What is a coronary artery calcium score?

A coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a CT scan of the heart — without contrast dye injection — that measures calcium deposits in the walls of the coronary arteries. Calcium in arteries indicates atherosclerosis (plaque buildup). The result is expressed as an Agatston score — the higher the score, the more calcification, and generally the higher the risk of a future cardiac event. A score of zero means no detectable calcium.

What does my calcium score mean?

Agatston score interpretation: 0 = no detectable calcium — very low short-term risk; 1–99 = mild calcification — moderate risk; 100–299 = moderate calcification — moderately elevated risk; 300 or above = severe calcification — high risk; 400+ = very high risk. A score of zero in an adult does not mean zero lifetime risk, but is reassuring in the short term. A high score does not mean you will have a heart attack, but it informs risk management decisions.

Does Medicare cover a calcium score in Australia?

No. There is currently no Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item for coronary artery calcium scoring in Australia. It is an entirely out-of-pocket expense, typically costing $100–$250 privately depending on the provider and location. This is different from CT coronary angiography (CTCA, item 57360), which uses contrast dye, requires specialist referral, is for symptomatic patients, and does attract a Medicare rebate.

Is a calcium score the same as a CT coronary angiogram?

No. They are different tests. A calcium score is a quick, non-contrast CT that only detects calcium — it does not show the inside of arteries. A CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) uses contrast dye injected into a vein, images the actual coronary artery lumen, and shows whether arteries are narrowed. CTCA requires specialist referral, is for patients with cardiac symptoms, and is covered by Medicare (item 57360). A calcium score can be done without a specialist referral at most private radiology centres.

What Is a Calcium Score (CAC Scan)?

What is it?

A coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan is a quick CT scan of the heart — no needles, no contrast dye, no fasting required. It takes about 10 minutes. The scan detects calcium deposits in the walls of the coronary arteries (the vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle).

Calcium in artery walls is a marker of atherosclerosis — the gradual buildup of plaque that can eventually narrow or block arteries. The result is expressed as an Agatston score. A score of zero means no detectable calcium was found.

What does my score mean?

Agatston score	Calcium level	Approximate risk implication
0	No detectable calcium	Very low short-term risk — reassuring but does not rule out soft (non-calcified) plaque
1–99	Mild calcification	Mildly elevated risk — lifestyle and risk factor management
100–299	Moderate calcification	Moderately elevated risk — statin therapy often considered
300–399	Severe calcification	High risk — active management of all cardiovascular risk factors
400+	Very extensive	Very high risk — intensive risk factor management, consider specialist review

These are general risk categories. Your GP interprets your score alongside your age, sex, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking status, and family history. A score of zero in an older person with many risk factors may still warrant treatment. A score of 100 in a 40-year-old is more concerning than in a 70-year-old.

⚠️ No Medicare rebate in Australia

There is currently no MBS item for coronary artery calcium scoring in Australia. The cost is entirely out of pocket. Typical private costs range from $100–$250 depending on the provider and location — some metropolitan radiology centres advertise it as low as $100–$120 self-referred.

MSAC (Medical Services Advisory Committee) has reviewed CAC scoring. As of March 2026 it remains unfunded. Your GP can still request the test and it is widely available privately. Some private health insurers cover it — check your extras cover.

Calcium score vs CT coronary angiogram — what's the difference?

	Calcium score (CAC)	CT coronary angiogram (CTCA, item 57360)
Contrast dye?	No	Yes — IV injection required
What it shows	Calcium deposits in artery walls	Inside of coronary arteries — stenosis, plaques
Referral required	GP can request directly	Must be requested by specialist or physician
For whom	Risk stratification in intermediate-risk, asymptomatic or borderline patients	Symptomatic patients with suspected cardiac ischaemia (low-intermediate risk of acute event)
Medicare rebate (AU)	No — fully private	Yes — 75% of $787.60
Typical cost (AU)	$100–$250 out of pocket	Your gap after Medicare, typically $200–$400+

Coverage by country

🇦🇺 Australia — no MBS item

Fully private, $100–$250 typically. Available at most major private radiology centres without specialist referral. GP can request. Some private health insurers cover under extras. Verify with your insurer before booking.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom — NHS

Calcium scoring is not routinely funded by NHS for general risk assessment. Available privately (typically £100–£200). NICE does not currently recommend it as a standard screening tool. Some NHS cardiac pathways include it for specific indications.

🇺🇸 United States (reference)

Widely used for cardiovascular risk reclassification. ACC/AHA guidelines recommend CAC scoring in intermediate-risk patients (7.5–20% 10-year risk) where the decision to start statin therapy is uncertain. Generally not covered by insurance for screening purposes — typically USD $100–$200 privately.

🇨🇦 Canada / 🇳🇿 New Zealand

Not currently funded by public health systems for routine cardiovascular risk assessment. Available privately at radiology centres. Cost varies by province/region.

Coronary Artery Calcium Score

What is it?

What does my score mean?

⚠️ No Medicare rebate in Australia

Calcium score vs CT coronary angiogram — what's the difference?