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HeartScan Minnesota®

Calcium scoring heart scan

A simple, inexpensive heart imaging procedure that gives you details about your heart’s health.

Commonly called a heart scan, a cardiac calcium score is a noninvasive X-ray technology with a computed tomography (CT) scanner to determine the amount of calcium (plaque) that is in the arteries of your heart. Calcium build-up is a sign of coronary artery disease.

Often, the first sign of heart disease is a heart attack. Unlike standard stress tests that can't detect calcium deposits until artery narrowing is at least 50 percent, HeartScan Minnesota gives you an inside view of your heart's health complete with a personalized calcium score.

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Good to know about the scan

The scan gives you a number called an Agatston score. Zero means the test didn’t find any calcium. The higher the number, the more important it is for you and your doctor to come up with a plan to protect your heart. 

Your doctor may get your results the same day of the test, but it can take longer.

The amount of radiation emitted by this CT scan is very low - about the same as a mammogram or a chest x-ray.

Billing and insurance

The cost is $100 paid at the time of your appointment. You will receive a receipt at the time of your payment. Typically, this cost is reimbursable through a flexible health spending account or an HSA (Health Savings Account).

What to expect from your visit

Before your heart scan you will fill out a health questionnaire. During the test itself, you will lie down on the scanner bed and will be asked to hold your breath while the scanner takes two images of your heart. Each scan takes 10 to 45 seconds.

Every scan is analyzed and read by a cardiovascular imaging specialist for an in-depth and thorough interpretation. You will be mailed a comprehensive report of the scan results.

With your permission, we will forward your report to your primary care provider. We strongly encourage you to review the report with your physician and develop a plan to ensure your heart's health.

Conditions treated

Anyone older than 35, with one or more of these risk factors for heart disease is encouraged to call for an appointment.

  • family history of heart disease
  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol
  • smoking

Related links

Source: Allina Health Medical Imaging and Minneapolis Heart Institute

First published: 2/6/2020
Last reviewed: 2/6/2020

Allina Health Everyday Clinic

This is a retail clinic location. We offer basic services for minor injuries and illnesses for patients 18 months and older. We do not see visits for workers' or injury compensation.

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Everyday On Wheels

Everyday On Wheels mobile clinic is not wheel chair accessible due to the size of the vehicle. Patients should be able to safely climb a short set of stairs to enter the mobile clinic.

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time and have your mobile phone available for the provider to contact you when they are ready to see you.

We've changed how we provide some services with your care and safety in mind. Expanded virtual care services are available to schedule online. You can also call your clinic for help finding the best option.

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What’s the reason for your visit?

Only these primary care appointments can be scheduled online. For all other appointments or with any questions, call 1-888-425-5462.

Health insurance coverage for physicals varies depending on your plan. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage, especially if you've scheduled less than a year from your last physical exam.
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What’s the reason for your visit?

Only these primary care appointments can be scheduled online. For all other appointments or with any questions, call 1-888-425-5462.

Health insurance coverage for physicals varies depending on your plan. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage, especially if you've scheduled less than a year from your last physical exam.
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