Can CT Scan be claimed for insurance? Disclosure of CT Scan tumor examination process and side effects

The incidence of cancer and tumors in Hong Kong is increasing every year! Because many patients have not had the habit of regular physical examinations for many years, they are shocked when they are diagnosed with intermediate-to-late stage cancer at the first examination after experiencing discomfort. In fact, CT Scan can be used to easily diagnose and monitor the possibility of cancer.



Computer scanning examination uses X-rays to penetrate the human body and collect the signals by the X-ray receiver. The computer combines multiple cross-sectional images to form a high-resolution and multi-angle three-dimensional image of organs and tissue structures, so it is also called computed tomography.

CT Scan examination process

Depending on the area examined, the CT Scan examination process generally takes 15 to 30 minutes.

1. Remove metal items from your body, such as glasses, jewelry, and dentures.

2. Put on an examination gown (contrast agent will be injected if necessary)
   

3. Lie on the computer scanning bed and follow the radiology personnel’s instructions to maintain a still position.

4. The examination table will be automatically sent into the ring computer scanning machine for scanning.

5. After the examination is completed, the examination bed will automatically return to its original position and the examinee can leave.

6. If developer agent is injected, you should rest for 15 to 20 minutes to ensure that there is no abnormality before leaving.
   

What tests can CT Scan perform?

CT Scan examinations are widely used in various medical examinations, such as:

• Tumors of any location: lung cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer

• Angiography: stenosis, coronary arteries

• Head: Stroke, concussion, meningitis

• Neck: cervical spondylosis, thyroid

• Chest: Heart disease, valvular heart disease, pneumonia, pneumothorax

• Abdomen: kidney stones, gallstones, hepatitis, pancreatitis, intestinal inflammation

• Bones: fractures, osteomyelitis, arthritis

Does CT Scan have any side effects?

Many people think of radiation when they hear X-rays, and worry that it will increase the chance of getting cancer. In fact, the radiation dose from a CT Scan is usually very low, and the risk of cancer is minimal¹. However, it should be noted that radiation can affect fetal development, so women who are suspected of being pregnant or who are pregnant should not undergo CT Scan.
 

Will developer affect human health? 

Depending on the area being examined, the doctor will recommend that the examinee inject a developer agent to help improve the accuracy of the scan and diagnose the disease. Developer agents play an important role in medical imaging examinations, but they may also cause some damage to kidney function.

If you have an allergic reaction to the developer agent, have poor kidney function, are pregnant, or need to breastfeed, you must inform your doctor or radiology staff before the examination so that other arrangements can be made. Usually, under normal and infrequent use of developer, only a very small number of people will experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headache.

Can I claim insurance for a CT scan?
Since CT scan is a sophisticated medical instrument, the cost of the examination is relatively high. If you have purchased high-end medical insurance or advanced voluntary health insurance and meet the medical conditions or needs, the policyholder's CT Scan examination fees may be fully or partially covered. The coverage amount and scope of each insurance policy vary. It is recommended that you consult your insurance company before undergoing an examination.

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¹ CT Scan, National Health Service. 2023.

Disclaimer: This article is prepared by an independent third party and is not sponsored. The content provided is solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not represent any specific viewpoint. In the event of any discomfort or health issues, it is advised to seek medical attention promptly.