| Services
PET Scan - Positron Emission Tomography:
A unique and minimally invasive test that evaluates important body functions such as blood flow, oxygen use and sugar (glucose) metabolism. This biochemical process may suggest the presence of disease before anatomical changes can be seen. It allows physicians to study abnormalities of the heart, brain (neurological) as well as identify primary and metastatic disease (cancer).
Uses:
Oncology (Cancer)
For diagnosis, staging and monitoring of treatment, with the following indications:
| Oncology - Clinical Indications for Ordering PET or PET/CT |
| |
Diagnosis |
Staging |
Restaging |
Insurance
(for other insurers, call) |
| Breast Cancer |
|
X |
X |
MEDICARE, AETNA,UHC,BCBS |
| Cervical Cancer |
|
X |
|
MEDICARE, AETNA,UHC,BCBS |
Colorectal Cancer,
Gallbladder |
X |
X |
X |
MEDICARE, AETNA,UHC,BCBS |
| Esophageal Cancer |
X |
X |
X |
MEDICARE, AETNA,UHC,BCBS |
| Head and Neck |
X |
X |
X |
MEDICARE, AETNA,UHC,BCBS |
| Liver
Cancer |
X |
*NOPR |
*NOPR |
MEDICARE (NOPR), UHC |
| Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell |
X |
X |
X |
MEDICARE, AETNA,UHC,BCBS |
| Lymphoma |
X |
X |
X |
MEDICARE, AETNA,UHC,BCBS |
| Melanoma of Skin |
X |
X |
X |
MEDICARE, AETNA,UHC,BCBS |
| Myeloma |
X |
X |
X |
MEDICARE, AETNA |
| Ovarian Cancer |
|
|
|
MEDICARE, AETNA |
| Prostate Cancer |
|
|
X |
MEDICARE (NOPR) Only |
| Solitary Pulmonary Nodule |
X |
|
X |
MEDICARE, AETNA,UHC,BCBS |
| Thyroid Cancer |
|
|
X |
MEDICARE, AETNA, BCBS |
| Uterus |
|
X |
X |
*NOPR |
| *NOPR (National Oncologic PET Registry) for Medicare Patients Only |
Brain PET
See Brain Pet
Cardiac PET - Rubidium -82 (Rb-82) and Cardiac FDG Viability
See Cardiac Pet - Rubidium-82 (Rb-82)
See Cardiac FDG Viability
PET Preparation:
You will be required to fast 8 hours prior to the procedure: no food or drinks
Take daily medications with necessary water 6 hours prior to visit.
Avoid strenuous exercise the day before the exam.
Remove all jewelry and hairpins.
Upon arrival a United Radiology technologist will review your medical record and answer any questions you have.
A licensed physician will check your blood sugar level. Please make sure to advise our staff at the time of scheduling if you are diabetic.
An imaging radiotracer called FDG-18 (Flurodeoxglucose) is injected into the vein, for PET (excluding Cardiac Pet).
A brief resting period in a quiet and comfortable environment is provided and required before the imaging begins. This resting period is necessary so that the FDG can be distributed to the heart.
Bring your doctors order, insurance co-payment and any prior imaging films.
Diabetic Preparation:
You will be asked to fast 8 hours prior to the procedure
Let our staff know you are diabetic so we can schedule you first thing in the morning
Bring your insulin with you
We will check your glucose level prior to the exam to insure that it does not interfere with the test
How Long is the Exam?:
The actual scan takes only 15-30 minutes where you are placed lying down on a table in a comfortable, non-claustrophobic environment. The entire procedure is around 2 1/2 hours.
After the Exam:
You should experience no discomfort and return immediately to daily activities. Consider bringing food or beverage for after your scan.
Exam Results:
Results will be sent directly to your referring physician, who will then contact you. If you would like a CD of your films, please request this when you schedule your appointment or upon arrival to the facility.
Insurance Coverage:
United Radiology participates with most Insurance plans, however, insurance companies require supporting documentation, prior scans, biopsy and labs in most cases. Our customer service department is there to assist you in answering any questions. Please contact United Radiology Customer Service at 301-441-9696 for more information. |
