Imaging orders and results
When your provider orders an imaging test such as a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, or other advanced imaging study, there are several steps involved. Here is what to expect after your visit.When your provider orders an imaging test such as a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, or other advanced imaging study, there are several steps involved. Here is what to expect after your visit.
1. Your imaging order
During your visit, your healthcare provider will discuss why the imaging test is recommended and what information we are looking for.
If appropriate, we will ask whether you have a preference for an imaging facility. Common facilities used by our patients include but are not limited to:
- Northside
- Northeast Georgia
- American Health Imaging
We will send the imaging order to the facility selected or otherwise appropriate for your situation.
2. Scheduling your test
After the order has been sent, the imaging facility will typically contact you within approximately one week to confirm the order and arrange your appointment.
Please make sure our front office has accurate contact information for you to be shared with the imaging facility.
If you have not been contacted by the imaging facility within a reasonable timeframe, please call our front office staff and let them know. Our staff can help check on the status of the order and assist with determining what may be needed to move the process forward.
Imaging centers handle their own billing
Imaging facilities have their own billing and insurance processes. Before having the test performed, please confirm with the imaging facility that they accept your insurance, and ask about your expected out-of-pocket costs, deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. Our office does not determine the imaging center’s fees or billing policies.
3. Having the test done
Once your appointment is scheduled, you are responsible for completing the imaging study as instructed.
Please follow any preparation instructions provided by the imaging center. Depending on the test, this may include fasting, medication instructions, or other preparation.
4. After the test
Please do not assume that our office will automatically call you with routine imaging results. Once your imaging has been completed, you should schedule a follow-up appointment with our office to review the results with your provider.
Please do not call the office asking for imaging results over the phone. While our staff will always do their best to assist you, discussing imaging results by phone can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, or unnecessary frustration. Imaging findings often need to be interpreted in the context of your symptoms, examination, medical history, and the reason the test was ordered.
A follow-up appointment allows your healthcare provider to review the results with you directly and make sure you understand what they mean and what, if anything, needs to happen next.
Can my follow-up be a televisit?
Televisits may be appropriate in some limited situations. You may request a televisit when scheduling your follow-up; whether one is appropriate will be determined and approved by your provider. Most imaging results will require an in-person visit, examination, or other evaluation.
Why do I need a follow-up appointment?
Imaging reports can contain medical terminology that is difficult to interpret without the clinical context of your visit. A follow-up appointment lets your provider explain the results and discuss what they mean specifically for you. It also allows you and your healthcare provider to have a complete discussion about your treatment plan rather than trying to communicate important medical information through a brief phone conversation. It gives us the chance to:
- Review the imaging findings with you
- Explain what the results mean
- Discuss whether additional testing or treatment is needed
- Answer your questions
- Determine the appropriate next steps
5. If the imaging shows something urgent
If our office becomes aware of a critical, potentially life-threatening, or otherwise immediately significant finding, we will make every reasonable attempt to contact you as soon as possible and discuss the appropriate next steps.
Do not wait for a call if you are unwell
You should not wait to hear from our office if you are experiencing new, severe, or worsening symptoms. Seek urgent or emergency medical care when necessary.
6. What about routine X-rays?
Routine plain-film X-rays ordered during a visit often do not require a separate follow-up appointment unless your provider specifically instructs you to schedule one.
Unlike CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and other advanced imaging studies, routine X-rays are typically not scheduled by our office. You will generally be given a printed X-ray order to take to an imaging center of your choosing. Depending on the center, you may be able to walk in, or you may need to schedule the X-ray yourself.
For these studies, our office generally follows a “no news is good news” approach. That does not mean you should ignore your symptoms. Please follow the instructions given to you during your visit, and contact our office if your symptoms persist, worsen, or if you have questions or concerns.
If you have difficulty getting the X-ray completed, or are unsure where to take the order, please contact our front office staff for assistance.
7. Screening tests
This process does not apply to certain screening studies, such as screening mammograms. Your provider or nursing staff will give you specific instructions about how and when you will receive results for screening tests.
What we ask you to do after your visit
Completing your recommended testing and following up on the results are an important part of your care.
- Watch for a call or message from the imaging center.
- If you are not contacted within a reasonable timeframe, call our front office staff to let them know.
- Confirm insurance coverage and expected costs with the imaging center.
- Schedule and complete your imaging test.
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with our office to review routine imaging results when instructed.
- Ask about a televisit if you would prefer one; your provider will determine whether it is appropriate.
- Follow all other instructions provided by your healthcare team.
- Contact our nursing staff if you have questions or are unsure what to do next.
If you have questions
If you are unsure whether you need a follow-up appointment, whether additional testing is needed, or what your next step should be, please contact our office for clarification rather than assuming that no further action is needed.
If you have not heard from the imaging center, or are having difficulty getting your test scheduled, contact our front office staff so they can check on the status of your order.
We want to make sure you understand your care plan and know what to expect after your testing.
Thank you for helping us make your care as safe and efficient as possible!
