Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following CAT (computed axial tomography) scan-related questions:

1. Why do you recommend that I have a CAT scan?
   
   
2. Why is a CAT scan better for me than another type of test, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?
   
   
3. What type of CAT scan will I have?
   
   
4. Can you explain the procedure to me in detail?
   
   
5. What information will my CAT scan provide?
   
   
6. Will the CAT scan cause me any pain or discomfort?
   
   
7. How should I prepare for my CAT scan?
   
   
8. Will I need to have a contrast medium injected into me prior to the CAT scan?
   
   
9. Why is it important for me to remain still during the CAT scan?
   
   
10. What follow-up tests will I have to have after the CAT scan?