At Advanced Radiology, our preventive health screenings are designed to detect early signs of disease before they become bigger problems. These low-cost, non-invasive imaging exams offer peace of mind and empower you to take control of your health.
Whether you're an active adult, athlete, or managing long-term wellness, our screening services can support your goals—from monitoring bone density and heart health to identifying early warning signs of lung disease or vascular issues.
✅ No doctor’s order required
✅ Same-day appointments available (depending on screening)
✅ Affordable self-pay pricing
✅ Fast, accurate results from board-certified radiologists
These screenings are available for self-pay without a physician’s order, using cash, credit/debit card, or HSA/FSA. Some insurance plans may cover certain screenings, but typically require a doctor’s order. If you would like to use insurance, we recommend speaking with your provider to confirm coverage. If your exam is covered, a physician referral will be needed before scheduling.
Explore each exam below to see if it's right for you!
Your heart works hard every day. Shouldn't you know how it's doing?
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for 1 in every 3 deaths. The most common form, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), develops when plaque builds up in the arteries and quietly restricts blood flow to your heart, often without any warning signs. In fact, researchers estimate that 1 in 5 heart attacks is silent, meaning no clear symptoms beforehand.
The good news? Early detection changes everything. A Cardiac Calcium Score screening is one of the most effective, non-invasive tools available for identifying your risk before a heart attack strikes.
What Is a Cardiac Calcium Score?
A Cardiac Calcium Score (also called a Coronary Artery Calcium, or CAC, scan) uses a fast, low-dose CT scan to detect calcium buildup in the walls of your coronary arteries, one of the earliest signs of heart disease. The scan is quick, painless, and requires no needles, fasting, or dye.
By catching hardening of the arteries early, your doctor can work with you on medications, lifestyle changes, and a monitoring plan, well before a serious cardiac event occurs. For otherwise healthy individuals, this screening is one of the most powerful predictors of future heart attack risk available today.
Who Should Consider This Screening?
A Cardiac Calcium Score is most valuable for people with moderate to high risk factors who haven't yet experienced symptoms. You may benefit from this screening if you:
Even if you feel perfectly healthy, one or more of these factors may mean your heart deserves a closer look.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
We know your time is valuable, so we've made this screening as simple and stress-free as possible.
Understanding Your Results
Your score reflects the amount of calcium, and therefore plaque, detected in your coronary arteries:
| Score | What It Means |
| 0 | No plaque detected — continue healthy lifestyle habits |
| 1-10 | Minimal plaque — follow general cardiovascular health recommendations |
| 11-100 | Mild plaque — risk factor modification recommended, including possible medications |
| 101-400 | Moderate plaque — additional testing may be necessary |
| 400+ | Significant plaque — aggressive treatment and further testing advised |
We recommend consulting your physician for any score above 0. Your results will be reviewed by one of our experienced radiologists, who will provide a detailed report to share with your healthcare provider.
The score descriptions above are general guidelines intended for educational purposes only. Advanced Radiology is not your provider, and this information is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Regardless of your score, we strongly encourage you to share your results with your physician to determine the best next steps for your individual health.
How Often Should You Be Screened?
Following guidelines published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), Advanced Radiology recommends these rescreening intervals:
If your care plan requires a different schedule, we'll work directly with your provider to accommodate that.
When to Avoid This Screening
Due to the potential for inaccurate results, a Cardiac Calcium Score screening is not recommended if you have had any of the following:
Not sure if this applies to you? Give us a call! We're happy to help you figure out whether this screening is the right fit.
A Little Extra Peace of Mind
While your scan is focused on your heart health, our radiologists review your entire scan. This thorough approach has led to the unexpected discovery of other serious conditions, including lung and breast cancer, in patients who came in simply for a heart screening. Early detection saves lives, and at Advanced Radiology, we're committed to looking out for your whole health, not just the reason you came in.
Schedule Your Cardiac Calcium Score Today
Taking 15 minutes to understand your heart health could add years to your life. Advanced Radiology offers Cardiac Calcium Score screenings at all three of our convenient Mid-Missouri locations, with no physician referral required for self-pay patients.
Visit our Locations page to find a screening near you!
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Advanced Radiology is not your provider. Please consult your physician to determine whether a CIMT screening is appropriate for your individual health needs.
Sources: Golub I, Termeie O, Kristo S, et al. Major Global Coronary Artery Calcium Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol Img. 2023;16(1):98–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcmg.2022.06.018 American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics — 2024 Update.
