In a recent video Dr. Davis suggested we request the following info be in the report for a calcium score:
1. What is the diameter of ascending aorta? If so could you quantify how much?
2. Is there calcium in my ascending aorta? If so could you quantify how much?
3. Is there calcium in my aortic valves? If so could you quantify how much?
4. Is there calcification of the mitral valve? If so could you quantify how much?
5. How much epicardial fat is evident?
6. Are there any lung nodules or other lung findings? (This one I think they answered).
I asked for this information prior to the scan and they (St. Joseph’s Imaging Associated) assured me that the report wouldcontain all the information I needed. Am not sure the person I spoke to really heard a word of what I was asking.
However, the report I received for my recent calcium score included only the following:
Left main: 8
Right coronary artery: 389
Left anterior descending: 83
circumflex: 119
Posterior descending artery: 0
Other: 0
Total calcium score: 599
Extensive atherosclerotic plaque.
High likelihood of at least one significant coronary narrowing.
Linear areas of scarring seen along the left lung base anteriorly.
Visualized lungs otherwise clear.
No pericardial effusion.
Scattered vascular calcifications.
Degnerative changes thoracic spine.
Visualized abdominal structures appear unremarkable.
I called to ask that they provide answers to all the questions above but was told
that only my doctor who ordered the test (my integrative doctor) could request this info. I called my doctor and through her secretary was told that I
would most likely have to request a consultation with a cardiologist who worked for St. Joseph’s imaging.
This is infuriating since it seems that all that information should be provided in the report
to begin with.
Dr. Davis (or anyone else who is knowledgeable about these things), do you have any idea what my legal rights might be in regard to
getting this info or do you have any suggestions for how to get this info without having to pay extra? I can only imagine if I did pay for a consult what one of their cardiologist might want to “sell me” based on the above results.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Maria Helena