Frequently Asked Questions for Patients
1. Do I need an order or referral from a doctor or chiropractor?
Yes. An order is a written referral from your referring physician / provider or chiropractor and is required prior to scheduling your exam/appointment.
2. Can I use my order that was made out to an alternate imaging company?
Yes, patients often choose to use Precise Imaging over other imaging facilities.
3. Can I use an out-of-state order?
Yes, you can use an out-of-state order. We will just need the physician’s name, address, phone, fax or email, and NPI number.
4. Can I use an out-of-country order?
Yes, we will just need the physician’s name, address, phone, fax or email, and NPI number.
5. How long is the referral good for?
Most orders are good for one year.
6. Can I self refer?
No. An order is a written referral from your referring physician or chiropractor and is required prior to scheduling your exam/appointment.
7. How do I send a referral / RX?
If the referring physician provided the referral/RX to you, you may email us the referral to [email protected] or text a picture of the referral to 818-629-1169.
8. How do I schedule an appointment?
To schedule an appointment please contact the scheduling department at 818-629-1169.
9. How do I reschedule my appointment?
To re-schedule an appointment, contact the scheduling department at 818-629-1169. You can also text us that you are canceling your appointment. Please provide 3 new dates and times that work for you so we can reschedule you.
10. What date or time is my appointment?
Appointment reminders will be sent via text message with your appointment date and time.
11. Where is my appointment?
Appointment reminders will be sent via text message with your appointment address.
12. How early do I need to arrive?
Typically you need to arrive 15-20 minutes before your appointment time. We will send a text message that will include the time you should arrive.
13. What location or facility is near me? Do you have a facility list?
You can view all of our locations/facilities at www.precisemri.com/locations.
14. Do I have to schedule an appointment for my X-RAY?
Most locations allow X-RAYS on a walk-in basis, which means you can simply walk in during operating hours with your referral and have your X-RAY exam performed right away. Check which locations offer walk-ins.
15. How do patients receive instructions for preparation before their imaging?
We will send you a text message 3 days before your exam with details on how to prepare for your exam, the time, and location. We will send an additional reminder the day before as well.
16. Can I bring my child with me?
Our staff is unable to watch your child during your appointment. Please make sure to have an adult with you to watch your child during your exam.
17. Can I text or send you an SMS message?
Yes, we accept text messages. You can chat with us at 800-558-2223.
1. Will I be exposed to radiation?
Yes, X-rays use a small amount of radiation to create images of your body, but the risk is generally low.
2. Can I bring someone with me during the X-ray?
Usually, visitors are not allowed in the X-ray room to avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation.
3. What should I wear to an X-ray appointment?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may be asked to change into a gown for certain types of X-ray exams.
4. What if I'm pregnant or could be pregnant?
Always inform your technician or doctor if there is any possibility that you are pregnant before having an X-ray.
5. What is an X-Ray?
An X-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images of the structures inside your body, particularly your bones.
6. How long does an X-ray take?
Most X-rays are completed within a few minutes, depending on the area being examined.
7. Is an X-ray painful?
No, an X-ray itself is painless. Some positions you might need to hold during the test could be uncomfortable.
8. Can I eat or drink before an X-ray?
Yes, you can eat and drink as normal before most X-ray exams unless you are told otherwise by your doctor.
9. Do I need to prepare for an X-ray?
Generally, no special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to remove jewelry or wear a hospital gown.
10. What are your hours for X-Ray exams?
Each location will vary. Some are even open on nights and weekends. Please visit the locations page to view hours and services.
11. How long is the wait for walk-in X-rays?
We use digital X-Rays which greatly increases the speed of X-Ray exams. Wait time should be very minimal.
1. What is a CT scan?
A CT or CAT scan is a diagnostic medical test that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images, or scans, of the inside of the body.
2. Is there a difference between a CT scan and a CAT Scan?
Nothing. They are the same thing.
3. What does CT or CAT stand for?
Computed Tomography.
4. How should I prepare for a CT scan?
Preparation can vary depending on the type of scan. Generally, you might be asked to fast for a few hours if a contrast dye is to be used and to remove any metal objects.
5. Can I eat or drink before a CT scan?
You should follow your doctor’s instructions; typically, you may be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the scan if a contrast material is to be used.
6. Is a CT scan painful?
No, a CT scan is a painless procedure. However, you might experience some discomfort from lying still during the scan or from the placement of an IV if contrast is used.
7. How long does a CT scan take?
A CT scan is generally quick, ranging from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the area being scanned and the number of images needed.
8. What is contrast, and why might I need it?
Contrast is a special dye that can help improve the clarity of the images. It may be given orally or intravenously, depending on the type of scan. For CT scans, contrast is iodine-based.
9. Will I be exposed to radiation?
Yes, CT scans use X-rays, which causes radiation exposure. It is generally considered safe, but always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or may be so.
