The Highest Standard

Do I need a prescription or a doctor's order for a scan?

For diagnostic tests, a doctor’s prescription is required. This includes CT Angiography tests. For preventive screenings, such as a coronary calcium score or virtual colonoscopy, no prescription is required to get a scan.


What kind of scans are available?

Innervision offers the full range of CT diagnostic imaging for the head and neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis, including specific capabilities in cardiac, renal, peripheral, carotid, cerebral and aortic applications. Preventive screenings include the heart scan with coronary calcium score, lung scan, body scan and virtual colonoscopy.


How long will my procedure take?

The GE Medical 64-slice VCT scanner used at Innervision is one of the fastest CT scanners in the world. The majority of tests performed are completed in less than 20 minutes.


I get claustrophobic and don't really want to go inside a scanner.

The GE VCT scanner is an "open top" scanner so there is no claustrophobia. It resembles a donut. Once you go through the hole it is open on the other side. CT scanners are nothing like an MRI in this regard.


Is there any preparation or contrast needed?

Depending on the type of scan your doctor has ordered, a contrast agent may be required via injection prior to the test. You will be informed of any special preparation required prior to your test.


How long does it take to get the results?

Results for all tests are usually prepared and sent to you or your doctor within 24 hours of the test.


What areas of the body are covered in a Full Body test?

The scan is from the collar bone to the pelvis and covers the heart, lungs, abdomen and the spine. The specific areas covered in the abdomen are the kidneys, liver, gall bladder, abdominal aorta, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, spleen and certain pelvic organs.


Does the scan detect cancer?

It may detect visual abnormalities such as nodules, masses, cysts or tumors in the lungs as small as a grain of rice, and in the abdomen as small as an eraser head. If the scan detects an abnormality, it is up to you and your personal physician to decide if you should have any further testing to see whether or not the abnormality is cancerous. The report you will receive will aid in that decision. Early detection of cancer may significantly improve your chances of survival (metabolic abnormalities may be found with a blood test).


What is the difference between the Conventional Colonoscopy and the Virtual Colonoscopy?

Prior to both procedures, bowel preparation is necessary with a liquid diet/prep kit to cleanse the colon. A traditional conventional colonoscopy is a procedure where you are sedated and a 5 foot long scope is inserted into your rectum. Then, the scope is moved throughout the entire length of the colon to look for polyps.


The virtual colonoscopy may be more comfortable, convenient and safer than the traditional method. It's safer because there is no sedation involved. After preparation, the individual is put on the screening table. A small barium tip is inserted in to the rectum to gently inflate the colon with air in order to properly obtain images. Then the individual is scanned on their back and their stomach. You can immediately choose to go back to work after the procedure. A follow-up may be necessary depending on the findings.


Who should have a Virtual Colonoscopy?

The virtual colonoscopy may be an appropriate test for those over the age of 50 who do not have a family history of colon cancer or a history of polyps (or are just too nervous to get the traditional one done). This procedure is not recommended for individuals who have a history of colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Those individuals should consult their physician.