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Health Screenings

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Health Screenings

Screening Exams

Screening exams are proactive tests performed to detect potential health issues or diseases before symptoms arise. These tests focus on early detection, allowing for more effective treatment and intervention. If screening results suggest pathology, further tests may be recommended to confirm the presence of disease and determine the best course of action.


Self-Pay and Insurance Coverage

Please note that these exams are typically self-pay, though some may be covered by insurance or Medicare, depending on eligibility.

A non-invasive CT scan that uses advanced low-dose technology to detect lung abnormalities and cancer at an early, more treatable stage. The screening is far more effective than traditional chest X-rays and can identify lung tumors when they are very small.

Why Get a Lung Screening?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. The majority of cases are diagnosed at a very late stage, which offers a low survival rate of only 5 years after diagnosis. With early detection, treatment options improve, giving you and your provider a better chance for a positive outcome.

This screening is covered by Medicare and commercial insurance companies if eligibility guidelines are met.

How to Schedule Your Exam:

  • Self-Schedule (Cash Payment): Call us at any of the locations below to schedule your exam the same day. Payment of $215.00 is required at the time of your exam.

    • Columbia: (573) 442-1788
    • Jefferson City: (573) 635-6262
    • Osage Beach: (573) 746-7010
  • Medicare Coverage: If eligible, print the Medicare script and have your physician review it to qualify for coverage. Your physician will either schedule the exam or provide the script for you to schedule it yourself.

If you are worried about lung cancer due to your history of smoking, turn your concern into answers. Contact us today to schedule your CT Lung Screening and take the proactive step towards your health.

Medicare Requirements

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends a baseline screening test for the following two (2) high-risk groups.

High Risk Group I

  • People 55 -77 who have smoked for 30 or more “pack years” will qualify. Example/ one pack day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years.
    There is a pack per day calculator online: http://smokingpackyears.com
  • People who quit smoking over 15 years ago are excluded.

High Risk Group II

  • People 50 years old and older who have smoked for 20 or more “pack years” and have at least one or more risk factor other than second-hand smoke are at risk.

“Half of the 600,000 Americans who have heart attacks each year, have no symptoms before hand.” - The New York Times, March 28, 1999

The Ultrafast CT Screening detects calcium build-up in the coronary arteries, providing a quick and non-invasive way to assess your risk for heart disease. This test identifies hardened arteries early, allowing for timely intervention with medications and lifestyle changes.

Why Get a Cardiac Calcium Score?

Heart disease is a leading cause of death, and this screening offers valuable insight into your heart’s health. By detecting early signs of coronary artery disease, it can help prevent heart attacks and allow for proactive treatment.

This screening is often recommended before more invasive procedures like stress tests or angiograms. It is especially beneficial for individuals with significant risk factors such as smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, or a family history of heart disease. The Ultrafast CT Cardiac Calcium Score is one of the most effective tools for predicting heart attack risk in otherwise healthy individuals.

What to Expect:

  • No fasting, needles, or dyes required.
  • The scan takes just 15 minutes, including a 23-second breath-hold to capture about 92 images of your heart.
  • Results are available in 3-4 business days.

What Your Cardiac Score Means:

  • Score 0: No plaque – follow healthy lifestyle guidelines. 
  • Score 1-10: Minimal plaque – general cardiovascular health recommendations.
  • Score 11-100: Mild plaque – risk factor modification recommended, including medications.
  • Score 101-400: Moderate plaque – additional testing may be necessary.
  • Score 400+: Significant plaque – aggressive treatment and further tests advised.

FURTHER CONSULTATION WITH A PHYSICIAN IS RECOMMENDED FOR ANY TOTAL SCORE ABOVE 0.

How Often Should I Get a Cardiac Calcium Score?

Advanced Radiology follows the recommended rescanning intervals published by The Journal of American College of Cardiology (JACC).

If your healthcare provider feels your plan of care requires more frequent scans based on your individual needs, Advanced Radiology will work with your provider to meet your needs.

  • If your score was 0, it is recommended that another CT CAC screening may be repeated in 5 to 10 years. You should not have a repeat scan <5 years from the initial scan unless recommended by your healthcare provider.
  • If you are diabetic or had a prior CT CAC score of 101 to 400, you may undergo repeat CT CAC at 3 years from the initial test.
  • If your CAC score was >400, you may not require repeat CAC scoring but you should talk to your healthcare provider so they can recommend the proper interval based on your individual needs.

When Should You Avoid a Cardiac Calcium Score Screening? 

Due to the possibility of inaccurate results, it is not recommended to undergo CT Coronary Artery Calcium Screening if you have had any of the following procedures:

  • Have had a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
  • Have had Cardiac Stents placed
  • Have an implanted Cardiac Pacemaker or Defibrillator
  • Have had Heart Valve replacement surgery
  • Are currently Pregnant

Golub, I, Termeie, O, Kristo, S. et al. Major Global Coronary Artery Calcium Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol Img. 2023 Jan, 16 (1) 98–117.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcmg.2022.06.018

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan measures bone mineral density, providing an essential assessment for osteoporosis, and also calculates your BMI, which helps identify potential health risks related to body fat.

Why get a DEXA Scan?

DEXA is the only test that can diagnose osteoporosis before a broken bone occurs, allowing for early intervention and prevention. If you are a postmenopausal woman or a man age 50 and older, and have recently fractured a bone, a bone density test is highly recommended.

What to expect:

  • Non-invasive and painless.
  • Results will be available in 24-48 hours.

This screening measures fat percentage and provides detailed insight into lean mass versus fat mass. This test is a more accurate way to assess weight compared to BMI and is valuable for tracking fitness progress, evaluating overall health, and guiding treatment decisions.

Why Get a Body Composition Test?

Body composition provides a clearer picture of your health than BMI alone. It's particularly useful for tracking changes in fat and muscle mass, making it ideal for those involved in fitness, wellness, or medical care. It also helps validate services like personal training, patient care, and corporate wellness programs.

What to Expect:

  • Non-invasive procedure
  • Quick results

The CIMT test measures the thickness of the carotid artery walls to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease. It helps detect early signs of atherosclerosis, often before symptoms appear.

Why Get a CIMT Test?

Early detection of artery thickening can prevent strokes and heart disease, allowing for early intervention.

An ultrasound screening to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), which can be life-threatening if not caught early. This non-invasive exam is vital for identifying risks in the aorta before rupture occurs.

Why Get an Aorta Screening?

AAA can be asymptomatic until rupture, making early detection through screening crucial for timely treatment and prevention.

The ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index) test measures blood flow in the legs to assess for peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that restricts circulation and can lead to serious cardiovascular complications.

Why Get an ABI Screening?

PAD can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Early detection and intervention can reduce risks associated with poor circulation.