Do you have a radiology appointment coming up? Not sure what to expect?

Take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and read the following.

We want you to feel informed and at ease before, during, and after your visit.

So, here’s a simple guide about what you need to know to prepare for your first radiology appointment.

What is a Radiology Appointment?

A radiology appointment is when you visit an imaging center like Midtown Medical Imaging to get pictures of the inside of your body.

These images help your doctor diagnose a health problem or monitor an existing one.

Types of Radiology Exams

There are many types of radiology exams, each designed to provide a unique view of inside your body.

  • MRI Scan. An MRI creates detailed pictures of your organs and tissues using magnets and radio waves.
  • CT Scan. A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed body images. It is especially helpful for examining bones and organs.
  • X-Ray Procedure. An X-ray is a quick, painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to create images of your bones.
  • Ultrasound Appointment. An ultrasound uses gentle sound waves to create images of your organs. It’s often used during pregnancy but can also help doctors diagnose other conditions.

If you have any questions about a specific type of imaging exam, feel free to ask us!

Now, let’s get you ready for the appointment.

What to Do Before Your Radiology Appointment?

  • Confirm the Details. Double-check the date, time, and location of your appointment. If you have any questions, call us – we’re always happy to help!
  • Know Your Insurance. Call your insurance company to learn what your plan covers and what your out-of-pocket costs might be.
  • Ask Questions. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or the technologist any questions about the procedure. We want you to feel comfortable and informed.
  • Follow Instructions. If you need to fast or stop taking certain medications before your appointment, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Depending on the procedure, food or medicines can impact how your body reacts or what the results show. So, it’s crucial to follow this rule.
  • Arrive Early. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the paperwork and get settled before your appointment.

What to Bring to Your Radiology Appointment?

  • Your Doctor’s Order. This is the most important thing! It tells us what type of imaging you need and why.
  • Insurance Card and ID. If you have insurance, bring your card so we can verify your coverage. You’ll also need to show your ID to confirm your identity.
  • List of Medications. Tell us about your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter meds, vitamins, and supplements. This helps us make sure the imaging procedure is safe for you.
  • Previous Imaging Results. If you’ve had similar imaging done before, like an MRI scan, CT scan, or X-ray, bring them to the appointment. This information can help your doctor in making a more accurate diagnosis.
  • Comfortable Clothing. You might need to change into a gown, but wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to your appointment makes things easier.

What to Expect During Your Radiology Appointment?

Your first visit will usually start with some paperwork. We’ll ask for your insurance information and medical history.

Then, a friendly technologist will take you to the imaging room, explain the procedure, and answer any questions you have.

For some scans, changing into a gown and removing metal items may be necessary. We have private changing rooms available.

The technologist will position you for the scan and operate the machine. Depending on the type of exam, you might lie on a table or stand in a specific position. Most radiology procedures are painless, but some may require you to hold still for a short time.

We’ll do our best to make you comfortable.

What to Expect After Your Radiology Appointment?

After the scan, the technologist will let you know if you need to follow any special instructions and when to expect your results.

But as most radiology exams are quick and painless, you can usually resume your normal activities immediately.

After your appointment, one of our board-certified radiologists will review your images. They’ll create a detailed report for your doctor, who will discuss the results with you.

Ready to Book a Radiology Appointment?

Our team is here to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.

Medical imaging can be a little nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time. But at Midtown Medical Imaging, we want all our patients to feel comfortable and reassured in our environment.

Please contact us if you’re ready to schedule your radiology appointment or have any questions.

Get in touch to schedule your radiology appointment today!

Disclaimer:

This blog is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal medical concerns. Midtown Medical Imaging isn’t responsible for any actions taken based on this blog’s content.