In-Office CT Scanner in Austin, TX
Answers without the wait. Capital ENT's in-office low-dose CT scanner provides instant, same-visit sinus and ENT imaging, so your physician can see exactly what's happening and make treatment decisions on the spot, without sending you to a separate imaging center.
Why In-Office CT Scanning Changes ENT Care
Quick Answer: Why would an ENT order an in-office CT scan?
An in-office CT scan gives your ENT a detailed view of the sinuses and nasal anatomy when symptoms, nasal endoscopy, or treatment history suggest chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, structural blockage, or surgical planning needs. It is not needed for every visit, but when imaging is appropriate it can help patients leave the same appointment with a clearer diagnosis and treatment plan.
CT imaging of the sinuses and nasal cavity is essential for evaluating chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, anatomical obstruction, and other ENT conditions, but traditionally getting a CT scan meant a separate appointment at an imaging center, followed by a wait of days or weeks to get results back.
With our in-office low-dose CT scanner, we can obtain high-quality sinus and ENT imaging right in the office during your visit. Your physician reviews the images immediately and discusses findings with you on the spot, dramatically accelerating the diagnostic process and enabling faster, more confident treatment decisions.
- Same-visit imaging: no separate imaging center appointment needed
- Low radiation dose, specifically designed for ENT use
- Results reviewed by your physician immediately
- Faster diagnosis and earlier treatment initiation
- Available at our Austin and Lakeway locations
Conditions Evaluated With In-Office CT
Chronic Sinusitis & Sinus Anatomy
CT is the key imaging test for chronic sinusitis and for planning surgery. It reveals the extent of sinus opacification, identifies anatomical variants (concha bullosa, Haller cells, deviated septum) that predispose to obstruction, shows where drainage pathways are blocked, and guides surgical planning for functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Same-visit CT allows your surgeon to review anatomy and discuss the full treatment plan in a single appointment.
Request EvaluationNasal Obstruction & Septal Anatomy
For patients with chronic nasal obstruction, CT imaging reveals the bony and cartilaginous anatomy of the nasal septum, the size and position of the turbinates, and whether there is associated sinus disease. This information allows surgeons to plan septoplasty and turbinate reduction procedures with precision (knowing exactly what anatomy they will encounter) and to counsel patients on what to expect before surgery.
Request EvaluationNasal Polyps & Masses
CT imaging is essential for evaluating the extent of nasal polyp disease, showing whether polyps have filled the sinuses, whether they extend beyond the sinonasal cavity, and where they are anatomically located. For any nasal mass (not just polyps), CT imaging, sometimes along with MRI, is used to characterize the lesion and guide surgical planning. In-office CT allows the physician to counsel patients on findings and treatment options in real time.
Request EvaluationENT-Optimized CT Technology
Our in-office scanner is the Xoran MiniCAT 2020, a cone beam CT designed specifically for ENT imaging. It provides the high-resolution sinus and nasal images needed for clinical decision-making at an effective dose of about 0.09 to 0.17 mSv per scan, according to the manufacturer. That is less than a tenth of the roughly 2.0 mSv of a conventional head CT, and less than the 0.26 mSv most people receive from one month of natural background radiation (Xoran radiation dose data).
The scan takes only seconds and patients simply sit or stand in position, with no gantry to slide into, no loud noise, and no IV contrast required. Results are available within minutes and reviewed by your ENT physician before you leave the office.
Schedule a ConsultationIn-Office CT Scan
Austin & Lakeway
- Scan takes only seconds, completely painless
- Low-dose cone beam technology designed for ENT
- No IV contrast, no gantry to slide into, no loud noise
- Images reviewed by your ENT before you leave
- Same-visit diagnosis and treatment planning
Faster Answers. Better Care.
The traditional ENT imaging pathway often involved a referral to radiology, a wait of days to weeks for an imaging appointment, a further wait for the radiologist report, and then another visit to discuss findings. This delay slows treatment and frustrates patients already suffering from chronic symptoms.
In-office CT eliminates these delays. Your ENT physician obtains imaging during your visit, reviews it immediately, and discusses findings and treatment options in the same appointment. Patients leave with answers (and a treatment plan) instead of waiting weeks for next steps.
- No separate imaging center appointment or scheduling wait
- Physician reviews images during your visit
- Treatment decisions made in the same appointment
- Low-dose technology, minimizing radiation exposure
- Especially valuable for surgical planning conversations
Your In-Office CT Experience at Capital ENT
During Your Appointment
If CT imaging is indicated, the scan is performed during your office visit. The scan takes only seconds and is completely painless; you simply sit or stand in position while the device captures images.
Seconds to ScanImmediate Review
Your ENT physician reviews the CT images with you during the same appointment, pointing out findings, explaining what they mean, and using the images to guide the treatment conversation.
Same-Visit DiscussionTreatment Plan Same Day
Because imaging and review happen in one visit, your treatment plan can be finalized immediately (whether that means medication, a procedure, or surgical scheduling) without additional delays.
No Unnecessary DelaysAustin & Lakeway
Our in-office CT scanner is available at both our Austin and Lakeway offices. Ask our team whether CT imaging will be performed at your appointment when scheduling.
Austin & LakewayIn-Office CT Scanner FAQ
Our in-office CT, the Xoran MiniCAT 2020, uses cone beam technology designed specifically for ENT imaging. The manufacturer reports an effective dose of about 0.09 to 0.17 mSv per scan, less than a tenth of the roughly 2.0 mSv of a conventional head CT and less than one month of natural background radiation (about 0.26 mSv). Please let our team know if you are or might be pregnant before any scan. The scan is used only when clinically indicated and the diagnostic benefit clearly outweighs the minimal radiation exposure.
CT imaging performed for clinically indicated ENT conditions is covered by most major insurance plans, subject to deductibles and cost-sharing. Our billing team will verify your coverage. If you have questions about the cost of CT imaging, please ask when scheduling your appointment so we can provide an estimate.
No, CT imaging is only performed when clinically indicated. For straightforward ENT complaints, a thorough history and endoscopic examination are often sufficient. CT is most commonly used when chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, significant anatomical obstruction, or pre-surgical planning are involved. Your ENT provider will discuss whether CT imaging is appropriate for your specific situation.
Get Answers at Your First Visit
With our in-office CT scanner, you can often leave your appointment with a clearer diagnosis and treatment plan in hand. Schedule your consultation today.