Lung cancer often has no warning signs — until it's too late. A simple, low-dose CT scan could change that.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States according to the CDC. What makes it so devastating is how quietly it develops; the majority of cases aren't caught until a late stage, when less than 10% of patients survive five years. But when detected early? That survival rate jumps to nearly 65%. Early detection isn't just helpful, it's life-changing.
A CT Lung Screening is one of the most powerful tools we have to find lung cancer before symptoms ever appear.
What Is a CT Lung Screening?
A CT Lung Screening, also called a Low-Dose CT (LDCT) scan, is a fast, FDA-approved, non-invasive imaging test that uses advanced helical CT technology to detect lung abnormalities, including small nodules and early-stage tumors that a standard chest X-ray would miss entirely.
The scan is quick and comfortable. There are no needles, no dyes, and no fasting required. After a brief medical history form, one of our friendly technologists will guide you through the process. You'll simply lie down, hold your breath for a few seconds, and the machine captures detailed images of your lungs. Most people find the experience straightforward and stress-free.
Annual screenings are recommended for high-risk individuals to monitor any nodules over time and catch potential changes as early as possible.
Am I High Risk?
You may be a candidate for CT Lung Screening if you meet the following criteria:
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) & American Cancer Society (ACS) Guidelines:
Not sure if your smoking history qualifies for your insurance or Medicare? Use the free pack-year calculator at SmokingPackYears.com or take the eligibility quiz at SavedByTheScan.org.
Even if you feel healthy, if you have a significant smoking history, this screening could be one of the most important steps you take for your long-term health.
Symptoms to Watch For
While this screening is designed to catch cancer before symptoms appear, please don't ignore these warning signs if you're experiencing them. Contact your doctor promptly:
Insurance Coverage & Scheduling
Using Insurance / Medicare: Medicare and most commercial insurance plans cover this screening once per year for eligible high-risk patients as part of their preventive care benefits. A shared decision-making visit with your healthcare provider is required before your first Medicare-covered screening, so talk to your physician first. An order from your provider is required for insurance-covered screenings.
Medicare Eligibility at a Glance:
Please check with your insurance provider for details on your specific plan coverage.
No Insurance? No Problem: This exam is available as a self-pay option. Call any of our three locations to ask about current pricing and to schedule your appointment, often the same day.
Schedule Your Lung Screening Today
If you have a significant smoking history, past or present, you don't have to wonder. You can take charge. Call us directly to schedule at the self-pay rate, or talk to your provider about placing an insurance or Medicare order. Either way, we're here to make it easy.
This is your life, and you deserve answers.
Call or visit our Locations page to find a screening near you.
A Note on Screening vs. Prevention
We want to be upfront with you: screening finds cancer early; it does not prevent it. Quitting smoking remains the single most powerful thing you can do to protect your lung health. If you're ready to take that step, talk to your primary care provider or visit smokefree.gov for free expert resources and support.
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Advanced Radiology is not your healthcare provider. Please consult your physician to determine whether CT Lung Screening is appropriate for your individual health needs.
Sources: American Lung Association. State of Lung Cancer, 2024. National Cancer Institute SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Lung and Bronchus Cancer. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Lung Cancer Screening with LDCT Coverage Determination, 2022. American Cancer Society. New Lung Cancer Screening Guideline, 2023.
Your arteries can show signs of disease years before a heart attack or stroke ever occurs. A CIMT screening helps you see what's happening beneath the surface.
Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque inside your artery walls, is one of the most common and dangerous conditions in the world, yet it develops silently for years without any symptoms. Many times, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a stroke is the first sign a person has carotid artery disease, according to the National Library of Medicine. A CIMT screening changes that by detecting artery wall changes early, when intervention can make the greatest difference.
What Is a CIMT Test?
A Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) test is a quick, painless, non-invasive ultrasound screening that measures the thickness of the inner two layers of your carotid arteries, the major blood vessels running along each side of your neck that supply blood to your brain.
Because there is a link between intimal medial thickness and cardiovascular events, CIMT is an important test for detecting disease in its earliest stage, according to the Cleveland Clinic, when interventions such as diet, lifestyle, and medications can have the greatest impact.
Importantly, CIMT is not dependent on calcification of the plaque like other assessment tools, such as Calcium Cardiac Scoring, making it a valuable complement to a Cardiac Calcium Score screening for a more complete picture of your cardiovascular health.
Who Should Consider a CIMT Screening?
The American Heart Association recommends CIMT for everyone over 45 years of age, and for people younger than 45 with multiple risk factors.
This screening is especially valuable if you have one or more of the following:
Even if you feel completely healthy, one or more of these factors may mean your arteries deserve a closer look.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
A CIMT screening at Advanced Radiology is simple, comfortable, and completely radiation-free.
