Your physician has requested a whole-body screening procedure for you. This procedure may provide the earliest detection for cancer and other abnormalities in the chest, abdomen and pelvis. At Cedars-Sinai's S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, we have a team of physicians, nurses and technologists who specialize in CT.

The screening procedure is a 15-minute test that produces multiple images of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Using sophisticated computer technology, we can quickly and painlessly obtain high-quality pictures. If any abnormalities are identified, the imaging physician will discuss them with your referring physician.

You may want to avoid clothing with buttons, zippers or snaps. You will be asked to change into a patient gown if you are wearing any of these items.

Although the scan takes about 15 minutes, plan to be at your appointment for 30 to 45 minutes to allow for registration, patient evaluation and post-scan processing.

Payment in full is due at the time of your appointment. Information on the pricing of our screening procedures can be found here (pdf*).

You may pay by check, cash, credit card or money order.

Insurance carriers do not cover this test; therefore, an itemized bill will not be generated for this exam.

You will be asked to complete a simple, one page questionnaire.

If you are wearing clothing with buttons, zippers or snaps, you will be asked to change into a patient gown.

You will lie flat on your back on the CT table and a series of pictures will be taken while you hold your breath.

The scan is painless, emitting only a small amount of radiation, similar to other diagnostic radiology procedures.

A final report will be mailed or faxed to you and your designated physician within 48 hours.

S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center parking is located at the corner of San Vicente Boulevard and Gracie Allen Drive. Enter off Sherbourne Drive.

You can also park in the Medical Center North Tower off George Burns Road.

Parking is partially validated and validation is available in the lobby of the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center. There is a large metal sculpture in the shape of the number "8" in front of the center.

There is a curbside patient drop-off zone on Gracie Allen Drive.