Frequently Asked Questions:
Heart Scan

What is a heart calcium scan?

Our heart calcium scan is also known as a CT coronary artery calcium score scan. It measures the amount of calcium deposit in the arteries of your heart. The higher the amount, the more plaque there is, the greater your risk of coronary heart disease or a heart attack. The heart scan is painless and noninvasive.

Who Should Get Scanned?

Many experts recommend a heart scan for those over 30 years of age with any of the following risk factors:

  • Family history of cardiovascular disease

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • High blood pressure

  • Smoking

  • Obesity

  • Diabetes

  • Unhealthy lifestyle

Does it use radiation?

Yes. Heart scans use a type of X-ray, so you will be exposed to a limited amount of radiation. It is significantly less than a CT angiogram or Cleerly scan.

Do I Need an Order from my Doctor?

This scan does not require a physician order. You many send a copy of your results to the doctor of your choice if you would like. If you do not have a primary care provider, we can help you find one if desired.

I’ve Had Bypass Surgery. Can I Get This Test?

If you’ve already been diagnosed with heart disease, you will not need to get a heart scan. Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions.

I Have a Pacemaker. Can I Get This Test?

A heart scan is not recommended if you have a pacemaker. Please consult with your cardiologist first.

Are there any injections or needles for any of these imaging examinations?

No, there are no needles or injections of any sort for any of our examinations.

Who reviews the health screening results?

Licensed, board-certified physicians review all your screening results. Our team of doctors includes radiologists who are specialists in all types of medical imaging.

Why should I sign up for Innerscopic screening and not go directly to a local imaging facility?

First, we specialize in screening and use proprietary scanning protocols that are not available at most imaging centers.

Second, because we simplify the screening process, you won’t need to worry about a physician referral — we take care of that for you. We also send your personalized report directly to you for easy access.

Last, but not least, we are available to answer any questions you may have — as well as guide you through your experience whenever necessary.

What is a CT scan?

A CT (computed tomography) or CAT scan uses X-ray technology and sophisticated computers to create highly detailed pictures of a body. It is good at seeing both hard structures (such as bone) and at seeing soft tissues (such as the liver or lungs). A CT is particularly good at detecting tumors, blood clots and problems with blood vessels.

Are there any restrictions on who can have a screening examination?

Our screening examinations are designed to provide clinical results to adults 18 years and older. If you have a child that you would like to undergo screening, please discuss this with their pediatrician.

Women who are pregnant are advised to delay testing until after childbirth.

Clients with an acute medical illness are not considered ideal candidates for this testing. Our screening platform is for screening and assessing one’s risk for different diseases, as well as early signals of disease risk. This is not a diagnostic disease testing platform.

How is my privacy and data protected?

We take your privacy and security very seriously. To protect the privacy of our clients, we implement strict security controls to safeguard your data, and to help ensure that your information will not be available to a third-party without your authorization. We have adopted a Privacy and Compliance Program to assure our compliance with Federal regulations and state laws governing patient privacy and health information security.

We will only provide the results of your health assessment to you and your physician (if authorized by you), unless you request us to provide it to another healthcare provider. We will not provide the information to your employer, any insurance providers nor to any other healthcare provider without your explicit authorization.

How is my primary doctor included?

Our aim is to empower you and your physician to integrate your findings into your ongoing health plan. You are encourage to send your personal physician the results of these studies.

What happens if I need follow-up testing?

Your local physician will determine what actions need to be taken based on your entire medical picture.

What should I expect when going through the imaging as part of my screening experience?

Modern medical imaging is a multisensory experience and takes approximately 15 minutes. You will be asked to lie flat on a table that will help in generating high quality images.

Are the costs of these my screening covered by insurance?

Currently, screening is only offered directly to consumers, and is usually not covered by insurance plans. We’re currently in talks with health insurers to get the our solutions included in health plans.

Is this test FSA-eligible?

Yes, our Complete Metabolic Heart Scan is considered a qualified medical expense and is FSA-eligible. When we bill you directly, we'll send an itemized invoice via email. You can then submit that invoice directly to your FSA administrator for reimbursement. Remember to check with your plan for any specific requirements, such as a doctor's note.

Can I use my Healthcare Savings Account (HSA) to pay for screening?

Please consult your tax professional to understand if your HSA can be used to pay for your screening.