Heart Scan Calcium Test
Calcium is a great thing when it comes to bones and teeth, but calcium in the heart can be a problem.
Cone Health’s Heart Scan Calcium Test is a way to check for calcium – or plaque – buildup in your coronary arteries. Calcified plaque may lead to a cardiac event, such as a heart attack, or indicate early coronary artery disease.
This test is a non-invasive CT scan that will give us a glimpse into your arteries to check your calcium deposit level. It uses minimal radiation and doesn’t require an IV line. It is a comfortable and quick scan that offers peace of mind and awareness about treatment plans/lifestyle changes, if needed. From start to finish, the scan should only take about 15 minutes.
Who Should Receive a Heart Scan Calcium 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 Heart Scan Calcium 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 Heart Scan Calcium Test is eligible for reimbursement through most health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA).
