Study of Free and Low-Cost Coronary Artery Calcium Screening for Heart Disease Risk at University Hospitals

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the impact of a no-charge calcium score screening program on cardiovascular disease risk assessment and related medical practices. Cardiovascular disease prevention often relies on risk scores to guide treatment, but recent reviews show uncertainty about their effectiveness. Coronary artery calcium CAC scoring is a strong risk marker, yet its use is limited due to cost and reimbursement barriers. This study explores whether offering CAC scans for free increases use and affects physician decisions. The study compares two groups of patients undergoing CAC screening one group receiving the test at a low charge of 99, and another group receiving the test at no cost. University Hospitals began providing the no-charge CAC test in 2017 to improve access. The study observes how these pricing differences influence downstream medical decisions such as statin prescriptions and further testing. Participants receive a CAC CT scan and are then monitored for one year to track outcomes including statin prescriptions, non-invasive and invasive coronary ischemia testing, and coronary revascularization procedures. The study includes adults aged 18 to 100 who had a CAC scan at University Hospitals from January 2014 onward. Researchers evaluate how the cost of CAC testing affects screening uptake and subsequent cardiovascular care over the study period.

Community Benefit of No-charge Calcium Score Screening Program