Understanding Your Results
Your results will be compared against age and sex-matched norms, giving your doctor meaningful context rather than just a raw number. Based on your findings, your physician may recommend lifestyle changes, medications such as blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering agents, or additional testing.
If your results are abnormal or you have ongoing risk factors, the test should be repeated at least once a year to track whether atherosclerosis is progressing, stabilizing, or improving with treatment. In healthy individuals with normal results and no risk factors, waiting three years before a follow-up scan is generally appropriate.
Insurance Coverage
Because CIMT is considered a preventive screening for asymptomatic patients, coverage varies. Most insurance companies do not cover this exam, but we encourage you to check with your provider and insurance plan. It is available as a self-pay screening at Advanced Radiology, where we're committed to keeping our screenings affordable and accessible.
How Is CIMT Different from a Cardiac Calcium Score?
These two screenings complement each other well and together give a more complete picture of your cardiovascular risk:
| CIMT | Cardiac Calcium Score | |
| Technology | Ultrasound | Low-Dose CT scan |
| What it detects | Artery wall thickening, soft plaque | Calcified (hardened) plaque |
| Arteries assessed | Carotid (neck) arteries | Coronary (heart) arteries |
| Radiation | None | Low-dose |
| Best for | Early-stage soft plaque, younger patients | Calcified plaque, predicting heart attack risk |
Ask us about scheduling both screenings together for a comprehensive cardiovascular health assessment.
Schedule Your CIMT Screening Today
Early detection gives you and your physician the time and information needed to act before a heart attack or stroke occurs. Advanced Radiology offers CIMT screenings at all three of our convenient Mid-Missouri locations. Call today to schedule!
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Advanced Radiology is not your provider. Please consult your physician to determine whether a CIMT screening is appropriate for your individual health needs.
Source: Cleveland Clinic. Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) Test. Updated November 2025. American Heart Association / American College of Cardiology. Cardiovascular Risk Guidelines. RadiologyInfo.org. Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test. WebMD. What Is a Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) Test? Updated January 2026.
An aortic aneurysm can grow silently for years and rupture without warning. A simple, 30-minute ultrasound could save your life.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is often called a "silent killer" for good reason. The aorta, the body's largest artery, running from your heart through your abdomen, can develop a dangerous bulge or weakening in its wall without causing any symptoms at all. If that aneurysm ruptures, it can cause sudden, severe internal bleeding that is rapidly life-threatening.
The good news is that AAA can be detected early with a quick, painless ultrasound, and earlier detection means treatment options that are far less invasive and far more effective.
What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
An AAA occurs when a section of the aortic wall weakens and balloons outward. AAA prevalence is estimated at between 1.3% and 8.9% in men and between 1.0% and 2.2% in women over age 65, according to the National Library of Medicine, making it far more common than many people realize. AAA accounts for around 1% of all deaths in men over 65, and approximately 75% of cases occur in people with a history of smoking.
Aneurysms larger than 5.5 cm in men or 5.0 cm in women often require surgical repair, but growth rate and overall health also guide treatment decisions. When caught early, while the aneurysm is still small, monitoring, blood pressure management, and lifestyle changes can keep things stable for years.
Who Should Get Screened?
Risk factors for AAA include older age, male sex, smoking history, and having a first-degree relative with AAA, according to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
Screening is recommended for:
If you're unsure whether you qualify, give us a call; we're happy to help you think it through.
Symptoms to Watch For
Most AAAs develop without any symptoms and are found incidentally during imaging for other reasons. However, if you have one or more risk factors and experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider promptly:
If you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain, call 911 immediately — do not wait.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
AAA screening at Advanced Radiology is straightforward, comfortable, and completely non-invasive.
Understanding Your Results & Treatment Options
If an aneurysm is detected, your care plan will depend on its size and growth rate:
| Finding | Typical Approach |
| Normal | No follow-up screening is typically needed; evidence shows negligible benefit in rescreening those with a normal result |
| Small | Regular monitoring with repeat imaging |
| Medium | Monitoring plus medication to manage blood pressure and slow growth |
| Large | Surgical evaluation recommended |
| Ruptured or rapidly growing | Emergency surgery |
Your radiologist's report will be shared with your provider, who will discuss next steps with you based on your individual health picture.
Insurance Coverage
Medicare covers one-time AAA screening for men ages 65–75 who have ever smoked, as part of the "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit benefit. Most major commercial insurance plans follow similar coverage guidelines for eligible patients. An order from your healthcare provider is required for insurance-covered screenings.
Not eligible through insurance, or prefer to self-pay? Call any of our three locations to set up your exam at the self-pay price.
