If you cannot make your appointment, please call us within 24 hours. Failure to show up for a scheduled appointment will result in a $300.00 fine per appointment slot.
What is Coronary Artery CTA?
A coronary computed tomography
angiogram (CTA) uses advanced CT technology, along with intravenous contrast
(ct dye), to obtain high resolution, 3D pictures of the moving heart and its
vessels. These images enable physicians to determine whether plaque or
calcium deposits are present inside the arteries. CTA is a noninvasive method for
detecting blockages in the coronary arteries and can be performed much faster
than a cardiac cath, with potentially less risk and discomfort as well as
decreased recovery time.
Preparation for your test?
- Do not eat 6 hours prior to
your scheduled test time. We still ask that you drink plenty of water
before and after your test. - No coffee, tea, or caffeine
products 12 hours prior to your test. - Do not take antihistamines for
12 hours prior to the test. - No erectile dysfunction medications
for 48 hours prior to the test, such as Cialis or Viagra. - Do NOT smoke 4 hours prior to
the test. - You will be required to have
labs drawn within 7 days of this study to check your kidney function prior
to contrast injection. If you have a known kidney problem or history
of transplant, please alert the Physician prior to having this study. - You will receive an injection
of Iodinated contrast for this test. If you have a known allergy or
reaction to CT contrast/Iodinated contrast, please notify the Physician so
that we can pre-medicate you for this test. - If you know that you are
pregnant, or think that you might be pregnant, please notify the
technologist in advance, as radiation to the unborn fetus may be harmful. - If you are a diabetic and take
Metformin/Glucophage/Metformin containing products, you must discontinue
use for 24 hours after the exam. At that time, you will have blood
drawn to check your kidney function again before starting back on the
medication. You make all other medications as prescribed unless otherwise
directed. - Wear loose, comfortable
clothing without metal or zippers if possible. - If you were given any type of
pre-medication for contrast allergy, please remember to take them as
directed. - Try to relax and avoid
strenuous situations prior to your test. We need your heart rate
around 65 beats per minute in order to obtain a good study.
What happens during the test?
- You will lay on a table on your
back, have an IV started, and then bring your hands behind your head. - Small pads or patches called
electrodes will be put on your chest. Wires connect the pads to an ECG
(electrocardiogram) machine. The machine records the electrical activity
of your heart. - The table will then move you
through the center of a giant donut-shaped scanner. - The contrast or dye might give
you a metallic taste in your mouth and make you feel warm all over.
This will last about 30 seconds and will not return. - As you move through the
scanner, you will need to stay very still, and you will be asked to hold
your breath for a few seconds. - Most tests only take about 20
minutes. - A registered CT Technologist
will be taking your images and is trained to keep the radiation dose as
low as possible.
What happens after the test?
- There are no side effects to this test.
- Please remember to drink plenty of water, and if you
are diabetic, do not take your metformin until after you’ve had your labs
drawn and have been given permission to resume the medication. - If you have any questions about this test, please call
us at 407-894-4880.
If you cannot make this appointment,
please call our office at 407-894-4880.
ESTIMATE OF MEDICAL FEES
As a service to our patients and
upon request, we will provide you assistance in an estimate of the likely
medical costs you will be required to pay for your procedure
If we are unable to estimate your
cost due to exclusions of your policy, then we will provide you with the
medical billing procedural codes for you to contact your insurance carrier directly.
Although we may be a participating
provider in your network, every policy is different with varying benefit
levels. Therefore, we highly recommend you contacting your insurance carrier
directly for estimates of costs.
It is your responsibility to
understand your benefit plan and all policies and provisions.
Verification of benefits with
your insurance carrier and an estimated cost given by your insurance carrier is
not a guarantee of benefits or payment. If your claim processes
differently from the cost estimate given by your insurance or from the benefits
we were quoted, you will be held accountable for any unpaid balances by your
plan
Please note that any cost given is
an estimate only. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary
to arrange additional medical services, resulting in further charges to you.
Contact the Business Office for
Cardiovascular Interventions PA to discuss cost estimates or any billing
matters at 407-896-7899 or email our business office at billing@orlandocvi.com