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CT Department
What is a CT?
A CT scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images, or slices, of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside your body. CT scan images provide more detailed information than X-rays. A CT scan has many uses, but is particularly well-suited to quickly examine people who may have internal injuries from car accidents or other types of trauma. A CT scan can be used to visualize nearly all parts of the body and is used to diagnose disease or injury as well as to plan medical, surgical or radiation treatment. Our advanced CT system includes enhanced features for greater patient comfort and safety, faster exams, and improved image quality. A fast scanning capability that can effectively reduce image distortion of moving organs, such as the heart and lungs. Delivering more accurate clinical images with fine details.
What is a CTA
Computed tomography angiography (CTA) uses an iodine-rich contrast material and CT scanning to help diagnose and evaluate blood vessel disease or related conditions, such as aneurysms or blockages.
Please let your physicisn know if there’s a possibility you are pregnant and discuss any recent illnesses, medical conditions, medications you’re taking, and allergies. You will be instructed to not eat or drink anything several hours beforehand. If you have a known allergy to contrast material, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. These medications must be taken 12 hours prior to your exam. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about how to proceed.
CT/CTA Patient Instructions
Wear comfortable clothing containing no metal.
(Example: zippers, belts, hairpins, hearing aids, dentures, underwire bras etc.)
Notify CHS of the following: Iodine Allergy, Diabetes, Renal Failure.
(Patients must bring a list of current medications and recent surgical procedures)
IV or Oral Contrast: Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to your exam.
(Patients may drink a small amount of water with medication if necessary)
Oral Contrast CT Patients: Must show up to appointment 1 hour before appointment time.
Patient given IV contrast MUST REFRAIN 48hrs. before and after testing from taking Metformin / Glucophage / Glucovance.
Latest News
Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer is a devastating illness. The American Cancer Society estimates that lung cancer will kill 158,040 people in the U.S. this year, which is 27 percent of all cancer deaths. By the time someone has symptoms or the cancer is found on a chest X-ray, it may be too late.
The good news is that low-dose CT lung cancer screenings are now more affordable for some patients who are at high risk for lung cancer because of their smoking history. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently approved a plan to cover the cost of low-dose CT lung cancer screenings for Medicare and Medicaid patients who are eligible.
The Affordable Care Act also recently mandated that private insurance plans cover the screenings.
CHS provides early lung cancer screenings using low-dose CT scans. To qualify for the once-per-year benefit, patients must be 55 to 80 years old. Patients also must meet the following criteria:
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Currently smokes tobacco products or has quit within the past 15 years.
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Has smoked an average of one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years
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Patient has not had a chest CT scan within the past year
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No new symptoms, such as cough, coughing up blood or unexplained weight loss.
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Not currently being treated for another cancer besides skin cancer
Several factors contribute to lung cancer risk: age; smoking history; environmental exposure to carcinogens like asbestos, beryllium, uranium, or radon; and exposure to second hand smoke.
Medicare coverage includes an office visit dedicated to patient counseling on tobacco-related issues and a conversation about the relative harms and benefits of lung cancer screening. Patients will need an order from their healthcare provider to schedule a low-dose CT lung screening.
The actual CT scan takes only about 10 minutes (with set up and scanning time). There is no special preparation for this test, but patients should wear comfortable clothing with no metal in the area of the chest.
Although smoking isn’t the only cause of lung cancer, it is the single greatest risk factor. Quitting smoking is the best way to reduce the risk of lung cancer. Quitting sounds easy, but if you are a smoker or have quit, you know that it’s not. Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan won’t decrease the risk of getting lung cancer, but if a person is high-risk because of smoking history, it can detect lung cancer before symptoms are noticed.
Main Office Phone Number: 1-810-720-3891 / completehs@hotmail.com / 5084 Villa Linde Parkway Suite 7 Flint, MI 48532