10. What if I'm allergic to the contrast material?
If you’ve had a prior reaction to contrast dye or have allergies to iodine or seafood, inform your doctor. Alternative contrast or pre-medication may be considered.
11. Can I take my regular medications before a CT scan?
Usually, you can continue taking your regular medications, but some may need to be stopped before the scan. Always check with your doctor.
12.
1. How do I get my report?
Once your report is ready, we will email/fax the report to your referring physician. Please call us at 800-5558-2223 or you may request a copy via email at records@precisemri.com
2. Can I get my images and/or report on a CD?
During your exam a CD will be provided to you. If you need another CD, please fill out the records release form.
3. Can a family member/friend pick up my records?
Yes, as long as you list them on your records release form. They will also need to provide a valid ID.
4. Will the radiologist call me to go over the results?
No, the radiologist reviews your images and generates a final report. The final report is then sent to your referring provider, who will discuss the results with you.
5. How long does it take to get my report?
They try to expedite all reports to your referring provider within 24-72 hours.
6. Will you send my report to my referring provider?
Yes, as soon as we get the report from the radiologist we will fax or email the report to your referring provider.
7. Can you send the report to my primary physician?
To have reports sent to a physician or provider (other than the one who ordered the study), please email [email protected] or call 800-558-2223.
1. What locations have an Open MRI?
We have several locations with Open MRI’s as well as wider bore closed MRI’s that are more comfortable for claustrophobic patients.
2. Can I get an MRI if I have piercings?
Yes, simply remove your piercings prior to your exam. If you cannot remove them, notify the technologist performing the exam and they will instruct you further.
3. Can I listen to music or watch a show during the MRI?
Some locations are equipped with MRI-safe headphones or monitors. You cannot bring your own devices into the MRI exam room.
4. What is the difference between an MRI and a CT?
CT scans and MRIs are both imaging tools used in medical diagnostics, but they use different technologies and are suited for different situations.
5. What type of contrast is used for an MRI?
MRI contrast is gadolinium based. These contrast agents improve the visibility of internal body structures during an MRI.
6. What is an MRI?
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a diagnostic procedure using a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues.
7. How should I prepare for an MRI?
The most important things to prepare for an MRI are:
- Wear comfortable clothing
- You may be asked to change into a gown if the clothing is not suitable
- Use the restroom just prior to the exam
- Remove all jewelry and metal items such as hair clips, hearing aids, dentures, watches, phones
- Tell the technologist if you have ever worked with metal such as car shops, grinding, welding, etc.
8. Can I eat or drink before an MRI?
Yes, unless your doctor has provided additional instructions (such as fasting before a specific exam or contrast injection).
Precise Imaging
9. Will I need to change into a hospital gown?
Yes, you may be asked to change into a gown to avoid interference from metallic objects like zippers or buttons.
10. How long does an MRI take?
An MRI can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on the part of the body being imaged and the number of images needed. If you move during the MRI, certain images may need to be redone, increasing scan time.
11. Is an MRI painful?
No, the MRI procedure itself is painless. However, staying still for a long period might be slightly uncomfortable.
12. Can I have an MRI with metal implants?
Some metal implants can interfere with the MRI machine. Always inform your doctor, scheduling department, or technologist about any metal implants so they can assess if it’s safe for you to have an MRI.
13. Will I hear noise during the MRI?
Yes, MRIs are known for loud knocking or thumping noises during the procedure. You will likely be offered earplugs or headphones to help reduce the noise.
1. I am not sure if I can handle an MRI, what does the machine look like?
You can view pictures of every service on their site.
2. Is there a patient portal I can use to digitally fill out all my forms, view images and reports?
Yes, most forms such as uploading ID, signing liens, screening questions can be filled out digitally via the patient portal. You can also view your exam details — time, location, reports, images.
3. I lost my driver’s license or photo ID, can I still have my exam performed?
Yes — bring an alternate ID that has a photo of you (e.g. passport, school ID, gym ID). If your ID is already on file, you may not need to bring it. You can upload your ID ahead of time on the patient portal.
4. How long will my exam be?
It depends on the type of exam, machine, and body part. When scheduling your appointment, you can verify the actual exam time.
5. Can I bring my service or emotional support animal?
Yes, but the animal cannot go into the exam room. You must bring someone to watch them.
6. Do you provide transportation?
No, they do not provide transportation.
7. Are you open nights or weekends?
Yes, many facilities are open at night or on weekends. Please check the locations page for specific hours.
8. Are you closed during lunch time?
Some offices close during lunch time. Please check the locations page for details.
9. Where can I find a list of locations and site hours?
Please check the locations page to view a full list of facilities, services, and hours.
10. Is there a weight limit for my exam?
Weight limits vary by location and exam. Please check the locations page for specific limits or call scheduling for guidance at 800-558-2223. You can also text.
1. How can I apply for a job with Precise Imaging?
Please visit their open jobs page