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Knowing the physical condition of the arteries in your heart could save your life. A quick and easy heart scan provides pictures of your heart's arteries with this noninvasive, high-speed CT technology that does not require any intravenous contrast. The test is reviewed by a radiologist, and a report is provided to you and your physician.
The preventive heart scan
Most people who die from a heart attack had no previous symptoms.
All you are required to do is hold your breath for 30 seconds while the CT scanner slides over your chest area as you're lying on your back.
What's a calcium score?
Heart scans, also known as coronary calcium scans, provide pictures of your heart's arteries (coronary arteries). Doctors use heart scans to look for calcium deposits in the coronary arteries that can narrow your arteries and increase your heart attack risk. The result of this test is often called a coronary calcium score.
Who should have a heart scan?
Men over 30 or women over 40 with one or more of the following cardiovascular risk factors:
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Low HDL (good cholesterol).
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Family history of heart disease.
You should not have a heart scan if you:
- Are over 75 years old.
- May be pregnant.
- Have been diagnosed with coronary disease.
- Have a very irregular heartbeat.
How do I schedule my heart scan?
Contact your primary care physician to order the test for you; once ordered, call Diagnostic Services at 952.428.2151 to schedule your screening.
Payment
Coverage of this procedure is subject to the terms of your insurance policy. We encourage you to call your insurance company to determine coverage.
If you choose to pay for your scan or if you do not have insurance, the cost is $100 paid at the time of your appointment. Typically, the cost of the scan is reimbursable through flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts.
If your insurance company covers the exam, your out-of-pocket cost will be based on your insurance company's contract with Allina Health and terms of your policy and may be more than $100. We cannot limit your liability to $100.
If your insurance company does not cover the test and the terms of your policy have been met, you will receive a bill from Allina Health for $600.