It is scary to be sick. However, we are lucky enough that today’s technology in healthcare is more advanced than before. A CT Scan is just one of the many diagnostic tests in the Philippines to help doctors diagnose your illness. The good news is that CT Scans in the country are more reliable than ever.
What Is CT Scan
A CT Scan is a medical test. It uses a machine that takes multiple images of the body so that the insides can be seen. It is similar to an x-ray but it can take images multiple times to have better results. CT means Computer Tomography scan.
See: Hospital Service Price Rates
Benefits of CT Scan
CT Scan has many benefits. For one, they can take images of the patient’s body with good detail. Of course, other tests can do the same. But the real advantage of CT Scan is the amount of detail that can be seen inside the body. It can be used for example in looking for cancers and tumors. Here is a list of benefits of CT scan:
- Detailed images of the scans
- Low dose radiation
- Low noise scanning process
- It can do imaging of different body structures all at the same time
CT Scan versus MRI
CT Scans and MRI both take images of the body’s inside regions. However, they use different methods. CT Scans are using methods similar to x-rays while MRI scans use magnet to create images.
CT Scan Types Per Body Part
CT Scans can do tests on different body parts. Most of the time, it can be used to see the bones, muscle, tissue structure, blood vessels and internal organs.
Usually, the CT scan price in the Philippines depends on the body part involved. The more crucial the body part is, the more expensive is the final cost. Here are some examples of CT scan test types.
Abdomen CT Scan
Abdomen CT scan may be a part of routine examination. However, a doctor may prescribe the test if there are suspected symptoms of stomach cancer, ruptured blood vessels and other digestive system diseases.
Chest CT Scan
The Chest CT Scan in the Philippines version may be done depending on the organ to be scanned. For example, it may be useful for the diagnosis of heart and lungs diseases or abnormalities.
Neck CT Scan
The scan for the neck may be used to identify any potential tumors in the area. The CT scan for the neck in the Philippines can create image slices so as to view the planes of the throat, blood vessels, esophagus and other tissues and muscles. The scan may be helpful in finding neck cancer.
Lung CT Scan Philippines
There may also be a separate lung CT scan depending on the symptoms of the patient. A doctor may want to see the images clearly for potential cancers or tumors in the lungs.
Cranial CT Scan (Head and Brain)
The head CT scan may also be referred to cranial CT Scan. It usually involves using the test for the brain or even for skull injuries and fractures. This type has one of the highest prices of CT scans among hospitals. The head CT scan price in the Philippines are usually cheaper.
Extremities CT Scan (Knee, Legs, Shoulder)
A CT scan does not only take pictures of internal organs and blood vessels. It can also be used to scan areas like the knee, shoulders and hip among others. In some hospitals, the price of CT scan for the knees and shoulders are lower than those for the brain and abdomen.
Cardiac CT Scan (Heart)
A special CT scan for the heart may involve the use of a contrast. However, it is best to ask the doctor whether you need a plain or the one with a dye. Blood vessels of the heart may be seen in this scan.
Pelvis CT Scan
The CT Scan for the pelvis is utilized to see the inner parts of the pelvic region. The price rates may also depend on whether it is for plain or with contrast CT Scan.
Whole Body CT Scan
In some cases, a cholw body CT scan may be necessary. This is is also called total body CT scan which is helpful in finding nodules. In the Philippines, whole body CT scan is available in major hospitals.
Is CT Scan Safe?
The test is relatively safe and is used by millions of patients worldwide. The hospital technician will guide you on how to have the CT scan to make it safe. According to Mayoclinic, CT scans use low dose radiation. However, the risk of having cancer in the future is small and cannot be reliably measured.
Doctors will recommend CT scans if the benefits outweigh such risk.
CT Scan for Children
CT Scan is a relatively safe medical diagnostic test. Children and young individuals may undergo the scan provided that it is recommended by a doctor. Sometimes, it is the most efficient test especially for diseases and congenital health problems among babies and children.
