Coronary CTA Order Review
Need a provider order for a coronary CT angiography (CCTA)? DOD reviews CCTA order requests based on medical appropriateness, cardiovascular risk history, and safety considerations — including contrast, kidney function, and medication review.
Orders are not guaranteed. CCTA involves IV contrast. Not for emergency symptoms.
Emergency Warning: Patients with chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, stroke-like symptoms, severe weakness, new neurologic symptoms, severe allergic reaction, or symptoms concerning for a heart attack or emergency should call 911 or go to the emergency room. These pages are for non-emergency provider-review requests only.
What Is a Coronary CTA?
Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is a non-invasive cardiac imaging study that uses iodinated IV contrast and computed tomography to visualize the coronary arteries. Unlike a calcium score — which only detects calcified plaque — CCTA shows both calcified and non-calcified plaque, coronary anatomy, and potential blockages or stenosis.
CCTA may be appropriate for patients with intermediate cardiovascular risk, atypical chest pain, family history of premature coronary disease, elevated cholesterol or Lp(a), or equivocal stress test results. A licensed provider must review each request individually to determine if CCTA is medically appropriate.
CCTA Safety Considerations
CCTA commonly involves IV contrast and may require kidney function/eGFR review, contrast allergy screening, medication review, and facility-specific heart-rate or rhythm protocols. Do not use this page for scan preparation instructions — always follow your imaging facility's specific protocols.
IV Contrast
CCTA requires iodinated IV contrast to visualize coronary arteries. Contrast allergy history is reviewed.
Kidney Function / eGFR
Facilities often require a recent eGFR or creatinine to assess kidney function before contrast administration.
Medication Review
Certain medications, including metformin, may require management before contrast-enhanced CT. Provider reviews medication list.
Heart Rate / Rhythm
Facility-specific protocols may require heart-rate control (e.g., beta-blockers) before CCTA for optimal image quality.
What the Provider Reviews
Age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors
10-year ASCVD risk assessment
Family history of premature coronary disease
Cholesterol, ApoB, and Lp(a) history
Prior cardiac evaluations or imaging
Current medications (statins, aspirin, metformin)
Kidney function / eGFR (for contrast safety)
Contrast allergy history
Heart rate and rhythm considerations
Symptoms (if any) and clinical presentation
How It Works
Complete Intake
Submit a brief online intake with your symptoms, history, risk factors, and the study you are requesting.
Licensed Provider Review
A licensed provider reviews your request, medical history, symptoms, and relevant risk factors.
Order Issued If Appropriate
If medically appropriate, an order is issued within 1 business day. This is an independent clinical review — not a rubber stamp.
Order Sent To Your Facility
You may take the order to the imaging center or facility of your choice, subject to facility acceptance policies.
Your Facility of Choice: If an order is issued, it may be sent to the imaging center, lab, or diagnostic facility selected by the patient, subject to facility policies. DOD is not affiliated with any specific imaging facility.
DOD serves patients in 36 U.S. states including AZ, CO, CT, FL, MD, MA, NV, NY, OR, UT, WA, and more. Patients must be physically located in a supported state during the virtual visit. Check state availability →
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: Diagnostic Orders Direct is not an imaging center, laboratory, cardiology practice, radiology interpretation group, emergency service, or replacement for ongoing primary care or specialist care. Orders are not guaranteed. All requests are reviewed by licensed providers and are issued only when medically appropriate based on patient history, symptoms, risk factors, requested study, safety considerations, state availability, and provider judgment. Facility acceptance of any order is subject to the facility's policies.
Ready to Get Started?
$40 virtual provider review. Orders issued only when medically appropriate.
Orders are not guaranteed. Issued only when medically appropriate per provider judgment.