Why the diagnostic estimate should be case-specific
For an international self-pay patient, the useful question is not only the scanner price. The center first needs to confirm the clinical indication and the exact examination protocol. UKE describes international-patient estimates as being prepared from the medical plan and applicable German billing rules before prepayment and appointment confirmation.
- Clinical indication and specialist review
- Exact imaging protocol
- Tracer or contrast material when required
- Additional laboratory tests or preparation
- Image interpretation and written report
- Consultation or multidisciplinary review when included
CCTA is a dedicated cardiac CT protocol
Coronary CT angiography is not the same as a routine chest CT. DHZC uses dedicated cardiovascular CT to visualize the coronary vessels and other cardiac structures. The quotation should therefore explicitly state coronary CT angiography rather than only 'CT chest' or 'cardiac CT'.
Contrast and heart-rate preparation affect the pathway
CCTA usually requires iodinated contrast and image quality can depend on heart rate and rhythm. The center may request kidney-function and thyroid information and may use heart-rate or vasodilator medication according to its protocol. Medication changes should only follow the imaging team's instructions.
What to ask the CCTA quotation to include
Clarify the exact scope before comparing prices.
- Dedicated coronary CT angiography
- Iodinated contrast material
- Calcium scoring if part of the planned protocol
- Heart-rate preparation or monitoring
- Kidney-function or thyroid laboratory tests when required
- Cardiovascular radiology/cardiology interpretation
- Written report and image files
- Any follow-up consultation included in the estimate
An abnormal CCTA can create a second diagnostic episode
If CCTA identifies significant or uncertain coronary disease, the next step may be functional imaging or invasive coronary angiography. Those later tests are not automatically included in the original CT quotation, so international patients should ask what happens if additional evaluation is recommended.
Official sources
Last source-reviewed 2026-08-30. Cost procedures and published service fees can change, so confirm current terms directly with the provider before transferring money or booking travel.