Schedule Your AAA Screening Today
This is one of the most straightforward, high-impact screenings available. Thirty minutes today could prevent a life-threatening emergency tomorrow.
Visit our Locations page to find a screening near you!
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Advanced Radiology is not your healthcare provider. Please consult your physician to determine whether AAA screening is appropriate for your individual health needs.
Sources: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2019;322(22):2211–2218. Society for Vascular Surgery. Practice Guidelines on the Care of Patients with an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. J Vasc Surg. 2018;67:2–77. PMC / NIH. No Increased Mortality With Early Aortic Aneurysm Disease. 2012.
Poor circulation in your legs can be a warning sign for your entire cardiovascular system. An ABI test is one of the simplest, most effective ways to find out where you stand.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects between 7 and 12 million Americans, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), and the majority don't know they have it. PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries of the legs, narrowing them and reducing blood flow. Left undetected, it raises your risk for heart attack, stroke, and in serious cases, limb loss. The ABI test is a quick, painless, non-invasive way to catch it early.
What Is an ABI Test?
The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test measures blood pressure in your arms and ankles and compares the two readings to assess how well blood is flowing through the arteries in your legs. If the ratio of ankle pressure to arm pressure is less than 0.9, it may indicate peripheral artery disease, according to Johns Hopkins, a condition where plaque has built up in the arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing pain, numbness, and serious cardiovascular complications. PubMed Central
The ABI test is highly accurate. Clinical studies show it correctly identifies significant arterial blockages more than 90% of the time, making it one of the most reliable and trusted screening tools available.
Who Should Consider an ABI Screening?
PAD becomes significantly more common with age, and certain health conditions accelerate its development. This screening is especially recommended if you:
Even without symptoms, PAD can be quietly progressing, making screening especially valuable for those with multiple risk factors.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
An ABI test at Advanced Radiology is quick, comfortable, and completely non-invasive, similar to a standard blood pressure check, just performed at both your arms and ankles.
Understanding Your Results
Your ABI score is a simple ratio; the higher the number, the better your circulation:
| Score | What It May Mean |
| 1.0 – 1.3 | Normal — no significant blockage detected |
| 0.80 – 0.89 | Borderline — mild blockage, further evaluation may be recommended |
| Below 0.80 | Abnormal — significant arterial blockage, a strong indicator of PAD |
| Above 1.3 | May indicate calcified arteries — common in people with diabetes or kidney disease; additional testing may be needed |
Based on your results, your provider may recommend lifestyle changes, medications to manage blood pressure or cholesterol, or further vascular testing. Your radiologist's full report will be shared directly with your healthcare provider.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover ABI testing when it is medically necessary and ordered by your healthcare provider. Please check with your insurance plan for details on your specific coverage. A physician's order is required for insurance-covered testing.
No referral? No problem! This exam is offered at the self-pay price listed as well.
Schedule Your ABI Screening Today
Catching poor circulation early means more options, less invasive treatment, and a better long-term outcome. Advanced Radiology offers ABI screenings at all three of our convenient Mid-Missouri locations. Call today to schedule your exam!
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Advanced Radiology is not your provider. Please consult your physician to determine whether ABI screening is appropriate for your individual health needs.
Sources: American Heart Association. Health Disparities in Peripheral Artery Disease: A Scientific Statement. Circulation. 2022. Cleveland Clinic. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Test. my.clevelandclinic.org. Updated 2023. Selvin E, Erlinger TP. Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Peripheral Arterial Disease in the United States. Circulation. 2004.
Your bones are losing density right now — silently, without any symptoms! A DXA scan is the only test that can catch it before a fracture occurs.
Nearly 1 in 5 women and approximately 1 in 20 men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis in the United States, according to the National Institute of Aging, and the majority don't know it. Osteoporosis weakens bones gradually and without warning, making everyday activities like bending or lifting potentially dangerous. The first sign for many people is a broken bone. A DXA scan changes that by detecting bone loss early, when treatment is most effective.
What Is a DXA Scan?
A DXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is a quick, painless, low-radiation imaging test that measures the mineral density of your bones, particularly at your spine, hips, and wrists, where osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur. It is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and the only test that can identify bone loss before a fracture occurs, allowing you and your provider to act early.
Who Should Get a DXA Scan?
Screening is recommended for:
If any of these apply to you, a DXA scan is one of the most important proactive steps you can take for your long-term health.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
A DXA bone density scan at Advanced Radiology is quick, painless, and requires no special preparation.
