Patient education
CCTA guides
Ten articles written for patients and referring clinicians. Not medical advice. Last clinical reviewer: TBD.
What is a CCTA?
A coronary CT angiogram (CCTA) is a contrast CT of the heart’s arteries. Learn how it works, what it can show, and why most patients need a physician order. Educational only.
CCTA vs calcium score
A coronary calcium score and a CCTA are different heart CT tests. One usually looks for hardened plaque without IV contrast. CCTA uses contrast to see the artery opening. Talk with your doctor.
CCTA vs stress test vs cath
CCTA, stress testing, and catheter angiography answer different questions about the heart. None replaces a conversation with your clinician. Educational comparison — not a recommendation.
Who should get a CCTA?
CCTA is often considered for selected people with chest pain or an unclear stress test. It is not a walk-in screening. Talk with your doctor about whether it fits your situation.
How to prepare for a CCTA
CCTA prep often includes heart-rate control, holding caffeine, and IV contrast planning. Follow the imaging center’s instructions and talk with your doctor. This is not a substitute for their list.
Do I need an order for a CCTA?
Most coronary CT angiograms require a physician order. Medicare and typical hospital policy treat CCTA as a diagnostic test, not a walk-in screening. How to ask your clinician.
A script for asking your PCP about a CCTA order
Plain-language questions you can take to a primary-care visit if you want to discuss coronary CT angiography. Not a request that the doctor must order the test.
How to read a CCTA report
CAD-RADS, stenosis, plaque, and other words that appear on a coronary CT angiography report. Educational glossary — your doctor interprets your study.
No obstructive CAD — still plaque
A CCTA can show plaque without a severe narrowing. That is not the same as a normal artery. What “non-obstructive” can mean, and why follow-up is a doctor conversation.
Insurance, Medicare, and CPT 75577
CPT 75574 is the CCTA code in our 2024 Medicare file. CPT 75577 is Category I AI plaque analysis as of 2026-01-01. Coverage is not guaranteed — talk with your plan and your doctor.
Looking for a location? Find a CCTA in California or open a city page such as Los Angeles.