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How much does it cost?
- What is a CT Scan?
- The CT scan is one of the easiest, safest, and most valuable windows into the human body. A CT scan is an innovative, new procedure that can show detailed, cross-sectional images of all parts of the body. It provides your physician with a completely unobstructed look at your body that far surpasses conventional X-ray techniques. With just a simple pain-free CT scan an intricate picture of your body is presented, allowing for a wide array of more precise medical diagnosis. For a more detailed summary of a CT scan, please check our What is CT? page.
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- Who is a candidate for a CT scan?
- CT Scan Screening is recommended for anyone and everyone concerned about elusive, potentially serious medical conditions in their health.
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risk factors include, but are not limited to the following: |
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Men
over 35 and Women over 40 years old |
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Current
or former serious disease sufferer |
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Current
or former smoker |
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Exposure
to second hand smoke |
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Family
history of cancer, heart disease, strokes, or other serious
illness |
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High
cholesterol or blood pressure |
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Inactive
lifestyle |
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Stressful
lifestyle |
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Overweight |
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Diabetic |
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Occupational
exposures
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- Can I have a CT exam if I am Pregnant?
- No, pregnant women should not have a CT exam. Depending upon the condition, there may be other exams available, such as ultrasound to help diagnose a medical condition. Please inquire with your doctor.
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- What should I wear the day of my examination?
- Clothing and Attire is up to the patient's discretion although it is recommended that you dress in comfortable clothing.
If you are having an MRI examination, please see the following guidelines.
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- What can I expect during my exam?
- The Affiliated Medical center is devoted to comfortable, fast, and accurate health care screening. Every Affiliated Medical scan is comfortable and private. Minimal preparation is required.
CT: Depending on your particular procedure, a CT screening can take anywhere from 5 minutes to a half-hour. The CT Scanner will capture several high-resolution images of your body while you comfortably lie on your stomach or back. The actual scan itself will take less than a single breath.
MRI: Patients are often pleasantly surprised to discover that the MRI examination is one of the easiest and most comfortable medical exams they have experienced. The hardest part is to be patient. You will hear a knocking sound from the MRI system that ranges from barely audible to quite noticeable; this is normal. The length of your exam depends on the type of study your doctor has ordered. In many cases, MRI patients are done and on their way home within an hour. Should you become uncomfortable, need help, or have questions at any point during your exam, just say so. There is a built-in intercom in the MRI so that you can talk with the staff. After your exam, the technologist will take you back to the preparation room to collect your belongings. That's all there is to it.
To learn more about the CT, click here.
To learn more about the MRI, click here.
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- What is MRI?
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses radio waves and magnetic fields to visualize the structure and function of the human body. For a more detailed summary on MRI imaging, please see our What is MRI? page.
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- Do I need a Prescription for an MRI?
- Yes, you do need a prescription to have an MRI preformed. If you have reason to believe that an MRI would be beneficial in diagnosing your physical condition more accurately, discuss it with your doctor. Feel free to have your physician call Affiliated Medical (313-254-1524) about your case.
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- How do I prepare for my MRI exam?
- No special preparation is needed. You may eat and take any prescribed medication as usual, unless your doctor states otherwise.
An MRI system has a powerful magnet inside, which is why you need to follow these important guidelines:
Some implants may adversely affect an MRI exam. Please notify your physician and the MRI staff if you have a pacemaker, prosthesis, surgical clips, metallic implants, or any other metal objects in your body. We ask that you leave metallic objects at home or give them to the MRI staff for safekeeping when you arrive for your exam, as metal objects will prove detrimental to the quality of the MRI image. Items that might be affected by the magnet include watches, coins, keys, bobby pins or other hair clips, pocketknives, and credit cards.
Please avoid wearing eye makeup because metal flakes or slivers are found in some eye shadows. If you work around metal finishing or grinding equipment, let the MRI staff know as it is important to keep the eye area free of any metallic particles.
If you have any additional questions before your exam, please do not hesitate to contact your physician or the MRI staff directly. You may also e-mail us, here.
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- What is a contrast agent, and will I need it?
- Certain types of scans require the use of an injected contrast media. This contrast media, given intravenously before the scan, helps to highlight certain parts of the body. If your physician orders this type of scan, a member of our staff will explain the contrast media to you and answer any of your questions. If contrast media is prescribed for your scan, please tell your physican:
- If you are pregnant, think you might be; or are breast feeding
- If you have anemia or any diseases that affect red blood cells
- If you have asthma or other allergic respiratory disorders
- If you have ever had an adverse reaction to contrast media before
- Any allergies you have
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- May I bring someone with me to the exam?
- Yes, although they will likely have to wait in a waiting room while the scan is being done.
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- What will happen when I get scanned?
- Patients are often glad to discover that a diagnostic imaging exam is one of the easiest and most comfortable medical exams they have experienced. Before the scan our trained technologist will ask you to lie down on a cushioned table, which will then move into the scanner. After you have been comfortably positioned for the scans, all you have to do is relax and lie as still as you can. While the scan is being conducted, your technologist will carefully monitor the operation of the exam from an adjacent room.
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- How much does it cost?
- For the majority of scans, the cost depends upon the complexity of the exam and your Insurance coverage. While we will gladly accept most insurances, it is your responsibility to verify your coverage and copays with your insurance company. We will be more than happy to provide you with an accurate breakdown after we receive your referral and coverage information from your insurance company.
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