My CT Scan was today

[sabotai]

So I had to get up early today to go get my CT scan (that's the right term, right? Not CAT, but CT...who cares). I didn't get the injection so it actually wasn't that expensive (about $500) and it was pretty easy. Just lay down and they have this ring that makes all these noise (but they weren't annoying or loud). One of the easiest doctor-type visits I've had. And fastest. I was sitting in the waiting room for like a minute before they took me back and did it.

One thing that's really starting to annoy me with doctor visits in general. Everytime I go, the person who takes me back always ask "So what are we doing today?" or "So why are you here?"

...Don't you know? You're holding my fucking chart! Shouldn't it say "CT Scan"? I would hope they would have noted that somewhere on my information...

[Fonzie]

Yep, it's now called a CT scan (computed tomography). And I'm glad to hear it went well. As you noted, there's usually not much to 'em.

As for the absurd queries the assistants make when taking you back to the doctor's office - I'd suspect it's probably just "patter" or "small talk" that they use to keep folks from getting anxious, while also helping to establish a little rapport with the patient. It can, however, also reveal helpful information - if the patient truly doesn't know why they're having a procedure done, then it needs to be explained to them so they're making a fully informed decision regarding the procedure.

Anyway, here's hoping the results are good!

[Suicane75]

Fonzie is right. A few years back I needed to have my gallbladder removed and my doctor sent me to have the stones removed in a porcedure a couple of weeks before my operation. Well, it was explained to me by 2 doctors that I was going in to simply have the stones removed but when I got to the Hospitol the nurse said to me, and I quote "Are you ready for your biopsy?" I nearly shit my pants. Of course it was explained to me that a biopsy was an additional thing they would do if they found anything but for the next 2 weeks I was a total wreck, i would of much preferred if she had just asked me "So why are you here?"

[Eaglesfan27]

Yes, as mentioned it is a CT scan, not a CAT scan.

Honestly, the reason the assistants ask you that is two fold:

1) To make sure you understand the procedure (or other reason for visit)

2) To make sure they aren't messing up and getting ready to have their doctor or technician do the wrong procedure on you.

About 10 years ago, I went to have an MRI because of a car accident, and they were going to do a CT scan on me. If I hadn't known what I was supposed to have done, I'm pretty sure the wrong test would have been done. Lots of errors happen, and those assistants are trained to help confirm the right procedure is being done to the right patient at the right time.