TRA is proud to have the first Phillips Gemini “Time of Flight” PET/CT scanner on the west coast. “Time of Flight” technology provides increased imaging sensitivity and faster imaging times. This new technology enables patients of all sizes to benefit from the most accurate scans available.
Find TRA locations for PET/CT
What is PET/CT and How Does It Work?
The PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan produces images highlighting areas of high metabolic activity, and the CT (Computed Tomography) scan produces pictures of the body’s internal structures. Put together, the combined image provides information about cell activity and its accurate location.
What to Expect During a PET/CT Exam
About an hour before your exam, you will have your blood glucose checked and will receive an intravenous (IV) injection of a glucose-based radiopharmaceutical tracer called FDG. You will then rest quietly while the glucose is consumed by the cells in your body.
How to Prepare for a PET/CT Exam
Wear comfortable and warm clothing. You may be asked to change into a gown to avoid possible interference from any metal in your clothing. We will ask you to follow specific directions for your PET/CT scan. Please do not eat or drink anything (except water) after midnight.
Body Scan
The whole body scan is used to detect cancer. It is used for diagnosing and staging cancer, checking for tumor recurrence and monitoring response to therapy. Information from PET/CT scans is used to determine what treatment options will be most successful.
Brain Scan
PET imaging of the brain helps determine a specific cause for a patient’s dementia. The scan will reveal if regions of the brain have decreased metabolism in patterns typical of various neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or other dementias. An accurate early diagnosis gives patients an opportunity to maximize the benefits of appropriate medications, and helps families plan for the future.
Cardiac Scan
If you have had a heart attack, your healthcare provider may recommend a PET/CT scan to determine if damaged heart muscle might benefit from revascularization. The scan can show if there is intact glucose metabolism in an area of reduced blood flow. This “hibernating” muscle is still viable and may improve with treatment.
How Will I Get The Results of My Exam?
A report from our radiologist will be forwarded to your healthcare provider, who will discuss your results with you.
Will My Insurance Cover PET/CT Scans?
Medicare and many other health insurance plans now cover many clinical indications for PET. Additionally, there is a new avenue for Medicare patients to have previously non-covered cancers and clinical indications reimbursed when your physician enrolls you in the National Oncologic PET Registry. TRA referral coordinators will work with your referring physician and insurance carrier to complete the required pre-exam authorization process.
Your financial responsibility will depend upon the type of insurance plan you have. Please understand that billing does not guarantee eligibility or payment. Patients are responsible for any unmet portion of their deductible.
