...or uncomfortable? The body scans are painless and comfortable. You may be asked to hold your breath a few times. EBT and CT scanners have an open top and are not claustrophobic.

...covered in a Body Scan? The body scan analyzes areas 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 specific regions in the pelvis. For more information, see our Body Scan FAQ and Why get a Body Scan?

Heart Scan, Lung Scan, Body Scan, Bone Density Scan, Virtual Colonoscopy and EB Angiography

...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 colonoscopy involves being sedated and a 5-foot-long camera scope is inserted into the anus. The scope is then 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 scanning table. A small barium tip is inserted in to the anus to gently inflate the colon with air in order to properly obtain images. After the scan, most patients can return to their daily activities immediately. A follow-up appointment may be necessary depending on the findings.

QCT Bone Density Screening can detect osteoporosis—a silent disease characterized by low bone mass and the progressive deterioration of bone tissue. Fractures often occur in the spine, wrists, and hips of individuals suffering from osteoporosis. Early diagnosis of osteoporosis can lead to intervention and treatment to stop progressive bone loss.

in body scans? Body scans seek to provide safe and accurate 3-D images of the patients’ body in a non-invasive way. Most scans involve a small amount of radiation exposure, but the benefits of early diagnosis of a multitude of diseases must be weighed against the potential risks of exposure. Different types of scanning procedures involve varying levels of radiation, so if this is a concern for you discuss your options with your doctor before scheduling your scan.

This depends on your individualized insurance plan and scanning procedure. Most insurance providers will not cover scans that are performed for screening purposes for otherwise healthy adults. However, if you have a pre-existing condition the cost of your scan may be covered fully or in-part by your insurance. Consult your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage regarding scanning procedures.

There are many reasons why a body scan may be beneficial to you, whether performed for diagnostic or treatment-related reasons. A body scan:

• Allows doctors information that can help in diagnosing a disease, often before physical changes or any symptoms arise
• Gives an accurate look at what is happening internally, helping doctors plan the best course of action in the treatment of disease, surgical procedures, or biopsy
• Provides an evaluation of treatment efficacy
• Is able to detect relapse or recurrence of disease
• Provides an alternative to invasive diagnostic procedures