A CT scan (Computed Tomography), also known as a CAT scan, is a fast, painless medical imaging test that uses X-ray technology and advanced computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of your body. Unlike traditional X-rays that produce flat images, CT scans create “slices” that can be viewed individually or combined into detailed 3D images.
CT scans help doctors:
• Diagnose injuries and diseases
• Detect tumors and cancer
• Plan surgeries and guide procedures
• Monitor treatment effectiveness
• Evaluate trauma and emergencies
Your doctor ordered a CT scan because they need detailed cross-sectional images to diagnose your condition accurately. CT scans are especially valuable when doctors need to see bones, soft tissues, blood vessels, and organs clearly in a single exam.
Common reasons your doctor ordered a CT scan include:
• Emergency evaluation: detecting internal bleeding, stroke, or traumatic injuries
• Pain diagnosis: identifying causes of chest pain, abdominal pain, or severe headaches
• Cancer detection and staging: identifying tumors and determining spread
• Surgical planning: providing detailed anatomy for precise procedures
• Guiding procedures: assisting biopsies or fluid drainage
• Monitoring treatment: evaluating response to cancer treatment or other therapies
• Screening: lung cancer screening or evaluating heart disease risk
Yes, you need a referral (also called a doctor’s order) to get a CT scan.
What your referral does:
• Specifies which body area needs to be scanned
• Indicates whether contrast dye is required
• Is required for insurance coverage
• Ensures the correct exam is performed for your medical concern
Once your doctor sends the order to American Health Imaging, we’ll contact you to schedule your appointment and verify your insurance coverage.
Scheduling a same-day CT scan at American Health Imaging is easy and convenient.
Flexible scheduling options:
• Call one of our imaging centers or request an appointment online
• Same-day appointments at most locations
• Extended evening and weekend hours
• Next-day appointments available
Once your referral is received, we can often schedule your scan the same day depending on availability.
Schedule your CT exam:
https://americanhealthimaging.com/request-appointment/
American Health Imaging offers CT scans at most of our imaging centers throughout the Southeast.
CT imaging locations include:
• Alabama
• Georgia
• Tallahassee, FL
• Beaumont, TX
• San Antonio, TX
• South Carolina
Most centers are equipped with advanced multi-slice CT technology and offer same-day and next-day appointments.
View all imaging centers:
https://americanhealthimaging.com/location/
A CT scan can diagnose a wide range of conditions affecting bones, organs, soft tissues, and blood vessels. CT scans are especially useful when rapid diagnosis is critical.
Common conditions diagnosed with CT:
• Tumors and cancer
• Internal injuries and trauma
• Blood clots and aneurysms
• Strokes and brain injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Bone fractures and joint problems
• Infections and inflammation
• Kidney stones
• Appendicitis and abdominal pain
• Lung diseases and pulmonary embolism
• Heart disease (with cardiac CT)
American Health Imaging offers a wide range of CT scans to diagnose conditions throughout your body.
Most common CT scans:
• Abdomen and pelvis CT
• Brain and head CT
• Chest CT
• Spine CT
• Sinus CT
• Extremities CT
Specialized CT services:
• CT angiography (CTA)
• Cardiac CT and calcium scoring
• Low-dose lung cancer screening
Your doctor will determine which CT scan is best for your condition.
Preparing for a CT scan is straightforward.
General preparation:
• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Wear comfortable clothing without metal
• Bring photo ID and insurance card
• Bring a list of medications
Remove metal objects:
• Jewelry, watches, belts
• Hairpins and hearing aids
If contrast dye is required:
• You may need to fast 4–6 hours
• Drink plenty of water unless instructed otherwise
• Inform us of kidney problems, diabetes, or contrast reactions
• Tell us if you take metformin
During your CT scan, you’ll lie on a cushioned table that moves through a large, open, donut-shaped scanner. You are never fully enclosed.
What happens during your scan:
• Preparation and positioning
• Contrast administration if ordered
• Brief breath-holding (10–20 seconds)
• Communication with the technologist throughout
Most CT scans are comfortable and completed quickly.
After your CT scan, you can go home immediately and resume normal activities.
Immediately after:
• Resume driving, eating, working, and medications
• Drink extra water if contrast dye was used
Getting your results:
• Images reviewed by board-certified radiologists
• Report sent to your doctor
• Text message with a patient-friendly report
Serious reactions to contrast dye are rare.
Your doctor typically receives results within a few hours after the report is completed.
You will receive:
• A text message with a link to your imaging report within 48 hours
• Easy-to-understand explanations
• Anatomical diagrams
CT scans are highly accurate for diagnosing many conditions, especially trauma, bleeding, bone injuries, and organ abnormalities.
Why CT scans are accurate:
• Detailed cross-sectional imaging
• Ability to visualize multiple tissue types
• Detection of subtle abnormalities
• 3D reconstructions for precision
Accuracy is enhanced by advanced CT technology and expert radiologist interpretation.
The actual CT scan typically takes 5–15 minutes. Some scans take as little as 30–60 seconds.
Total appointment time:
• Approximately 20–30 minutes including check-in
CT scans are much faster than MRI scans and ideal when quick answers are needed.
The cost of a CT scan varies depending on the body area scanned and whether contrast is needed.
American Health Imaging:
• In-network with 99% of insurance plans
• Up to 60% less than hospital imaging
• Transparent pricing
We verify coverage, obtain pre-authorization, and provide cost estimates before your appointment.
Most insurance plans cover CT scans when they are medically necessary and ordered by your doctor.
American Health Imaging benefits:
• In-network with 99% of insurance plans
• Lower out-of-pocket costs
• We handle insurance paperwork
We verify coverage, obtain authorization, and provide clear cost information before your scan.
