Calcium Score Test
Calcium is great for your bones and teeth, but when it starts building up in the arteries of your heart, it can signal a problem.
A Calcium Score Test, also called a coronary calcium scan, is a simple and noninvasive CT scan that checks for calcium or plaque in your coronary arteries. Finding this buildup early can help you understand your risk for heart disease or a future cardiac event.
The scan is quick and easy. It uses only a small amount of radiation, does not require an IV, and usually takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. Most people find the experience comfortable, and it can provide peace of mind along with helpful guidance if lifestyle changes or treatment might be needed.
Who Should Receive a Calcium Score Test?
You’ll need a referral for this test from your primary care physician, but if you meet the below criteria it’s a good idea to ask your provider about this scan.
What happens during the test?
The scan itself will only last a few minutes, and there will be a bit of prep work before it begins. Here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll change into a hospital gown and lie on a table.
- The technologist will clean three small areas of your chest and apply electrode patches to those spots.
- When the scan begins, the table will move through the CT scanner, which is shaped like a very large donut. Rest assured the scanner is open on both sides, so you will never be fully enclosed if tight spaces are an issue for you.
How will I get my scan results?
Following your scan, a Cone Health physician will review the results, determine your calcium score and then share that information with your primary care physician. Based on your results, your primary care physician may discuss lifestyle changes with you to help lower your risk of coronary artery disease.
If your scan indicates the presence of disease or high-risk factors, your primary care provider may refer you to a cardiologist.
Will my insurance cover this test?
The Calcium Score Test is not covered by most insurance plans in North Carolina, so Cone Health is offering the test at a reduced self-pay price of $99. The Calcium Score Test is eligible for reimbursement through most health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA).
