Virtual colonography

——

Virtual colonography (VC) scans create images of the colon (large intestine).

Text

Virtual colonography is a scan that creates 2D and 3D images of the colon using X-rays and computers. It helps doctors find out if you have colon bowel disease, including polyps, diverticulosis and cancer. A VC is also called a computerized tomographic colonography.

Text

About the scan

Accordion Block v2

The scan lasts about 30 to 40 minutes. You will lie on your back, your stomach and on your sides during the scan. You can go back to normal daily life after the scan.

First, our staff will ask you to lie on your side on the table. Next, a thin tube will be put into your rectum. Air will be pumped through the tube to inflate the colon for better viewing.

The exam table moves through the scanner to create a series of 2D cross-section images along the length of the colon. We'll ask you to hold your breath during this part of the scan. This will help us take clearer pictures.

A computer program puts the images together to make a 3D picture. One of our radiologists will look at the scan results to look for anything that's not normal.

OR
To prepare for your scan, your bowel must be cleaned out ahead of time. Cleaning out the bowel takes a full day.

At least two days before your VC, pick up a prep kit from the Broadway diagnostic imaging department. You can pick up your prep kit at another location if you arrange it ahead of time.

The prep kit includes:
- Laxatives
- Imaging contrast liquid
When you pick it up, our staff will talk with you about what you're supposed to do with the prep kit.
OR
A specialized radiologist will review your exam and send a report to your doctor. Your doctor will talk to you about your exam results. After you talk to your doctor, the results are also available on MyChart.

When you'll get results will depend on what type of CT scan you're having.

OR
If your doctor tells you that you need this test, we'll contact you to schedule it. VC scans require a pre-authorization form from your insurance company.

If you choose to have a VC scan without a pre-authorization form, we require a deposit payment at your appointment. You may also be responsible for the full cost of your scan after your insurance has been billed.

If you have questions about what your insurance plan covers, you should contact your insurance company directly.

OR
For general questions, please call us at 1-206-329-1760. For billing questions, please call us at 1-206-860-4500. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-206-860-5496, option 2.

OR