Your questions, answered.

NHS patients need a referral from a GP or health professional. Private and self-pay patients can self-refer for many scans at selected sites. If you are not sure, call our referral centre on 01293 534 043 and we will guide you.

Yes, for many scans we accept self-referral, so you can book directly without seeing your GP first. For some investigations we may need a little clinical information to make sure the scan is right for you. If you need a referral, we can arrange a GP consultation to provide one.

Call our referral centre on 01293 534 043, or send an enquiry and our team will call you back with appointment options. We offer evening and weekend slots at most centres.

Most patients are offered an appointment within 7 days of referral, and short-notice appointments are often available. Tell us if your need is urgent and we will prioritise you.

Yes. You can choose from centres across our network and pick a time that suits you, including evenings and weekends at most locations.

Bring it to your appointment, or send it to us when you book. If you were referred by a GP or consultant, your report will go straight back to them.

Prices vary by scan type and location, and we will give you an exact, all-inclusive quote before you commit. Every quote is clear and all-inclusive. Contact our referral centre for an exact price for your scan.

Yes. The price you are quoted includes your scan, a full report from a specialist radiologist, and access to your images. There are no hidden costs.

Yes, we are accredited with all major PMI providers. Please have your insurer name, policy number and pre-authorisation code ready when you book.

For insured appointments, yes. Contact your insurer before your appointment to confirm cover and obtain an authorisation code, then share it with us when you book.

Self-pay patients can pay by debit or credit card. Your quote is confirmed before you book, so you always know the price in advance.

Your scan, a report from a subspecialist radiologist, and access to your images. For self-pay scans the price you see is the price you pay.

MRI typically takes 20 to 45 minutes, CT 5 to 15 minutes, ultrasound 15 to 30 minutes, and X-ray only a few minutes. We confirm the expected duration when you book and ask you to arrive about 15 minutes early.

It depends on the scan. Some require fasting or drinking water beforehand. We send clear, scan-specific instructions with your appointment confirmation, and you can always call us if you are unsure.

For most scans, yes. Some scans require fasting or specific preparation, which we will explain in your confirmation.

Comfortable clothing without metal fastenings is ideal. You may be asked to change into a gown for some scans, and changing facilities are available at all centres.

Some CT and MRI scans use a contrast dye to show certain areas more clearly. If this is needed, a small cannula is placed in your arm. We will tell you in advance and check it is safe for you.

Yes. A companion is welcome and can usually be with you during your scan. For MRI, they will need to complete a safety questionnaire too.

MRI does not use radiation and is considered very safe. The main precaution relates to metal implants and devices, which is why we screen thoroughly before every scan.

It depends on the device. Many modern implants and pacemakers are MRI-conditional and can be scanned safely with the right protocol. Tell us about any implant, pacemaker or device when you book and we will check compatibility before your appointment.

Yes. Let us know when you book and we will talk you through the scan, offer headphones and music, and discuss positioning. In some cases an alternative scanner or sedation may be available.

CT and X-ray use a small, carefully controlled dose of radiation. We only perform a scan when it is clinically justified, so the benefit of an accurate diagnosis outweighs the very small risk.

Always tell us if you are, or might be, pregnant. Ultrasound and MRI are generally used in pregnancy where needed, while CT and X-ray are usually avoided unless essential. We will advise you based on your scan.

Yes, at selected centres, with an approach tailored to younger patients and age-appropriate explanation. Please tell us the patient's age when you book so we can arrange the right support.

Most scans are reported within 1 to 5 working days. The report is sent directly to your referring clinician, who will discuss the results with you.

Yes. You can request copies of your images, and many patients are able to access them digitally rather than waiting for a CD.

Your referring clinician explains your results, as they have the full clinical picture. If you self-referred, we can arrange a consultation to talk you through the findings.

Every report carries a clear recommendation. Green means normal or minor findings, Amber means further review is needed, and Red means urgent action. It tells your clinician not just what was found, but what to do next.

Yes. Our subspecialist radiologists can provide a specialist review, and we are happy to support a second opinion where you or your clinician would like one.

If you have not heard from your referring clinician within 10 working days of your scan, please contact them directly. Medical Imaging Partnership does not discuss results with patients, as your clinician has the full context.

Yes. All our centres are wheelchair accessible. Tell us about any access needs when you book and we will make sure everything is ready for you.

Yes. Let us know if you need an interpreter, or have a hearing, visual or learning disability, and we will make appropriate arrangements. We can provide information in large print and Easy Read on request.

All our centres have parking. Details, including the postcode for satellite navigation and any charges, are provided with your appointment confirmation.

Call us on 01293 534 043 as soon as you can. We ask for at least 24 hours' notice so we can offer your slot to another patient.

We welcome all feedback. Speak to a member of staff at your centre, call the referral centre, or email enquiries@medicalimaging.org.uk, and we will do our best to put things right.

You can refer by phone, email or online referral form. Direct-to-test pathways are available for MSK, prostate, memory, breathlessness and non-specific symptoms. See our For Health Professionals page for details.

Yes. Our clinician portal gives referring professionals instant access to patient images and reports, and our referral centre is available to discuss cases.

Yes. We are an approved provider on the NHS Small Business Services framework with direct call-off, available staffed or unstaffed. See our For the NHS page.