Taking care of one’s health has never been easy, as you have to deal with many things: prescriptions, appointments, long queues, and may-be-unfamiliar terminologies—such as CT scans or computed tomography scans.
According to Harvard Health, over 80 million CT scans are performed in the United States annually, a stark contrast to the three million scans recorded in 1980. Throughout the decades, CT scans have definitely made revolutionary progress in the world of diagnosis and treatment.
But the mention of a CT scan can be intimidating for many—especially with the risks and misconceptions that you may have heard about it. After all, it’s not every day you’re sent off for detailed images of your body, but knowing when and why this procedure is needed can significantly ease your worries and give you more control over your healthcare decisions.
However, with so many questions swirling around—when to get one, how to schedule it, and whether it’s even necessary—it’s easy to get lost in the process.
In this article, we’ll help you tackle how to get a CT scan and other related questions so you can have a clearer picture of when one might be necessary.
Let’s dive in.
Can You Just Ask For a CT Scan?
As much as we want everything to be convenient, we cannot simply ask for a CT scan when we feel like it’s the best path forward. While CT scans are indeed valuable diagnostic tools, there are still some risks, such as exposure to ionizing radiation, so they must not be used indiscriminately.
In this case, you need a clear go signal from a healthcare professional after assessing your symptoms, medical history, and other determining factors and determining whether a CT scan would suit your situation.
Can You Get A CT Scan Without A Referral?
In most cases, a referral is needed from a proper healthcare provider for you to get a CT scan. These scans are considered specialized medical procedures; you will need a qualified radiologist to interpret your results.
A referral will ensure that the scan is done for a valid medical reason and that the results are properly evaluated and communicated to you.
How To Get a CT Scan: A Step-by-Step
Learning how to get a CT scan is quite straightforward. You’ll typically just need to follow these steps:
1. Consult with a healthcare provider first.
Be sure to discuss your symptoms or concerns clearly with a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional. This way, your condition can be evaluated properly, and they can determine if a CT scan is necessary for your situation.
2. Obtain a referral.
Once you’re cleared with the consultation, the healthcare provider will give you a referral letter or note that authorizes your need for a CT scan if deemed appropriate. This referral is then given to the radiology facility or imaging center, where you will get the CT scan.
3. Schedule an appointment.
Contact the imaging center or radiology department and provide them with the referral letter and personal information needed to secure your appointment.
4. Prepare yourself for the scan.
Before getting a scan, you may be given specific instructions, such as fasting for a few hours prior to the actual process, or you may be asked to avoid certain medications. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully so you will be given accurate results.
5. Undergo the CT scan.
You will be asked to remove some of your clothing and remove metal objects such as jewelry, piercings, glasses, belts, etc., as they can affect the image results. They’ll then have you lay on a table that moves through a donut-shaped machine as the images or X-rays are taken.
6. Get the results.
After the scan, a radiologist will analyze the images taken and provide a report to show to your healthcare provider. You will then need to go back to your doctor so they can discuss the results with you and explain the necessary follow-up steps.
How Difficult Is It To Get A CT Scan?
As laid out above, getting a CT scan is far from difficult. Once you have a referral, you just need to set an appointment and undergo the scan. The scan itself is also really quick—however, you may experience some sort of waiting game when the radiology department is busy.
Is a CT Scan Absolutely Necessary?
CT scans may be considered absolutely necessary in some situations, but that is not always the case. Your healthcare provider will still need to weigh the benefits against the risks. However, for the most part, the need for clarity when it comes to what your body is going through far outweighs the potential risks that a CT scan may have.
For a healthcare provider to thoroughly assess the necessity for a CT scan, they will typically look into the following:
- The severity of your symptoms. If you are experiencing bleeding, severe pain, or other concerning symptoms that may need an internal check, then a CT scan would be appropriate to identify the underlying cause.
- Your medical history. If you have a history of certain diseases like cancer or heart disease, then a scan can be used to monitor your condition or evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
- The availability of other diagnostic tests. A CT scan may be more necessary if the less invasive tests such as X-rays and ultrasounds don’t provide enough information for a healthcare provider to conclude substantial findings.
When Should You Get A CT Scan?
Some common situations where a CT scan may be recommended include:
- Trauma or injury, such as a broken bone or head injury
- Symptoms of a serious illness, such as chest pain, abdominal pain, or neurological problems
- To monitor the progression of a disease, such as cancer or heart disease
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Do You Need Informed Consent for a CT Scan?
Yes, you will need to provide informed consent before undergoing a CT scan. This means that your healthcare provider will explain the procedure, its risks and benefits, and any potential alternatives. You will also be given the opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns before making a decision about whether to proceed with the scan.
Take the Guesswork Out of CT Scans with Craft Concierge
Taking proactive steps to manage your health is one of the most empowering things you can do. Here at Craft Concierge, we offer you a seamless, patient-centered approach to healthcare, including diagnostic tools like CT scans, ensuring you receive the best care when you need it most.
Understanding how to get a CT scan and how it is performed is essential to safeguarding your health and avoiding unnecessary risks. By equipping yourself with knowledge and access to personalized healthcare services, you can ensure the decisions you make are informed and centered on your well-being.
Whether you need a routine screening or address a specific concern, Craft Concierge ensures a hassle-free experience—no long waits, hidden fees, or confusing referrals. Our direct primary care model is designed to simplify the process while providing you with top-tier diagnostic tools and treatments.
When it comes to managing your health, we’re here to help every step of the way. Start your journey toward better health today with Craft Concierge, and let us guide you through every stage of your healthcare experience.
