Different types of tests: Please clarify

pickle

I don't know if this is posted in the right place or not but I have searched this site and can't get clarification.

I am trying to understand why docs order certain tests over other tests. In other words when do they use a petscan vs ct scan......etc.

I had a bone scan 15 months ago, a petscan 8 months ago, CT of lower spine 3 months ago and now I am going for abdominal US (doc wants a peek at my liver) and pelvic US and another bone scan (doc wants a look to see why I am having trouble with my hips)  and chest xray.

I'm a bit confused about what all the different tests do.

What does a bone scan detect vs a PET scan vs a CT?

What does an US detect vs CT

Thanks

Beth P

in_cognito

I think a lot of it depends on the doctor and insurance coverage.  My breast MRI recommended a liver CT based on a benign appearing lesion on my liver.  The doc ordered an ultrasound which confirmed a cyst but saw another lesion and that recommendation was to have a CT to clarify.  So eventually I had to have a CT anyways - the doc should have just ordered that to begin with.  My insurance is under a provider similar to the Kaiser system so perhaps the doctor orders the cheapest test first to save money - who knows. 

Most of the tests are scans to see if cancer exists in other parts of your body.  The imaging is different based on the test ordered....Personally I think it comes down to cost issues and CYA (cover your a$$).  I have not had a bone scan because the doctor does not think I need one unless I have symptoms.  Are you having symptoms or are these tests for follow up for you?

pickle

Thanks in_cognito.

I had a ct on lower spine and have severe disc disease but now they want the bone scan because I am having alot of hip pain. The abdominal US is due to some discomfort I am having on my right side. It's been going on for a few months so the doc thought he should further investigate.

I was just curious why they order a certain type of scan over another. Some people get a PET or a CT to investigate the same things and I'm not sure why.....Maybe it's $$$

in_cognito

I think it is money.  I think some doctors start out with the chapest test, then if anything shows up they have a reason to investigate and order more testing.  Sometimes the insurance companies won't pay up unless a cheaper test shows something.  Insurance companies have certain criteria that doctor's orders have to meet.  For example. my breast surgeon ordered a breast MRI after my suspicious mammo/ultrasound and the surgeon used dense breasts as an excuse to get one (I'm under 40).  The insurance company came back and said they would not pay for it until I had an official diagnosis of breast cancer after a biopsy.  A week later I had that diagnosis so they ended up paying. 

in_cognito

You can also look at this website to see what the different tests do.

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/

pickle

Thanks you for the info and the link.