A "CT scan" stands for computed tomography. A CT scan of the abdomen is a medical imaging technique that uses x-rays to provide a cross-sectional view of the abdomen. Doctors use CT scans of the abdomen to diagnose a number of conditions such as hernia, tumors, kidney stones, appendicitis, trauma and injury, and the cause of abdominal pain or swelling among several others. The CPT code for a CT scan of the abdomen will depend on whether or not contrast dye is used and which part of the abdomen is scanned.
There is a long, narrow table which slides into the CT scanner. You will be asked to lie on your back with your arms extended above your head.
Once you are secure, the table will slide into the CT scanner and the x-ray machine within the scanner will rotate all around you. This creates a 360-degree view of the abdomen and provides x-ray images of the entire stomach area in sections known as slices. Your doctor will later stack these slices together to create a three-dimensional image. CT scan images can be viewed on the monitor or stored on film for later inspection.
During the scan, you will be asked to hold your breath for small amounts of time to ensure that you are absolutely still and the best images are created. Some scans may require the use of a special contrast dye for better viewing. In such cases, the dye will be injected via a vein in your arm or hand and as the dye moves through the body, contrast areas will show up on the x-rays clearly.
A CT scan of the abdomen should take 30 minutes or less. Some people may find the test uncomfortable and if a contrast dye injection is being used, there may be a burning sensation and a metallic taste in the mouth for a few seconds after the dye is injected.
If your CT scan requires a contrast dye, you will be asked to avoid eating or drinking for up to four to six hours before the test. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to dye before you need to inform your doctor. For such cases, medications that reduce the risk of an allergic reaction are prescribed. Other things you need to inform your doctor about include:
In most cases, insurance covers most the cost of a CT scan of the abdomen. If you are uninsured or need to pay for the scan on your own, it is important to do a comparison of prices and decide on what works best for you. Always ensure that the facility where the scan is being done is ACR certified and that the radiologist performing the scan is Board Certified. CT scan prices can range from $1600 to $8,200. The cost of a CT scan for the abdomen will depend on whether the scan is done at a hospital or at an imaging clinic, the city in which the scan is done, the number of body parts being scanned and if there is a contrast dye injection is required.
The CT scan is a low-risk procedure and the only real problem may be caused by an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. Radiation exposure is also a cause for concern for the pregnant or someone already suffering from cancer.
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