Coronary Calcium Scoring at UPMC in Central Pa.

If you have a moderate risk of heart disease but no worrisome symptoms, your health care provider may recommend a Coronary Calcium Screening (CCS), a quick test that helps determine if you have coronary artery disease (CAD).

Calcium Screening (CCS) is a five-minute CT scan (also known as computed tomography) that uses imaging technology to detect buildup of calcium and plaque in the walls of the arteries in your heart.

A score of zero indicates either that there is no calcified plaque in your coronary arteries or it is so minor it cannot be measured. Scores showing the extent of calcified plaque range from 1 to 400, with one indicating minimal calcification. A score higher than 400 indicates you have extensive calcification in your arteries and your health care provider may recommend treatment.

Criteria for Coronary Calcium Screen

A CCS may be recommended for people with no symptoms of heart disease who meet the following criteria:

• Males age 45-75
• Females age 55-75
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Tobacco use
• Obesity
• Family history of early onset of heart disease

Younger people with two or more risk factors may benefit from CCS screening even earlier.

Because this is a screening test to identify risk of heart disease in patients with no symptoms, insurance does not cover the cost of CCS. The cost for the screening is $99, which must be paid in advance at the imaging location. We accept check, credit or debit cards or exact cash.

You may schedule your own coronary calcium scoring screening, but a physician prescription is required. Please check with your doctor to see if this screening may benefit you.

Schedule a Coronary Calcium Scan Near You

To schedule a coronary calcium score screening near you, please call the phone number at the location below closest to you.

Need more information?

Phone: 717-230-3700
Lancaster: 717-625-5555

Locations