Friendly tech with patient in CT scanner

Ultra-Low-Dose Diagnostic Chest CT in Chattanooga

When your healthcare provider needs a closer look at the lungs, an ultra-low-dose chest CT can reveal abnormalities that may be difficult to see on a conventional chest X-ray—while using a radiation dose designed to be in a comparable range.

Hitchcock Direct Imaging offers ultra-low-dose diagnostic chest CT for an all-inclusive price of $150. No insurance or Hitchcock membership is required. A healthcare provider’s order is required.

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More Sensitive Lung Imaging at a Very Low Radiation Dose

A chest X-ray creates a two-dimensional projection in which ribs, the heart and other structures can overlap portions of the lungs. CT creates cross-sectional images, allowing the radiologist to examine the lungs without the same degree of anatomical overlap.

Clinical studies have found that ultra-low-dose chest CT can detect pneumonia and other nontraumatic lung abnormalities with greater sensitivity than chest X-ray at a comparable radiation dose. Actual radiation exposure varies with patient size, equipment and the protocol required for the clinical question.

Ask your healthcare provider whether ultra-low-dose diagnostic CT is appropriate. Provider orders should be faxed to (423) 769-0020. Questions? Call (423) 456-9134.

Our Approach

Better diagnostic detail should not automatically mean a standard CT radiation dose. Our ultra-low-dose chest protocol is designed to give clinicians a more sensitive view of the lungs while keeping radiation exposure in the range of conventional chest radiography.

How it Works

We’ve simplified the imaging process so you can get the scans you need quickly, affordably, and without insurance hassles.

  • ORDER IMAGING

    Ask any licensed healthcare provider to fax your imaging order to (423) 769-0020. You do not need to be a Hitchcock patient.

  • SCHEDULING

    We contact CT and ultrasound patients to arrange a convenient appointment. X-ray patients may walk in during imaging hours after we receive the order.

  • GET RESULTS, PAY ONE PRICE

    Pay the published all-inclusive price at your visit. A board-certified radiologist interprets the study, and the report is generally sent to the ordering provider within 48–72 hours—often sooner.

One Clear, All-Inclusive Price

| Ultra-low-dose diagnostic chest CT | $150 |

 

The price includes the CT examination, facility services, board-certified radiologist interpretation, the final report and a digital copy upon request. You will not receive a separate facility or radiologist bill.

What Can Ultra-Low-Dose Chest CT Help Evaluate?

Healthcare providers may order ultra-low-dose diagnostic chest CT when evaluating suspected pneumonia or other lung and chest abnormalities that can be difficult to characterize with chest X-ray alone.

Depending on the clinical question, the examination may help evaluate:

  • Suspected pneumonia or other pulmonary infection
  • Pulmonary opacities or areas of inflammation
  • Lung nodules
  • Pleural fluid or other pleural abnormalities
  • Pneumothorax
  • Certain chronic or follow-up lung findings

Ultra-low-dose CT is not appropriate for every chest condition. Some symptoms and clinical questions require a standard diagnostic CT, CT with contrast, CT angiography or emergency evaluation. The ordering provider and imaging team determine the appropriate protocol.

Ultra-Low-Dose CT Compared With Chest X-Ray

Comparison Chest X-Ray Ultra-Low-Dose Chest CT
Image type Two-dimensional projection Cross-sectional CT images
Anatomical overlap Ribs, the heart, and other structures can obscure portions of
the lungs.		 Reduced overlap allows for more detailed evaluation.
Sensitivity for lung pathology May miss subtle or early abnormalities. Generally more sensitive for pneumonia and other pulmonary
findings.
Radiation exposure Very low Protocol designed to be in a comparable range; actual dose varies.
Hitchcock price $40 $150

The most appropriate test depends on the clinical question.
Ultra-low-dose CT adds diagnostic detail but does not replace chest
X-ray or standard CT in every situation.

Who We Serve

Our Hixson imaging center serves patients from Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Cleveland, Dayton, northern Georgia, northern Alabama, Nashville and surrounding communities. Some patients travel farther because our all-inclusive prices can be substantially simpler and more affordable than hospital-based imaging.

You may use Hitchcock Direct Imaging whether you are uninsured, have a high-deductible plan, have commercial insurance, belong to another medical practice or simply want to know the complete price before receiving care.

  • Individuals and families seeking a more personal, relationship-based approach to medical care
  • Patients without insurance who still want affordable, high-quality healthcare, imaging, and medications
  • Those with insurance and high deductibles, looking for upfront pricing and lower out-of-pocket costs
  • People who need imaging services like CT, X-ray, or ultrasound — fast, affordable, and without the red tape
  • Patients who value time with their physician and don’t want to be rushed or bounced between providers
  • Anyone who’s tired of long pharmacy lines and inflated drug prices — and wants access to wholesale pricing
  • Employers looking for a better healthcare solution for their team — one that improves outcomes and cuts costs
  • People who want healthcare that’s simple, transparent, and focused on what really matters: their well-being
Ultra-Low-Dose CT FAQs
What is an ultra-low-dose diagnostic chest CT?
It is a CT examination of the chest performed with a protocol designed to reduce radiation exposure substantially while preserving enough image detail to evaluate selected lung and chest conditions.
Is it more sensitive than a chest X-ray for pneumonia?
Clinical studies have found ultra-low-dose CT to be more sensitive than chest X-ray for detecting pneumonia and other nontraumatic pulmonary disease. No imaging test detects every abnormality, and results must be interpreted in the context of the patient’s symptoms and examination.
Does it use the same radiation dose as a chest X-ray?
The protocol is designed to produce radiation exposure in a range comparable to conventional chest radiography. Actual dose varies with patient size, scanner settings and the clinical protocol.
Why can it show more detail at a similar dose?
CT produces cross-sectional images of the lungs rather than a single overlapping projection. This allows the radiologist to examine lung tissue without as much interference from ribs, the heart and other structures.
How much does the examination cost?
The all-inclusive price is $150. It includes facility services, the scan, board-certified radiologist interpretation, final report and a digital copy upon request.
Do I need a healthcare provider’s order?
Yes. A licensed healthcare provider must determine that the study is appropriate and send an order.
Does it require contrast?
Ultra-low-dose diagnostic chest CT is generally performed without IV contrast. If the clinical question requires contrast, vascular imaging or a different protocol, the imaging team will coordinate the appropriate examination with the ordering provider.
Is this the same as low-dose lung cancer screening?
No. Ultra-low-dose diagnostic CT is ordered to evaluate a current symptom, examination finding or known condition. Low-dose lung cancer screening is a separate preventive examination for eligible people without symptoms who have a significant smoking history.
Can it replace every chest X-ray or standard CT?
No. Each study has different strengths. Some conditions require chest X-ray, standard diagnostic CT, contrast-enhanced CT, CT angiography or emergency evaluation.
Can I use this scan instead of going to the emergency department?
No. Severe shortness of breath, chest pain, low oxygen levels, confusion or other potentially serious symptoms require prompt medical evaluation. Outpatient imaging is not a substitute for emergency care.
When will my provider receive the report?
Reports are generally returned within 48–72 hours and are often available sooner.
Can I use Hitchcock if I have insurance?
Yes. Insured patients may choose our self-pay price. We can provide an itemized receipt upon request.
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