Pain in the lower abdominal area can be alarming and disruptive to daily life. If you’re having pain in areas of your bladder or appendix, you might have concerns about what might be going on, and if it’s something minor or life-changing. This is where medical imaging comes in. With the advances made in the field of medical imaging, the modern-day process is typically painless and straightforward and can give you answers about your condition. If you’re experiencing symptoms like lower abdominal pain or discomfort, your provider or CT Scan specialist may refer you to have a CT scan done of your pelvis with contrast. Wondering what this means for you? We’ve got you covered.
In this blog, we will cover what the CT scan of the pelvis is, how it’s done, and how to prepare, and the kinds of costs you can expect when you have a CT scan of the pelvis.
The CPT code of CT Scan of the Pelvis with Contrast is 72193 or 74177.
What is a CT scan of the pelvis with contrast?
A CT scan can also be called a CAT scan, and it stands for “computed tomography”. It’s the term for an imaging process that takes multiple pictures of the part of the body. Although it’s similar to a traditional X-ray, it is more detailed than an X-ray and can show more intricate things like blood vessels and soft tissues in the body. Contrast is something a provider might order to get a clearer visualization of what is going on, and it is when a liquid is inserted into the body (by mouth, in a dye inserted into a vein, or inserted into the rectum). The liquid helps clearly show things like blood vessels because it blocks the X-rays and shows up as bright white on the finished scans.
CT scans of the pelvis (which is the space between the hip bones) can show the status of the male and female reproductive systems, the pelvic bones, the prostate, lymph nodes, and the bladder.
How does it work?
A CT scan works by sending beams of X-rays quickly around the body in a circular motion. These beams produce signals that are sent to a computer and produced as images that can be viewed on a screen. With several of these images, also called “slices”, they can form a 3-D visualization of organs and structures in the body. Each time the X-ray beam completes a rotation, it creates a “slice”. The number of slices needed depends on the size of the area being scanned, and what the provider is trying to see.
How can I prepare for a CT scan of the pelvis with contrast?
Preparing for a CT scan of your pelvis is fairly straightforward, and isn’t something you’ll need to worry about. You will be asked to get dressed in a hospital gown.
You will need to tell your provider if you are pregnant, or think you might be pregnant. You will be asked to remove any metal objects from your body, such as piercings, hairpins, glasses, or hearing aids, and you may need to remove an underwire bra if you’re wearing one. If you aren’t able to remove a piercing because of its location or another reason, you need to let your technician know before the scan begins.
With a contrast CT, you’ll typically be asked to stop eating or drinking before your scan. The amount of time when you can’t eat or drink will depend on the requirements for the provider and the location where you are having the CT done. You will also be asked about allergies multiple times before your scan, especially when it comes to the contrast. This is to protect you and to prevent any allergic reactions which can impact your breathing.
What can I expect?
Once you are prepped and ready for the scan, you will be asked to lay down on a table that will be inserted into the machine. Although it should be painless, some people experience discomfort because the table is a hard surface. You may hear whirring sounds and tapping as the machine rotates around you. Some people who are claustrophobic have trouble lying still, and others have anxiety related to having the scan done. In some cases, you can be given medication to help calm your nerves and help you lay still for the test to be completed.
The contrast can be given via mouth, rectally, or in an IV. If you have to have an IV (a needle inserted into your vein), you’ll feel brief discomfort when it’s inserted, and you may have a metallic taste in your mouth and feel the need to urinate. This is normal and the feeling will subside. If you have contrast given to you to drink (via mouth), you may briefly feel bloated, but this will also subside within a few moments (some providers ask you to drink the contrast solution at home before you arrive).
Once you begin, the table will move back and forth as the scan is done, and the machine may pass over you multiple times. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly during the process.
How long does it take?
If you are having to drink the contrast liquid beforehand, it may need to be done about two hours before your scan, so be sure to allow extra time to do that step. The actual scan takes a short time (about ten minutes), but you’ll need to wait until the technician checks the images for clarity and quality. Then, you’ll need to have your IV removed.
What happens after?
After your IV is removed and your scan has been checked for quality and appearance, you will be free to go. You should be able to return to your normal activities afterward. Your scan will be sent to a radiologist. This is a doctor who is trained to read radiology scans, and they will send the official results to your regular provider.
How much does Pelvis CT Scan cost Near me?
The cost of a pelvis CT scan can be daunting, ranging from $700 to $9000, depending on the part of the country where you are living. Other factors that influence the price of a CT scan are the facility, the experience of the provider, and the costs of the equipment and other personnel that are needed. For example, the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio reports that an abdominal/pelvic CT with contrast will cost $2,570, which is close to the average for the United States. If you are uninsured or cash-pay, you could pay as little as $700. Doctors can bill for CT scan pelvis with contrast using the CPT code 72193/74177.
The pelvis CT scan cost with contrast can swing wildly from low to astronomical, depending on the facility you choose. With a site like ZeaMed, you can shop for your own healthcare needs with ease, and avoid surprise medical bills. ZeaMed shows you the rates for your area and local providers, so you can get scans like a pelvic CT done, and feel confident in your provider and your rate.
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