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FAQ's:
1. Should you consider having these tests done?
2. How will it work?
3. Will I need these tests done every year?
4. Are any additional screening tests necessary after this complete exam?
5. What are the down sides of performing the Virtual Scan?
6. What should I expect during the virtual scan at Vital View? What if I am claustrophobic?
7. Does the medical literature support the use of the Virtual Scan?
1. Should you consider having these tests done?
I developed the protocol for this physical based on the screening tests that I would like performed on myself when I turn 50. I based this on current medical evidence and my clinical experience over the years with patients who have had virtual physicals. Most people under 50 do not need this level of screening. Exceptions: Those under 50 with a strong family history of heart disease or cancer or those with a history of a chronic condition such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, or obesity. Younger patients who have smoked heavily for more than 10 years should also consider having this testing.
The usefulness of this testing for those over 80 is limited. At this age, most conditions have been identified through previous testing. In most cases, if you are 80 or over, you do not need this level of screening.
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2. How will it work?
You will call our office during regular hours to set up the testing. Maria
Peacock, our 21st Century liason, will call you back and arrange 3 appointments for you:
- an appointment at Vital View for the Virtual Scan (you will be in and out of Vital View in less than 30 minutes)
- an appointment for lab work in our office (takes just a few minutes) For companies with more than 3 employees who participate, arrangements can be made for blood draw at your office by one of our staff.
- an appointment with Dr. Katz that will include a review of your virtual scan and lab work, ultrasound testing of the carotid arteries and heart, and in many cases, a stress test. (this appointment will last 60 to 90 minutes) This appointment will always be our first appointment of the morning or afternoon.
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3.
Will I need these tests done every year?
Absolutely not. These tests may uncover conditions that will need to be followed periodically. If all tests are normal, this will not need to be repeated for at least five years.
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4. Are any additional screening tests necessary after this complete exam?
Yes. This testing does not eliminate the need for other recommended screening tests. If you are over 50 you will still need periodic colonoscopies. Post menopausal women should have periodic bone density testing and yearly mammograms. Those with fair skin or with a family history of skin cancers should consider periodic dermatology screening.
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5. What are the down sides of performing the Virtual Scan?
High resolution CAT scans often uncovers incidentalomas small irregularities in one of the organs that are most likely of no consequence but do provoke anxiety in those having the test. Some of these small lesions may require follow up with future CAT scans to insure their stability. The test also exposes you to a small amount of radiation, similar to what you get with a CAT scan of any part of your body. In general this amount of radiation is considered to be very safe. In my opinion, the benefits outweigh the risks.
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6. What should I expect during the virtual scan at Vital
View? What if I am claustrophobic?
You cannot get claustrophobic in a CAT scan. It is not an MRI and you are not in a tube. You have a good view of the entire room during the test, which takes about 3 minutes. Our internet site shows a photograph of the Seimen’s Sensation, the CAT scanner used at Vital View.
When your arrive at Vital View you will be led to a dressing room to change into a robe. Next you will be led to the scanning room. You will lie on a table that moves back and forth through the CAT scan machine 3 or 4 times. You will be asked to hold your breath during each pass, which takes about 30 seconds. There are no needles, no dye to swallow, and there is no discomfort. You will be given a CD which contains the electronic images of the CAT scan. You will bring this CD to me for review during your follow up appointment. The radiologist at Vital View will review your CAT scan and forward me a written report of the results.
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Does the medical literature support the use of the Virtual Scan?
Our Web Site contains links to recent articles in the radiology literature about this type of scanning for screening purposes. Because the scans are relatively new, there are limited long term data. In general, about 1-2% of patients who underwent the scanning were discovered to have an undiagnosed early malignancy. Up to 20% have undiagnosed coronary artery disease. My feeling is that we must embrace this powerful technology now to get a head’s up on potentially threatening diseases.
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