New Technologies

Cardiac CT Angiography
Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA) is a diagnostic procedure using computed tomography to scan the coronary arteries. It is a non-invasive technique that allows clear visualization of narrowed and clogged arteries that can cause heart attack and stroke. Coronary CTA is not appropriate for everyone, and a referral from your physician is required for the scan.

Reasons for the Procedure
Coronary CTA is a non-invasive alternative to traditional angiography that offers more detailed images of heart function, resulting in faster, more accurate diagnosis. It helps stratify cardiac risk in patients with low to intermediate likelihood of coronary artery disease. For some patients with chest pain, Coronary CTA can rule out the need for cardiac catheterization.

Coronary CTA is useful in evaluating select patients with chest pain and shortness of breath. Generally, it is appropriate (but not yet covered by insurance) for patients with Framingham scores between 10 and 20 and two or more of the following factors:

• Hypertension
• Hyperlipidemia
• Diabetes
• Cigarette smoking (past or present)
• Peripheral vascular disease, including abdominal aortic aneurysm and carotid arteriosclerosis
• Family history of heart disease.

CORONARY CTA is not suitable for patients with:

• Reactive airway disease or asthma and heart rate of more than 75 beats per minute (BPM)
• Body weight of more than 250 lbs
• Beta blocker intolerance
• Intra-cardiac devices such as a pacemaker or defibrillator.

Cardiac Calcium Scoring
Windsong Radiology Group is pleased to also offer Calcium Scoring, a fast, non-invasive method used to detect the presence and extent of early coronary artery disease even before symptoms occur. With Calcium Scoring, we can detect heart disease when the coronary arteries are only 5% calcified instead of when they are more than 70% calcified as with traditional testing. Calcium Scoring is performed with a computed tomography (CT) scanner and takes about 15 minutes. It is important to remember that calcium scoring only estimates your risk of heart disease or a heart attack.

Calcium Scoring is recommended for people with risk factors for heart disease, not for those currently being treated for heart disease. Talk to your doctor to find out if calcium scoring makes sense for you.

Virtual Colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy is a new imaging modality that allows doctors to look at the large bowel (colon) to detect polyps and cancers. It utilizes a CT scanner and computer virtual reality software to look inside the body without having to insert a long tube (Conventional Colonoscopy) into the colon.

Virtual Colonoscopy is more comfortable for some people than conventional colonoscopy because it does not use a colonoscope. Additionally, we utilize Carbon Dioxide to insufflate the colon rather than air, resulting in a more comfortable exam and less post-exam cramping and discomfort. As a result, no sedation is needed, and you can return to your usual activities or go home after the procedure without the aid of another person. It also takes less time than either conventional colonoscopy and is more accurate that air contrast barium enema. However, the doctor cannot take tissue samples or remove polyps during Virtual Colonoscopy, so a conventional colonoscopy must be performed if abnormalities are found.

Is it covered by Insurances? How much does Virtual Colonoscopy Cost?

In some cases, insurance companies have authorized a virtual colonoscopy based on individual medical necessity case review. The inability to complete or tolerate a previous traditional colonoscopy due to blockage or some other reason has been a precipitating factor to previous approvals. This is the case with Medicare coverage currently.

However, prior experience does not ensure coverage of every patient’s request. Be sure to contact your insurance provider directly with any coverage questions. Also, discuss with your physician as to the appropriateness of this exam.

If paying out of pocket for this exam, the cost is $1900.00. However, if you pay in full at the time of service, the discounted rate is $775.00.

For more information on Cardiac CT Angiography, Cardiac Calcium Scoring or Virtual Colonoscopy, call us at (716) 631-2500

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