paid to the radiologists who analyze the results.

Another important factor is the specific type of CT scan being performed. Some types, such as brain scans, involve a more complex process and thorough analysis. Others, such as abdominal scans, are simpler to perform and assess.

Will insurance cover my CT scan?

If you have health insurance and have met your deductible, you may pay as little as 10 to 20 percent of the total bill. If you have not met your deductible or you are uninsured, however, you’ll be responsible for the full amount.

Fortunately, uninsured patients are often able to negotiate self-pay discounts. You may also be able to lower the costs by paying your part in full at the time of service.

How can I reduce my out-of-pocket costs?

Healthcare costs are rising, and when your doctor orders a CT scan, price will likely be one of your first concerns. Few physicians know their hospitals’ prices, however, and even when you call help lines, it can be tough to get a straight answer.

Fortunately, you can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs by shopping for an affordable imaging center. At American Health Imaging, we charge up to 60% less than hospitals and hospital-owned outpatient facilities for the exact same tests. We also work with most major insurers, and we provide competitive self-pay rates for uninsured patients.

If you’re concerned about the costs of your CT scan, MRI, or any other diagnostic imaging exam, you can rest assured we provide the most affordable imaging at the highest quality in the market.

Do you need to schedule a CT?

American Health Imaging offers same-day and next-day appointment options to make getting an imaging scan convenient. Get a referral from your doctor, find the American Health Imaging center closest to you, and then call to schedule an imaging appointment.

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