After a car accident, you might wonder whether you need medical imaging even if you feel fine. A CT scan in NYC can reveal hidden injuries that could become serious complications if left untreated. In this guide, City Wide Radiology will explain when to get a CT scan for a car accident in Brooklyn, NY.
Understanding CT Scans and Their Role in Accident Care
CT scans serve as a critical diagnostic tool following vehicle accidents because they can detect injuries that aren’t visible through physical examination alone. According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicle accidents were one of the top three causes of fatalities, accounting for 86% of injury-related deaths in the United States during 2023. Medical imaging can visualize soft tissues, blood vessels, and organs with remarkable clarity, quickly enabling CT scan diagnosis of life-threatening conditions.
When Healthcare Providers Recommend CT Scans After Accidents
According to the same NSC data above, an estimated 44,762 people died in motor-vehicle crashes across the United States in 2023. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also reported more than two million traffic injuries in recent statistics.
Medical professionals typically recommend CT scans following car accidents based on the severity of the collision and your symptoms:
- Head trauma or loss of consciousness: Any impact to the head warrants imaging to rule out brain injury or skull fractures
- Severe abdominal pain: This could indicate internal organ damage or internal bleeding
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing: These symptoms may suggest lung injuries or rib fractures
- Back or neck pain: Spinal injuries require immediate evaluation to prevent permanent damage
Types of Injuries CT Scans Can Detect
CT scans in NYC can detect brain injury, including:
- Skull fractures: Breaks in the bone protecting your brain
- Brain bleeding: Hemorrhages that can be life-threatening without prompt treatment
- Brain swelling: Increased pressure that can cause permanent damage
For spinal injury assessment, CT scans provide detailed images and can identify fractures and dislocations. These scans can also reveal internal injuries to organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs.
Soft Tissue Injuries and Alternative NYC Imaging Options
While CT scans excel at detecting bone fractures and internal bleeding, soft tissue injury imaging may require different approaches. However, CT scans still play an important role in comprehensive accident injury evaluation by identifying swelling and inflammation in soft tissues.
What To Expect During Your CT Scan Experience
The CT scan process is straightforward and designed for patient comfort. You’ll lie on a movable table that slides through a large, donut-shaped machine that takes multiple images from different angles. Most scans take 15 to 30 minutes to complete, and results are typically available within hours.
Finding Quality CT Scan Services
Are you wondering where to get a CT scan in NYC? Choosing the right facility matters when you need diagnostic imaging after an accident.
Look for a facility that specializes in trauma cases. A quality NYC imaging facility will work efficiently with your insurance company when selecting an imaging center for a CT scan in Brooklyn, NY.
City Wide Radiology: Reliable CT Scans in Brooklyn, NY, for Post-Accident Care
Motor vehicle accidents require an immediate and thorough medical evaluation to ensure your safety and recovery. CT scans in NYC are vital in detecting hidden injuries that could become serious complications without proper treatment.
City Wide Radiology provides comprehensive diagnostic imaging services with the expertise and technology you need for accurate accident injury evaluation. If you’re unsure what to expect during the process, learn more about your first CT scan to help prepare for your appointment.
Contact City Wide Radiology today at (718) 236-6800 to schedule your CT scan in NYC for accurate car accident injury diagnosis. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about CT scans following car accidents.
How Soon Should I Get a CT Scan Diagnosis After an Accident?
You should seek medical evaluation immediately after any car accident, especially if you have symptoms like headache, abdominal pain, or difficulty breathing. Your doctor will determine if immediate CT scanning is necessary.
Will My Insurance Cover CT Scans After a Car Accident?
Most insurance plans, including personal injury protection and no-fault coverage, typically cover medically necessary CT scans following car accidents. Contact your insurance provider to verify your specific coverage details.
Where Can I Get a CT Scan in NYC?
Multiple imaging centers throughout New York City offer CT scan services. Look for facilities with experienced radiologists and modern equipment to accommodate urgent requests for accident victims.