Patient PET Landing
OCD Outpatient Cardiovascular Diagnostics
Cardiac PET Stress Test · Stony Brook, NY
The most accurate non-invasive test for heart disease.
If your cardiologist has recommended a PET stress test, we offer it on Long Island — without the trip to Manhattan.
01 What it is
A clearer look at the blood flow to your heart.
A cardiac PET stress test uses a small amount of a short-lived radiotracer and a specialized scanner to create detailed images of how blood flows to your heart muscle — both while you’re resting and during a brief, medication-induced stress.
Unlike older tests, cardiac PET measures the actual amount of blood reaching each region of your heart, not just relative differences between walls. This makes it especially good at catching disease that other tests can miss.
PET caught it.
A coronary angiogram confirmed it.
02 How it compares
PET vs. the older nuclear stress test (SPECT).
Many patients have had a SPECT nuclear stress test before. Cardiac PET is the next generation: sharper images, less radiation, shorter visit, and a measurement of absolute blood flow that older tests can’t provide.
| SPECT | PET | |
|---|---|---|
| Image clarity | Standard | 2–3× sharper |
| Radiation dose | 8–12 mSv | 2–4 mSv |
| Total visit time | 3–4 hours | 60–90 minutes |
| Detects “balanced” disease | Often missed | Yes |
| Measures actual blood flow | No | Yes |
03 What to expect
Your visit, step by step.
You’ll be at our Stony Brook center for about 60 to 90 minutes. Here’s what happens, from arrival to results.
No caffeine for 24 hours — including coffee, tea, chocolate, soda, and decaf. Fast for 4 hours before your appointment.
Check in at our Stony Brook center. A technologist will place a small IV in your arm.
You’ll lie comfortably on the imaging table. A small dose of radiotracer is given and the scanner takes pictures at rest. About 5–7 minutes.
A medication called Regadenoson is given through the IV. It briefly opens up the coronary arteries, mimicking the effect of exercise.
The scanner takes a second set of images during the stress phase showing exactly how each part of your heart is supplied with blood.
The study is interpreted on-site by a board-certified cardiologist and reported to your referring physician within 24 hours.
04 Why this center
Built for one job, done well.
We are a dedicated outpatient cardiovascular diagnostics center. We don’t treat patients — we test, and we send the results back to your doctor.
We don’t compete with your doctor. Your cardiologist continues to lead your care.
Long Island location — no trip to Manhattan. Open Monday–Sunday, 7 AM to 8 PM.
Most studies are interpreted and reported within 24 hours.
Our team handles the insurance prior authorization for you.
When you call (631) 354-9445, a real person answers. No menus, no robots.
For patients who can’t drive themselves, we offer complimentary pickup and drop-off — keeping access simple, safe, and stress-free. Ask about it when you call to schedule.
05 Insurance & cost
Most insurance accepted, including Medicare.
Cardiac PET imaging is covered by Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans (including AARP UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna Medicare) when ordered for an appropriate clinical reason. Most commercial plans also cover it — including BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Empire, Healthfirst, Oxford, GHI, and Fidelis.
Before your appointment, we verify your benefits and confirm any expected out-of-pocket cost with you. If you have a high-deductible plan or need to discuss self-pay options, call (631) 354-9445.
06 Common questions
What patients usually ask.
Yes. Cardiac PET has been performed for decades. The radiotracer (Rubidium-82) has an extremely short half-life — 76 seconds — meaning the radiation clears your body very quickly.
Cardiac PET uses 2 to 4 mSv — less than half of a SPECT test (8–12 mSv), and less than a chest CT scan (about 7 mSv).
No. Cardiac PET uses a medication called Regadenoson to mimic the effect of exercise. This makes the test possible for patients with arthritis, back pain, COPD, or general deconditioning.
Most studies are interpreted by a board-certified cardiologist on the same day and faxed to your referring physician within 24 hours.
Yes. There are no driving restrictions after a cardiac PET stress test. You can return to normal activities immediately.
Most insurance plans cover cardiac PET when ordered for an appropriate clinical reason. We verify your specific benefits before scheduling and tell you the expected out-of-pocket cost honestly, in advance. If your plan doesn’t cover it, we can discuss self-pay options. Call (631) 354-9445 to talk through your situation.
Most patients are scheduled within a week, sometimes the same week. If urgent, let us know when you call and we’ll prioritize accordingly.
Ready to schedule
Call us. We’ll handle the rest.
One phone call gets your insurance verified, your appointment scheduled, and your doctor’s referral confirmed. Most patients are seen within the week.
OCD Outpatient Cardiovascular Diagnostics
2500 Nesconset Hwy, Building 10A
Stony Brook, NY 11790
Open Monday – Sunday, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Cardiac PET imaging requires a physician’s order. If you are experiencing chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
© 2026 New York Comprehensive Medical Care. All rights reserved. HIPAA-compliant orders, results, and communication.