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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.

These screenings are available for self-pay without a doctor’s order, with payment options including cash, card, or other accepted methods. Insurance (including Medicare/Medicaid) usually doesn’t cover them, but some plans may—check with your insurance provider. If your insurance covers the exam, a doctor’s order will be required. Screenings are not a replacement for regular care. Be sure to discuss results with your provider and follow any prep instructions. Notify us about any medical conditions (e.g., pacemakers).

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. Visit SavedByTheScan.org to see if you qualify. If you meet requirements, print out the downloadable guide and give the sheet directly to your doctor to start a conversation about next steps.

Medicare Requirements

The criteria used to determine if an individual is at high-risk of lung cancer is slightly different when looking at the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) standards versus Medicare. Medicare's eligibility criteria is below:

  • Adult 50 - 77 yrs of age
  • Shows no signs or symptoms of lung cancer
  • Current smoker or has quit within the past 15 yrs
  • Smoked the equivalent of at least 1 pack per day for 20 yrs (e.g., 1 pack per day for 20 yrs, 2 packs per day for 10 yrs, etc.). To calculate your packs per year, visit: SmokingPackYears.com.

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 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, talk to your physician about scheduling this exam.

Am I High Risk?

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) find those with the following criteria at high-risk:

  • Adult 50 - 80 yrs of age
  • Current smokers or those who quit within the past 15 yrs (USPSTF) OR Previous smokers, regardless of their quit date (ACS)
  • Those who smoked the equivalent of at least 1 pack per day for 20 yrs (e.g., 1 pack per day for 20 yrs, 2 packs per day for 10 yrs, etc.)

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 a proactive step towards a healthier you.

“Of the estimated 805,000 heart attacks each year in the US, a projected 170,000 of them are silent heart attacks [attacks showing little to no symptoms], according to statistics from the American Heart Association” (American Heart Association, 2021)

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 15-minute screening measures fat mass, lean mass, and bone health, helping you to achieve your fitness goals—whether you’re losing fat, building muscle, or improving bone density. This test is a more accurate way to assess your body's composition than BMI or BIA machines (e.g., InBody, Tanita, etc.), which assume an equal distribution of fat, muscle, and bone. This is a valuable exam for tracking fitness progress, evaluating overall health, and guiding treatment decisions when you need a more detailed assessment.

Why Get a Body Composition Test?

DEXA Body composition s considered the “gold standard” for measuring muscle, fat, and body composition, giving you a clearer picture of your health than BMI or BIA machines alone. It's particularly useful for tracking changes in fat and muscle mass to specific regions, 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.