Understanding Your T-Score
Your results are expressed as a T-score: a comparison of your bone density against that of a healthy young adult:
| T-Score | What It Means |
| -1.0 or above | Normal bone density |
| -1.0 to -2.5 | Osteopenia — low bone mass, increased risk |
| -2.5 or below | Osteoporosis — high fracture risk |
Based on your results, your provider may recommend calcium and vitamin D supplementation, weight-bearing exercise, medications to slow bone loss, or more frequent monitoring. Your radiologist's full report will be shared directly with your healthcare provider.
How Often Should You Be Scanned?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover a DXA bone density scan every two years for eligible patients. If your provider determines you need more frequent monitoring, we'll work with them to accommodate your care plan.
Insurance Coverage
Medicare and most commercial insurance plans cover DXA bone density scans every two years for eligible patients. A physician's order is required for insurance-covered scans. Self-pay is also available at the listed price.
Please note: DXA scanning is currently available at our Columbia and Jefferson City locations only.
Schedule Your DXA Bone Density Scan Today
Early detection gives you and your physician the time and information needed to act before bone loss or a fracture occurs. Advanced Radiology offers DXA screenings at our Columbia and Jefferson City locations. Call today to schedule your exam!
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Advanced Radiology is not your healthcare provider. Please consult your physician to determine whether a DXA bone density scan is appropriate for your individual health needs.
Sources: CDC National Center for Health Statistics. Osteoporosis or Low Bone Mass in Older Adults. NCHS Data Brief No. 405. March 2021. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures. 2018. World Health Organization. Assessment of Fracture Risk and Its Application to Screening for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.
The scale only tells you how much you weigh. A Body Composition scan using our DXA machine tells you what you're actually made of.
BMI is a blunt instrument. Your scale can't tell the difference between fat and muscle, and neither can most body composition tools on the market. A Body Composition scan gives you a precise, region-by-region breakdown of your fat mass, lean muscle mass, and bone health, so you can stop guessing and start making decisions based on your real data.
What Is a Body Composition Scan?
A body composition scan goes far beyond what a scale or BMI calculation can tell you. Instead of simply measuring your total weight, it breaks your body down into what it's actually made of: fat, muscle, and bone, giving you a precise, actionable picture of your health and fitness.
Not all body composition scans are created equal, though. Many gyms, wellness centers, and clinics use BIA machines (such as InBody or Tanita), which estimate your body composition by sending a weak electrical current through your body. While convenient, research from the National Library of Medicine confirms that for most body types, BIA devices tend to overestimate muscle mass and underestimate fat mass compared to DXA, and individual results can vary significantly regardless of body type. Their results also shift based on your hydration levels and what you've eaten that day, meaning two scans taken a week apart could tell very different stories without anything actually changing in your body.
At Advanced Radiology, we use a DXA machine, the gold standard for body composition measurement. Rather than estimating based on electrical resistance, our scanner uses low-dose X-rays to directly and precisely measure your fat mass, lean muscle mass, and bone health region by region. The result is data you can actually trust and act on, regardless of whether you had coffee that morning or forgot to drink enough water.
In short, BIA tells you what it thinks your body looks like. DXA shows you exactly what's there.
What Does the Scan Measure?
Your Body Composition report breaks down your body into precise regional measurements:
Please note: Visceral fat is included within regional fat measurements but is not reported as a separate value. This scan does give you a snapshot of your bone health, but it is not a replacement for a DXA Bone Density Scan.
Who Benefits from a Body Composition Scan?
This scan is valuable for anyone who wants a clearer, more accurate picture of their health, but it's especially useful for:
What to Expect at Your Appointment
How Often Should You Be Scanned?
If you're actively working toward fitness or health goals, a scan every 6 months gives you a meaningful window to measure real change; enough time for your body to show progress, but frequent enough to course-correct if needed.
Why Choose Advanced Radiology?
Since 2003, Advanced Radiology has been Mid-Missouri's trusted outpatient imaging provider, offering the same quality you'd expect from a hospital at approximately 30% less cost. Our Body Composition scans are performed by skilled technologists and reviewed with the same care and precision we bring to every exam.
Schedule Your Body Composition Scan Today
Reinforce the confidence you have in your progress and the knowledge you need to make future health decisions. Advanced Radiology offers Body Composition Scans at our Columbia and Jefferson City locations. Call today to schedule your exam!
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Advanced Radiology is not your provider. Please consult your physician to determine whether a DXA Body Composition scan is appropriate for your individual health needs.
Sources: CDC National Center for Health Statistics. NCHS Data Brief No. 405. March 2021. Achamrah N, et al. Comparison of body composition assessment by DXA and BIA according to BMI. PLOS ONE. 2018. Frontiers in Nutrition. Comparison of body fat percentage assessments by BIA and DXA in older women. 2022.