Your questions, answered.

Most patients need a referral. NHS patients are referred by a GP or another health professional. Privately insured patients need a referral too, as well as pre-authorisation from their insurer. If you are paying for yourself we accept self-referral for MRI only, for patients aged 18 and over: every other scan needs a referral. If you are not sure, call our referral centre on 01293 534 043 and we will guide you.

For MRI only, and only if you are paying for yourself and are aged 18 or over. Every other scan, and every scan funded by the NHS or by an insurer, needs a referral from a registered health professional. If you need a referral we can point you to the quickest way to get 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.

We cannot scan any patient with a pacemaker: that is our policy, whatever the device is rated for. Other implants depend on the device, and many are safe with the right protocol. Tell us about any implant, clip, stent or metallic fragment when you book. We send a safety questionnaire before your appointment and check compatibility before you travel.

Yes, and tell us when you book so we can help. We will talk you through the scan, offer headphones and music, and discuss positioning. We do not provide sedation. If you think you will need it, ask your GP about a mild oral sedative to take before you come, and arrange for somebody to bring you and take you home. Sedation given by injection has to be done in a hospital with an anaesthetist present.

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 contactus@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.

No. Every scan is booked in advance through our referral centre, so that we have your referral, your safety questionnaire and the right appointment length before you arrive. Call 01293 534 043 and we will find you the next available slot.

No. We do not prescribe or give sedation of any kind. If you think you will need something to help you through the scan, speak to your GP about a mild oral sedative to take beforehand, and bring somebody who can take you home. Sedation given into a vein needs an anaesthetist and a hospital setting, so we would arrange the scan elsewhere.

Our centres see patients aged 18 and over. For anyone younger, speak to your GP or hospital team, who will refer to a service set up for children.