CT Scans

What is CT?

CT scanning (also known as CAT scanning) is a noninvasive, painless imaging procedure that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Sometimes during the exam you may be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time. CT imaging uses special X-ray equipment to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body and a computer to join them together in cross-sectional views of the area being studied. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed. CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity than conventional X-ray exams.

What is CT used for?

CT is used to scan the internal organs, blood vessels, bones and soft tissue to get detailed images of the body to diagnose medical issues and diseases. CT can even be used for cardiac calcium scoring, which evaluates the amount of plaque in blood vessels.

What does the CT scanner look like?

Above you will see a picture of our PET/CT scanner. It is open at both ends and the table moves through the opening. Once in the opening, a quiet camera scans your body. We’ll place a pillow under your knees and will provide a warm blanket if you’d like one.

Do I need a referral for a CT scan?

Yes, all imaging services require a referral from a doctor or urgent care center. To request a referral, call or message your provider through MyChart. You or your doctor can fax a referral form to 770-219-7665.

Low-Dose CT Scan

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women, exceeding the number of deaths from breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. Thanks to new screening options, the number of lung cancers found earlier, when most treatable, are increasing.

Our Imaging Centers are aware of radiation exposure risks and aim to reduce patients exposure by using the lowest possible dose of radiation with the latest technology. NGMC offers qualifying patients access to low-dose CT scans, a non-invasive approach to screen for lung cancer. If you are 55-77 years old with a history of heavy smoking and have quit smoking within the past 15 years or are still smoking today, you may qualify.

Low-dose CT scans are quick, easy and pain-free – all while exposing you to a low amount of radiation. The actual scan itself takes less than a minute to complete from start-to-finish. While traditional x-ray technology can identify lung cancers the size of a dime, low-dose scans can reveal lung abnormalities the size of a grain of rice. The procedure uses a computer paired with x-ray technology to capture a series of detailed images throughout the body. Pictures are taken from different angles and are used to create 3-D views of tissues and organs.

Why Choose NGMC Imaging Services

Northeast Georgia Health System’s Imaging Services provides a comprehensive range of imaging technologies and services to help physicians diagnose and treat disease and illness. Serving the North Georgia community, Imaging Centers of Northeast Georgia Medical Center are conveniently located in Braselton, Buford, Dawsonville and Gainesville. Inpatient and outpatient imaging services are also offered at all three hospital campuses in Gainesville, Braselton and Barrow.

Connect with us

Do you have questions about the CT  services offered at NGMC? Call 770-219-7666 to speak with a member of our team. You or your doctor may send a referral to our fax via 770-219-7665.

Refer a Patient

If you are a medical provider looking to refer a patient for a CT scan, please fax a referral to 770-219-7665.

Learn More About CT Services