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What is a heart CT scan?
It’s quick, it’s painless, and what you learn from it can be very important. A heart scan is a simple, non-invasive CT scan without any dye, needles or special preparation.

Also called coronary calcium scoring, this CT scan of your heart looks for deposits of plaque in the inner lining of the blood vessels of the heart. Plaque is made up of calcium, protein and fatty substances and can partly clog and narrow the coronary arteries without producing any symptoms or warning signs. This puts a person at risk for a heart attack.

Who should have a heart CT scan?
This test isn’t for everyone. It is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate or moderate risk for coronary artery disease. If you have not been previously diagnosed with heart disease, do not have a pacemaker and have at least two of the following risk factors, you might consider this screening test:
  • Diabetes.
  • Obesity.
  • Smoker.
  • High blood pressure.
  • High cholesterol.
  • Male over the age of 45.
  • Female over the age of 55.
  • Family history of premature heart disease.
People who are considered at low risk generally don’t benefit from the test as there’s little chance a signficant amount of coronary calcium will be found. Likewise, individuals who are already being treated for heart disease would most likely find the test unnecessary.

What is the cost?
During October and November 2025, you will be asked to pay $50 on the day of the screening. We will not bill insurance for this screening. Note: this is only for scans completed at Carle Eureka Hospital at this time.

How do I get screened?
If you have two of the risk factors listed above, you can contact your primary care physician and request an order for a CT coronary calcium score be sent to Carle Eureka Scheduling via fax at (309) 467-5307 or the electronic medical record system. If you have an order placed, call (309) 304-2021 for an appointment in October or November.

I don’t have a primary care provider. Can I still have the test?
We are happy to help you find a primary care provider. During this promotion, you do not need to have one to schedule an appointment at Carle Eureka Hospital. We will have one of our physicians call you with your results.

*We will not bill your insurance for this screening. It will be self-pay only. Carle Eureka Hospital is offering this price for scans that take place Oct. 1 - Nov. 30, 2025. 

 

Please Contact Us if you have any questions.