Question 1

How should I prepare for an CT scan?

Accepted Answer

Our team of experts at South Jersey Radiology will provide specific guidelines to follow regarding your appointment. Please arrive fifteen minutes prior to your appointment. Wear comfortable and loose clothing that doesn't contain any metal including jewelry, belts, or buttons. Avoid eating in the hours prior to your CT scan. Based on the specific details for your exam, our staff at South Jersey Radiology will provide specific time periods to restrict eating or drinking. If you have any specific medical conditions or medications you take, please inform your physician or the staff at South Jersey Radiology.

Question 2

Is a CT scan safe?

Accepted Answer

CT scans have numerous benefits that outweigh any of the few negatives that come with it. CT scans use a very small amount of radiation to better highlight the areas of the body being studied. In fact, CT scans expose you to less radiation than various, every-day items such as televisions, phones, smoke detectors, and more. At South Jersey Radiology, all of our medical imaging techniques are compliant with Image Wisely guidelines to ensure radiation exposure is kept to a minimum.

Question 3

What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI?

Accepted Answer

CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are both medical imaging techniques that capture detailed images of the body’s internal structures. However, different reasons may warrant your physician to recommend one over the other as they have different preferred use cases. CT scans use a series of X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of the body. Generally, CTs are faster than MRIs and capture images of bones and harder tissue structures with more detail. CT scans do use a small amount of radiation to help visualize hard tissue structures that can be more difficult to view. MRIs use magnets and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of soft tissue structures including the brain and spinal cord. MRIs do not utilize any form of radiation.

Question 4

When will I receive my results?

Accepted Answer

Once your CT scan is complete, one of our board-certified, subspecialized radiologists will analyze the results and develop a detailed report for your physician. Your physician will receive the report within 48 hours and follow up with you to go over the results. After 5 – 7 days, your reports and images will be available to you via our easy-to-access patient portal.

Question 5

Is a CT scan covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

South Jersey Radiology is in-network with 99% of insurance providers. Please contact your insurance provider to inquire about SJRA’s in-network status. Some insurance companies may try to direct you to their preferred radiology center. As the patient, you have the right to choose if you would like your study performed at South Jersey Radiology.

Question 6

How much does a CT scan cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of an CT scan can vary based on the location of where you get the imaging, your insurance coverage, the type of CT scan being performed, and more. Lastly, cost can depend heavily on where you choose to go to get the CT. Hospital-based CT scans are more expensive than South Jersey Radiology’s outpatient imaging centers, which cost up to 60% less than hospital-based imaging studies. If you have insurance, it may cover some or most of the cost. However, you might still owe an out-of-pocket or deductible cost at the time of your scan. SJRA will provide an estimate for the amount you will owe based on your insurance coverage at the time of your appointment. You can also talk to your insurance company to understand what they will cover.

Glossary Letter: C

Computed Tomography (CT)

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