Since the 1970s, computed tomography has been one of the most reliable diagnostic methods. The attenuation of the X-rays as they pass through the body is measured with detectors and converted into cross-sectional images using a computer. These continuous images enable precise evaluation and analysis, since the finest structures can be imaged.
Our examination equipment
It is very important to us that our institutes are equipped with the latest technology. For this reason, we have the very newest machines in our examination rooms. In computed tomography, we work with a scan rate of 2 to 350 milliseconds with simultaneous acquisition of up to 384 "slices". This provides us with precise, continuous images, which show even the smallest differences in density, for example in the lungs or the abdomen. Even the imaging of the teeth or the determination of the bone mineral content for osteoporosis examinations is possible with special measuring programs.
We are particularly proud of our dual-source, dual-energy CT scanner, which has the worldwide serial number 14. It contains two X-ray tubes – the result: double scan rate, higher image quality, better imaging, even more precise diagnostics and a lower radiation dose of up to 90 per cent.
Frequent applications
- diagnosis of changes in the brain
- examination of diseases of the spinal column (e.g. intervertebral discs)
- diagnosis of diseases of the viscerocranium (e.g. paranasal sinuses) and the neck (e.g. larynx or lymph nodes)
- method to examine the fine structure of the lungs, the bones and the middle and inner ear
- evaluation of diseases of the thorax and the lungs
- examination of diseases of the abdominal organs (liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and adrenal glands)
- special examinations of the small intestine and the colon for treatment-resistant and unclear abdominal pain and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
- the ideal method to image lymph nodes
- diagnosis of diseases of the pelvic organs (e.g. ovaries) and the pelvic soft tissues
- a safe method to image the large vessels (e.g. aorta or pulmonary arteries)
- dental CT: three-dimensional imaging of the upper and lower jaw and the teeth (e.g. before dental implants)
- osteoporosis CT: reliable and conclusive method to determine bone density
- cardio CT: the most reliable, non-invasive method to determine the calcium content of the coronary arteries and to rule out or provide evidence of a significant coronary heart disease
- virtual colonoscopy: four-dimensional imaging of the colon and the rectum to detect or rule out the presence of polyps and tumours (alternative diagnostic method to conventional endoscopy)
- low-dose multi-slice spiral CT of the lungs: currently the best method for early detection of bronchial carcinomas at the same exposure to radiation as in a thorax X-ray
- virtual angioscopy: three-dimensional imaging of the inner structure of the vessels
- virtual tracheobronchoscopy: four-dimensional imaging of the trachea and the bronchi to rule out or provide evidence of and for the surgical planning of bronchial tumours
- CT-targeted pain therapy: injection of medicines exact to the millimetre into the anatomical structures responsible for the pain, primarily the cervical spine, the lumbar spine and the sacroiliac joint
- CT-targeted organ biopsies: minimally invasive tissue extraction (e.g. from the lungs or the liver) for an exact histological characterisation
Does computed tomography require authorisation from a chief of medicine?
All computed tomography examinations used to require authorisation from a chief of medicine. The health insurance funds have recently made the requirement for authorisation from a chief of medicine less strict or even abolished it, which makes access to these examinations considerably easier. However, there are still large differences between the Austrian provinces and compulsory insurance funds. A rough overview is provided here:
In Vienna and Lower Austria
For those insured by the provincial health insurance fund (GKK), the health insurance fund for farmers (SVB), a company health insurance fund (BKK) or other non-Austrian EU insurance funds, no CT examinations require authorisation if the referral was made by a doctor who has a contract with a health insurance fund. If the referral was made by a doctor who does not have a contract with a health insurance fund, the examinations require authorisation from a chief of medicine as previously. For those insured by the insurance fund for public service employees (BVA), the health insurance fund for employees of the City of Vienna (KFA) or the health insurance fund for the self-employed (SVG), all CT examinations require authorisation from a chief of medicine without exception.
In Burgenland
Those insured by the Burgenland health insurance fund do not require authorisation from a chief of medicine for CT examinations if the referral was made by a specialist or a specialist outpatient department of a hospital. Exceptions are dental CTs for implants or CT colonoscopies – as previously, all insured persons require authorisation from a chief of medicine for these.
In Styria
No CT examinations require authorisation for those insured by the Styrian health insurance fund, the BVA or the insurance fund for railways and mining (VAEB) if the referral was made by a specialist or on a specialist's recommendation (e.g. by a hospital). Exceptions are dental CTs, cardiac CTs and CT colonoscopies. For those insured by the SVG, the SVB or the KFA, all CT examinations require authorisation without exception.
This rough overview is intended to serve as a guide, and if you have any further questions, our staff are available at any time.