Prepare for Your Imaging Appointment

1. Confirm your appointment

Check the examination, location, date and arrival time. Read the address on your confirmation rather than assuming every study is performed at every center. Call if the appointment details differ from the order your clinician gave you.

Tell us about implants, kidney conditions or pregnancy

For MRI or CT, tell our team about metal, implanted devices, shunts or stents. Bring your implant identification card or device records if available. For MRI, the team must check the device’s specific scanning conditions; having an implant does not automatically rule out a scan.

Tell the team about kidney disease, dialysis or a previous contrast reaction before an examination that may use contrast. The team will advise whether records or blood tests are needed. Do not stop medicine or change fluid intake without instructions.

If you are pregnant, could be pregnant or are unsure, tell scheduling before your visit. Your referring clinician and imaging team will review the examination and contrast plan. A screening answer does not automatically approve or cancel an examination.

2. Keep these items together

• Your imaging order and identification.
• Your insurance card, if you are using insurance.
• Previous images or reports requested by the team.
• Implant or medical-device identification, if relevant to your study.
• Any written preparation instructions or estimate you received.

3. Follow the instructions for your study

Preparation differs between MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-ray, and between individual examinations. Confirm food, drink and medicine instructions with the team. Do not use a general guide to override instructions given for your appointment.

4. Tell us what would help

Call in advance about accessibility, positioning, language assistance or anxiety. If medication or a driver is needed, agree on arrangements before appointment day. Ask about transportation assistance availability rather than assuming a ride is included.

5. Arrange your results follow-up

Ask who will receive the report and how to arrange your clinician follow-up. If you need a copy of your images, our records team can explain the release process.

Prepare for your specific modality

For MRI, provide implant or device details in advance and ask about any contrast instructions. For CT, confirm whether oral or injected contrast is part of the appointment and whether preparation begins before arrival. Ultrasound instructions vary: the team may request fasting, a full bladder or another preparation depending on the body region. For X-ray, bring the doctor’s order and confirm the requested views.

If preparation conflicts with a medical condition or your regular treatment, call the team for clarification. Do not guess, skip prescribed medicine or apply instructions from another person’s examination. Visit the service directory for guidance on the study named on your order.

If your plans or order change

Contact scheduling if your doctor changes the examination, contrast instructions or body region. The center may need to review the time, preparation and estimate. Tell the team if you cannot attend, need a different location or have developed a new issue relevant to the scan. Confirm the revised details before traveling, including whether the office has received the updated order.