Computerized Tomography

 Ordering Physician FAQ

How do I schedule an exam?

Outpatient exams can be scheduled on Invision through the Resource Scheduling pathway. For questions concerning scheduling call 675-6212.

How do I order an exam?

Inpatient – Complete the CT Order Form and fax to 675-8098. Order should then be entered into Invision under the Order Entry Pathway.

Outpatient: Complete the CT order form and sent it to the Cross Sectional Reception Desk (H2-5).

PLEASE INCLUDE PERTINENT HISTORY AND PHYSICIAN CONTACT INFORMATION TO OPTIMIZE STUDY AND ALLOW PROMPT NOTIFICATION OF UNEXPECTED OR CRITICAL FINDINGS. THANKS

How do I find the results of an exam?

Before report has been transcribed or signed:

Dial 675-5095 (5-5095 inside UH
At prompt enter “99#”.
At prompt enter “3”.
Enter patient MRN including all leading zeros, and then enter #.
To advance to next audio report enter “8”.

After transcription and radiologist approval:

Report is available on the PACS system and in the patient lifetime clinical record on Invision.

How do I obtain a copy of the report or images?

Images are available on CD from the file room. Call 675-6205. A request form and signature are required for release of patient data.

Reports - For faxed or printed reports call transcription 675-5311.

For exams requiring contrast, what is required for patient preparation?

A recent serum BUN and creatinine is required (Please note the exam cannot be performed without proper lab work).

Adequate hydration is key, therefore strict NPO is discouraged. Patients may have clear liquids and take AM medications, but metformin products should be discontinued the morning of and for 48 hours after iodinated contrast material to avoid lactic acidosis should contrast induced nephrotoxicity occur. Arrangements should be made for 48 hour post scan follow up BUN and creatinine by the ordering service and patient instructed as to when to reinstitute their oral hypoglycemic.

In patients with renal insufficiency, consideration should be given to alternative imaging. If renal impairment is mild and contrast is deemed necessary, consideration should be given to premedication with N acetylcholine (Mucomyst) or sodium bicarbonate (refs).

Current hospital policy precludes power injection of contrast via central lines and dedicated angiographic studies (including CT pulmonary arteriography/PE protocol) require an 18 g IV access in antecubital vein, preferably on the right.
Oral contrast can be given to patients having routine screening CT exams, but is not used for CT angiography.

Prior adverse reaction to iodinated contrast: Patients with mild previous reactions such as urticaria should be premedicated with oral steroids (prednisone 50 mg po 13, 7 and 1 hour prior to contrast and 50 mg benadryl one hour prior to study) Contrast should be avoided in the context of prior severe reaction. Those at increased risk for adverse reactions to iodinated contrast include patients with a history of asthma and multiple allergies, and premedication is advised in these conditions.

What additional information is needed for an MR exam?

The MR safety questionnaires must be filled out prior to scheduling exam. For outpatients, the medical personnel providing care will assist the patient with completing the questionnaire prior to scheduling exam. For inpatients, the patient or medical personnel with personal knowledge of the patient must complete the form before the scan can be performed.

How do I reach a radiologist after normal hours (4 pm to 8 am)?

Radiologist on call: LSUHSC pager 1931