CT Scans


Northeast Atlanta ENT has been granted accreditation in CT in the areas of Sinus and Temporal Bone CT by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).

Accreditation by IAC means that Northeast Atlanta Ear Nose and Throat, PC, has undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts.

At Northeast Atlanta ENT, we are proud to incorporate an in-office computerized tomography scanner (CT scan) into our clinical practice. By offering point-of-care CT scans in our offices, we improve patient care by reducing the unnecessary inconvenience and higher costs incurred from sending patients out to a hospital or imaging center. 

Unlike traditional plain film x-rays, CT scans generate images that provide greater detail of internal structures, soft tissue, and blood vessels.

CT scanning is pain-free, non-invasive, and highly accurate. It is the most reliable imaging technique for sinuses and other structures within the ear, nose, and throat regions. CT scans benefit our ENT providers in evaluating and diagnosing chronic sinusitis, dizziness, certain ear and throat conditions, and more. 

We often use CT scans to: 

  • Identify and diagnose sinus infections 
  • Evaluate sinuses that are chronically inflamed and filled with fluid or thickened sinus membranes
  • Detect abscesses, polyps, or other abnormal growths in the sinuses or other structures
  • Define anatomy in preparation for surgery and other procedures 

CT scans used in ENT practices do not typically require contrast material. However, if it is needed, please be sure to inform your provider if you have ever had an adverse reaction to contrast. There are medications we can give you to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. Some of these medications must be taken 12 hours before your exam. 

Women who may be pregnant should also inform their providers so special measures can be taken to ensure the baby’s safety during the procedure. When performing a scan on children, the CT scanner will adjust to their size and the area of interest to reduce the radiation dose.

Unlike most MRI exams, CT scans are large open pieces of equipment that typically don’t cause people to feel claustrophobic. For most of our scans, the patient lies on a flat table while the scanner moves around them. Pillows and straps may be used to keep the patient in place and still during the scan. 

The entire process takes about 10 minutes or less. The images are sent over digitally to the specialist for interpretation when the scan is complete. Typically a follow-up appointment is scheduled with your provider so they can discuss any findings and treatment with you thoroughly. 

IAC Accredited Providers

The IAC grants accreditation only to those facilities that provide quality patient care in compliance with national standards through a comprehensive application process, including a detailed case study review.

IAC accreditation is a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on as an indication that the facility has passed careful critique on all aspects of its operations considered relevant by medical experts in CT. IAC accreditation is widely respected within the medical community, as illustrated by the support of the national medical societies related to CT, including physicians, technologists, and physicists.

CT accreditation is required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and, in some cases, private insurers.