Diagnostic CT
The Southwestern Medical Center Imaging Department conducts CT scans where the focus is on delivering low doses of radiation while maintaining high quality images. The CT scanner features CT fluoroscopy, which is used to provide guidance during interventional procedures.
SWMC conducts a variety of necessary diagnostic CT scans such as chest, abdomen, pelvis, head and brain. Since it is important to minimize radiation exposure, CT scans are limited to necessary, diagnostic scans that will be beneficial to the patient's outcome and recovery. This is especially important for our pediatric patient population.
CT scans are beneficial in identifying tumors, hemorrhaging and recent strokes as well as contrasting between gas, fluid, tissue, blood and bone. Patients can expect zero pain during computerized tomography image testing and may expect the use of contrast, intravenously or by swallowing, to assist imaging views.
A physician order is required for this exam. The patient must provide contact information of the ordering provider in order to share test results with the ordering physician.
For more information, call 580-531-4793.
CT Calcium Score
A Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring CT scan can detect early signs of heart disease. This is non-invasive diagnostic exam is performed on our low-dose CT scanner and produces highly specialized images of the heart.
A Physician evaluates the images for calcium (calcified/hard plaque) within the coronary arteries. The measure of plaque is measured against the average, taking age and gender into account. The amount of calcium detected is highly predictive of the amount of coronary atherosclerosis.
Who should be screened?
- Those with a family history of heart disease
- Those with high cholesterol or high blood pressure
- People who smoke
- Those who live a sedentary lifestyle
- Anyone older than age 35
- Those who are diabetic or overweight
Pricing Options
SWMC offers this self-pay exam for $100 either cash or by voucher through MDSave.com. Payment is due at the time of service. Patients are provided a copy of their initial score. Special test pricing of $50 may be available during the month of February.
A physician order is NOT required for this exam. The patient must provide contact information of their provider in order to share test results.
Low Dose Lung Screening
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, killing more people than colon, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancers combined. About 85% of lung cancer cases occur in current or former smokers. Fortunately, this disease is often treatable if caught early. Recent studies show that low-dose CT lung cancer screening can lower your risk of dying from lung cancer.
Insurance will cover the cost of the test for patients who meet the following criteria:
- 55-77 yrs of age
- Current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years
- No history of lung cancer
- No current respiratory infection
- Have an appointment with your physician to obtain an order for the exam and to go over the risks and benefits of a LDCT
Patients who do not meet the above criteria and still want to have a LDCT can get one without an order for $150 via MDsave.com voucher. The only criteria is you must be 55 years or older.
The patient must provide contact information of their provider in order to share test results.