Preparation / FAQ

• WHAT is VitalScans SCREENING?
• WHO Should Have a CardioVascular Screening?
• HOW do I Get the Results?
• WHAT Types of Screenings are Available?
• HOW are Screening Exams Performed?
• HOW MUCH do Screening Exams Cost?
• What Forms of payment or Does Medicare or insurance cover professional health screenings?
• How often should I have these general health screenings?
• Can I have the health screenings if I have a pacemaker?
• Why should I have these screenings done if I have no symptoms?
• What happens when a problem is identified?
• How do I prepare for the screenings?

They are a grouping of brief ultrasound exams taking about 25 minutes that are designed to look for serious health problems that have no signs or symptoms.

They include;

• Stroke or Carotid Artery Screen;
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm or AAA Screen;
• And Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD Screen

The exams are similar to complete diagnostic ultrasound tests, using the same highly trained staff and state-of-the-art equipment, but use abbreviated protocols and have a narrow focus. The idea is to establish whether or not disease is present. If it is, it can be treated by your physician.

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If you are, or if you have, any of the following, you are at risk for Stroke, Aneurysm, or Arterial Disease:

• Over 40 Years of Age
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• High Cholesterol
• Previous Stroke
• Family History of Stroke
• Heart Disease
• Family History of AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm)
• Smoking History
• High Blood Pressure
• Family History of PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease)

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You will verbally be given a preliminary report by the Vascular Sonographer upon completion of your screening. The screening will then be reviewed and interpreted by a board certified Radiologist. A signed final report will be mailed to you within 3 weeks of your exam(s).

We encourage you to share and discuss this report with your physician.

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WHAT Types of Screenings are Available?

• Stroke Risk (Measuring Carotid Artery Blockage)
  The carotid arteries are the main blood supply lines to the brain. The buildup of a fatty substance called plaque can partially or completely block these arteries. This blockage, if severe, can significantly increase the risk of stroke. One Stroke occurs EVERY 45 seconds and is the number 1 cause of disability.
• Aneurysm Risk or AAA (Measuring the Abdominal Aorta)
  The aorta is the largest artery in the body, supplying blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs. An abnormal enlargement caused by weakening of the arterial wall is called an aneurysm. A large aneurysm in this artery can rupture, a condition that is fatal 85% of the time. AAA is the 13 leading cause of death.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD (Measuring Blood Flow in the Limbs)
  Arterial blockage from plaque can also develop in the legs, resulting in reduced blood flow. This can limit the ability to walk and, if severe enough, could result in ulcers, gangrene, or amputation. PAD is also a likely indicator for having coronary artery disease (CAD), blockage in the heart arteries. You are 5-6 times more likely to suffer heart attack or stroke if you have PAD.

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HOW are Screening Exams Performed?

• Carotid Artery Screening and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
  For these tests, you will lie on your back on an exam table. The Vascular Sonographer will apply a small amount of ultrasound gel to your abdomen and/or neck. An ultrasound transducer is moved painlessly over the area to acquire images and assess blood flow.
  
  For the abdominal screening (AAA), we ask that you fast for six hours prior to your test and eat a light meal the night before. You may take your medications on your regular schedule with water. For the carotid artery exam there is no preparation needed-just wear a loose, open-collar shirt or blouse.
• Peripheral Artery Screening
  For this test, you will remove your shoes and socks/stockings and lie on your back on an exam table. The Vascular Sonographer will use blood pressure cuffs and a special Doppler ultrasound transducer to measure the pressures in each arm and in the arteries of both ankles. A mathematic calculation of these pressures, called an Ankle Brachial Index, will suggest the presence or absence of significant arterial blockage.

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HOW MUCH do Screening Exams Cost?

• Any one exam is $45.00
• Any Two exams are $90.00
• And all Three exams are $119.00 a savings of 15%

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Medicare and Insurances do not currently cover most screenings. Medicare currently covers a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening at their “Welcome to Medicare” physical, for men only, at age 65, if they have a history of smoking. Please check with your doctor to see if you are eligible for this test.
We accept All Credit Cards, Personal Checks and Cash for these tests.

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This is a personal decision based on your risk factors and previous screening results. Many of our customers incorporate yearly screenings into their preventive healthcare regimen to complement their regular physicals.

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Yes. A pacemaker will not interfere with the screenings.

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Many people are at risk for diseases such as stroke and heart disease but experience no symptoms. Early detection and control can prevent major consequences down the road.

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If your results are not normal, you will receive a detailed report of the findings along with instructions to see your physician for further evaluation. If anything critical is noticed during an exam WE will notify your doctor immediately and follow their instructions.

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When you go to have a VitalScans screening, remember:

• Wear a shirt that is open at the collar and short-sleeved.
• Do not wear a turtleneck.
• Wear a comfortable 2-piece outfit consisting of loose clothing.
• Fast for 4 hours prior to your screening.
• Make sure the meal you eat 4 hours prior to your screening is a light one (less than 1/2 of what you normally eat of non-gassy food).
• If you are thirsty during your fasting period, you may have 1/2 cup of coffee or tea and a moderate amount of water.
• If you take medication, take it as prescribed.
• If you are diabetic and are not comfortable fasting for 4 hours, please limit yourself to a "diabetic meal" (piece of toast, 1 cup of any kind of juice and 1/2 cup of coffee or tea). If you are in doubt, please follow your diabetic care plan.
• Do not wear pantyhose.

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