Need an Order for a Self-Pay Heart Scan?
Found the scan. Need the order first? If you found a cash-pay imaging facility offering a CAC score, CCTA, or coronary plaque analysis but they require a provider order, start with a $40 virtual provider review from DOD.
Orders are not guaranteed. $40 review fee does not include imaging costs.
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.
Found the Scan. Need the Order First.
Many patients discover cash-pay imaging facilities that offer affordable cardiac screening — CAC scores for $50–$150, CCTA at a fraction of hospital rates. But when they call to schedule, the facility says: "We need a provider order first."
If your primary care doctor isn't available, isn't comfortable issuing cardiac imaging orders, or you don't have a PCP, DOD provides an independent $40 virtual provider review. If medically appropriate, an order may be issued that you can take to the self-pay facility of your choice.
DOD's $40 review fee covers the provider consultation only. Imaging center, radiologist, contrast, and facility fees are separate and set by your chosen facility. DOD is not an imaging center.
Self-Pay Cardiac Imaging Order Options
CAC Score (Calcium Score)
Non-contrast CT that quantifies calcified plaque. Often the most affordable self-pay cardiac screening option ($50–$150).
CCTA (Coronary CTA)
Contrast-enhanced CT showing coronary anatomy and both calcified/non-calcified plaque. Self-pay ranges vary ($200–$800).
Coronary Plaque Analysis
Post-processing analysis of CCTA data. Requires a completed CCTA. DOD does not perform or interpret plaque analysis.
What the Provider Reviews
Age and cardiovascular risk profile
Family history of premature coronary disease
Cholesterol, ApoB, and Lp(a) if available
Blood pressure and diabetes history
Smoking history
Current medications
Whether the self-pay study is medically appropriate
Safety considerations (contrast, eGFR, allergies)
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.