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Center for Diagnostic Imaging (CDI) believes that preventing a critical health event not only gives you the best quality of life, it also keeps your healthcare expenses down. Part of our InnoVision Early Detection Program, these exams do not require a medical provider's referral. However, CDI will ask for a provider name to whom we can send a copy of the results.
Carotid Artery Screening
What We Look For: Narrowing of the carotid arteries (located in the neck), which can reduce blood flow.
Why It Matters: Restricted blood flow and plaque build-up are leading causes of stroke.
How The Results Help: Early detection encourages close monitoring and lifestyle changes to reduce your overall risk.
Carotid Intima Media Thickness (C-IMT) Screening
What We Look For: Measures the thickness of the carotid artery wall.
Why It Matters: Thickness or inflammation in the carotid wall is an early indicator of narrowing, which can affect all vessels including the coronary arteries and aorta. This may lead to stroke, heart attack and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
How The Results Help: Early detection encourages close monitoring and lifestyle changes to reduce your overall risk.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
What We Look For: This exam measures the largest diameter of the abdominal aorta and looks for any abnormal bulging or widening.
Why It Matters: The abdominal aorta is the largest artery in the abdomen and carries blood to all of the abdominal and pelvic organs and legs. Over time, the aortic walls can weaken and form a balloon-like aneurysm. The vast majority of people with AAA have NO symptoms. However, the larger an aneurysm the more likely it is to rupture, causing profuse bleeding and often sudden death.
How The Results Help: Early detection and treatment, such as surgery, can reduce
the risk of rupture 95% of the time.
Who Is A Good Candidate For A Carotid Or Aortic Screening Exam?
People age 45 and older with one or more of the following risk factors:
- Family history of arterial disease (stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm or heart disease)
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
How Are The Exams Done?
These exams are performed with state of-the-art ultrasound equipment using high frequency sound waves. There is no radiation involved. All exams are performed by highly trained technologists and interpreted by onsite, board certified, specialized radiologists.
To schedule an Ultrasound Screening Exam, call us at 425.744.7420.
CT Screening Exams
Cardiac Calcium Scoring
The CT Heart Calcium Scoring exam is a non-invasive method of looking at your coronary arteries to assess the extent of calcified (hard) plaque buildup, an indicator of coronary artery disease (CAD). Early detection of CAD can help reduce your chances of experiencing a cardiac event by encouraging lifestyle changes or planning treatment options with your physician. The “calcium score” you’ll receive on your final report from CDI is a quantitative evaluation of the hard plaque burden on your heart. The higher the score, the higher the risk of a future cardiac event.
Candidates for CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring
Males age 40–70 and females age 45–70 who have any of the following risk factors may be candidates for calcium scoring:
- Family history of heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Overweight
Anyone experiencing heart symptoms, or those with a history of coronary artery disease may not be a candidate for this exam. Talk to your physician to see if CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring is right for you.
Lung Cancer Screening
The CT Lung Scan is a simple scan that assists diagnosis of early Stage 1 lung cancers that standard chest x-rays usually cannot detect. It involves imaging of the lung through a rapid, minimal dose x-ray CT scan.
Candidates for CT Lung Screening
The American Lung Association recommends lung cancer screening for:
- Current or former smokers, age 55 to 74 years
- Smoking history of at least 30 pack-years (an average of a pack a day for 30 years) with no history of lung cancer
Anyone who is already experiencing symptoms should speak with their physician prior to this or any other procedure.
Are CT Screening Exams Covered by Insurance?
CT Heart Calcium Scoring and CT Lung Cancer imaging are screening exams; therefore these exams are not usually covered by insurance. CDI will bill insurance plans if requested. The patient will be responsible for any unpaid balance.
Do I need a Medical Provider's Referral?
These exams do not require a medical provider’s referral. However, CDI will ask for a provider name to send a copy of the results to. Patients may self refer for these exams. Simply call us to schedule an appointment.
To schedule a CT Screening Exam, call us at 425.744.7420.
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 | Screening Exams |
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Every member of your staff with which I had contact was courteous, patient and compassionate. Thank you for helping me through this part of my recovery process.
-- Patient - Mountlake Terrace CDI
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