A: Generally, men and women over 30 years of age. A family history of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chest pain, smoking, or a sedentary lifestyle can make the test especially important in taking control of your own health.

A: The Virtual Physical utilizes a breakthrough in CT technology that is far faster than conventional CT scanners. Its proprietary software rapidly scans the torso, resulting in "stop action" 3-D views of your beating heart, breathing lungs, and other "in motion" organs. The system can capture a remarkably clear image every second.

A: Virtual Physical utilizes a Brilliance 16 from Philips Medical Systems. One of the world's most advanced CT Scanners, it can scan and reconstruct images within one second. It also uses only about one third of the radiation dose required by some other CT systems.

A: Patients do not need to disrobe. However, you need to wear non metallic clothing - nothing with zippers, buckles, or metal buttons. Often a jogging suit or other casual wear is appropriate. The open environment and soft lighting add to the pleasant, relaxing environment. Because of the fast scanning technology, the entire Virtual Physical takes only a few minutes.

A: While the scan itself only takes a few minutes, you should plan on being at our center about 30-40 minutes.

A: While the concept of uncovering disease within one's own body can be intimidating, almost all patients find that the results are simply a guide to better health. Almost all diseases uncovered before symptoms appear can be modified, reversed, or cured. Most of us have friends or loved ones who sought medical help after symptoms appeared, only to find out it was too late, or required highly invasive, life-altering treatment. The Virtual Physical gives you the power to intercept a disease before it reaches a devastating stage.

A: Your results will be discussed with you immediately after your exam by one of our board-certified radiologists. The radiologist will provide you with a written report, a CD-ROM of your Virtual Physical, and selected full images from your scan. The report, along with your Virtual Physical data, can be sent to your personal physician or designated specialist.

A: Your results will appear on a computer screen as stills, as well as a video tour through your body. A CD-ROM (which is yours to keep and share with your physician) contains the video files as well as the still shots. On occasion, prints are made of various stills and placed into your record.

A: Simply call our office at 410-484-5128 or toll free at 1-866-V-PHYSICAL (1-866-874-9742) to set up your Virtual Physical. You can also set up an appointment by clicking "Schedule Now" in the top navigation of this website, and we will call you back to schedule an appointment. At that time, you can also ask about a Virtual Colonoscopy as part of your evaluation.

A: Patients typically make payment in full at the time of service. We do accept major credit cards. 

A: Unfortunately we are not a participant with any insurance company, so patients are responsible for full payment for the exams we offer at the time of service. However, several insurance companies now are covering the Virtual Colonoscopy. Please use the following codes for our CT Colonoscopy to find out from your insurance company if you are covered and if so, how much they will reimburse you. You may also want to ask, if you are covered, what you will be required to do before and after having the exam to receive your reimbursement.

Typically most insurance companies do not reimburse the Total Body scan, but on occasion, some have reimbursed portions of that exam. Make sure that your insurance takes ALL the codes for the Total Body scan (both CPT and DX), or you will be given false information about your coverage. You may also use these codes for your HSA or FLEX spending account dollars (if applicable).

Procedure CPT Code and DX Code for the Virtual Colonoscopy and Total Body Scan. (The Total Body is broken down into (5) FIVE different procedures.)

CT Colonoscopy
CPT 74263
DXV76.51

CT Head
CPT70450
DXV82.9

CT Neck
CPT70490
DXV82.9

CT Chest
CPT71250
DXV82.9

CT Abdomen/Pelvis
CPT74176
DXV82.9

Cardiac Scan
CPT75571
DXV81.2