You should inquire about the CT Scan price rates for children as they may be more expensive than those for adults. In some cases, special devices, tools and amenities may be needed for children with special needs.
CT Scan for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women may need to first ask the doctor whether it is safe for them to have CT scan. In most cases, the attending physician already knows the condition of the patient.
If you have any doubts, you may consult with your doctor first and find more details on the safety of the scan for pregnant women.
What is CT Scan Slice
A CT Scan captures images of the body by slices. Each slice is a rotation of the scan mechanism when it takes x-rays of the body part. There are different types of machines depending in the number of scans.
16 Slice CT Scan. One of the most utilized types of machines in hospitals. The running time is fast because it will only take 16 slices of images. It can be used in hospitals with too many patients waiting in line.
40 Slice CT Scan. The result of this scan is much better than the 16 slice version. It can also create faster duration of scan.
64 Slice CT Scan. This is scan is considered to have a faster image processing. It can produce good images even if the patient had sudden movements. Usually, this scan is ideal for critical care patients or those with heart issues.
128 Slice CT Scan. This is usually found in more advanced hospitals in the Philippines. Because of its advanced technology, it can even produce 3D images of the body part.
Preparation for CT Scan
Before the scan, the doctor will first recommend which type is best for the patient. For CT scan with contrast, an additional step is required because the patient will be injected with a dye.
For scans that involve the abdomen, there may be a need to drink oral version of the dye in order to see it clearly during the scan.
It is usually recommended that the patient refrains from drinking any beverages before the dye injection. In any case, the medical staff and doctors will provide all the instructions before the actual scan.
Preparing for actual scan is simple and easy. The patient will lie down while the machine gently moves the bed towards the machine. A beam will be used to take images of the body per slice. These beams of low low does radiation will then go to a computer to produce the 2D version of the slice.
As more slices are scanned, the results will then be grouped in order to get a better image of the whole body part that requires scanning.
CT Scan Price in Philippines
CT Scan prices in hospitals depend on the body part that requires the test. It is best to compare each of them to help you save money.
Read: Prices of CT Scan in Hospitals
Prices are also different in private hospitals, diagnostic clinics or government hospitals.
In most cases, sensitive body parts like the brain, abdomen or the eyes are more expensive than those in the arms and legs.
In Summary, CT scan cost in the Philippines depend on:
- The body part to be scanned
- Whether it is a plain CT scan or with Contrast
- The number of slices for the scan
- Hospital type whether private, public or diagnostic center
- HMO, Philhealth, Senior Citizen coverage
The average CT scan price in the Philippines ranges from Php 4,000.00 to Php 10,000.00. There are special types of scans that the patient may need depending on the doctor’s recommendation.
CT Scan With Contrast Price and Cost
Most hospitals offer both Plain CT Scan and CT Scan with Contrast. The second type is more expensive because of the special technology involved. It is much better to compare CT scan with contrast rates in hospitals to help you plan out your budget.
Hospitals in the Philippines with CT Scan
Both private and government hospitals have their CT scan machines available for the patient’s needs. Hospitals in Metro Manila, major urban areas like Cebu and Davao have hospitals equipped with the machine for the procedure.
Choosing the best hospital for CT scan test should be a priority to get better price rates, clear results and convenience.
Hospital with CT Scan
Caloocan
Caloocan Hospitals with CT Scan
Las Piñas
Mandaluyong
VRP Medical Center
Manila
Chinese General Hospital
Marikina
Muntinlupa
Asian Hospital and Medical Center
Quezon City
ACE Diagnostics
Urology Center of the Philippines
References: Mayoclinic, WebMD
Last Updated on October 22, 2023 by Medical Pinas
About the Author: MedicalPinas has several years of experience in publishing articles to help Filipinos find medical services and their prices. It strives to provide the most accurate info available through extensive research. Info may change without notice. This site is not affiliated with any of the mentioned brands/companies and does not represent the same.
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