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Before, on the day, and after your scan
Most people arrive not quite sure what to expect, and the not knowing is the hardest part. Here is the whole thing in three stages: how to get ready, what happens when you are here, and how your results reach you.
Stage one
Before your scan
Everything that happens between the decision to scan you and the morning you arrive.
How you were referred
If your GP or another health professional has referred you, our referral centre will contact you to arrange a convenient appointment at your nearest centre. For many scans we also accept self-referral, so you can book directly without seeing your GP first. If you already have a referral letter, send it to us when you book or bring it with you.
Choosing your appointment
Most patients are offered an appointment within 7 days of referral, and short-notice appointments are often available. You can choose from centres across our network and pick a time that suits you, including evenings and weekends at most locations. Tell us if your need is urgent and we will prioritise you.
What to bring
Your referral letter if you have one, photo ID, and any previous scan images or reports. If you are insured, have your insurer name, policy number and pre-authorisation code ready. If you are paying for yourself, you can pay by debit or credit card.
How to prepare
It depends on the scan. Some require fasting, and some ask you to drink water beforehand. We send clear, scan-specific instructions with your appointment confirmation, along with the postcode for satellite navigation and details of any parking charges. If anything is unclear, call us and we will talk you through it.
Tell us in advance
The things we need to know before you arrive
- Any metal implant, pacemaker or device. Many modern implants and pacemakers are MRI-conditional and can be scanned safely with the right protocol, and we check compatibility before your appointment.
- If you are, or might be, pregnant, or you are breastfeeding. We will advise you based on your scan.
- If you are claustrophobic. We will talk you through the scan, offer headphones and music, and discuss positioning.
- Any access needs, including an interpreter, or a hearing, visual or learning disability.
- The patient's age, if the scan is for a child or young person, so we can arrange the right support.
Referred but not heard from us within 5 working days? Call 01293 534 043 and we will chase it.
Stage two
On the day
Our centres sit in communities rather than hospitals, so for most patients this is a short visit to a familiar high street rather than a day at a hospital.
Come about 15 minutes early
We ask you to arrive about 15 minutes before your appointment so there is time to check your details and answer any questions before you go in. All our centres have parking, and the postcode and any charges come with your appointment confirmation.
What to wear
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. For an X-ray you may be asked to remove jewellery or clothing from the area being examined.
How long it takes
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, so you know how much of your day to set aside.
Whether you will need an injection
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 tell you in advance and check it is safe for you. Contrast can cause a brief warm sensation, which is normal.
Bringing someone with you
You are welcome to. A companion can join you in the waiting area and, in most cases, can be with you during your scan. For MRI, they will need to complete a safety questionnaire too.
If you need extra help
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. Older and frail patients get more time, more explanation and physical support, without being rushed. Younger patients get an age-appropriate explanation, with a parent or companion involved where wished.
Stage three
After your scan
A scan is only useful once someone has read it and said what to do next. That is the part we are built around.
Your images are reported
A specialist radiologist reviews your images and writes a detailed report, interpreted by a subspecialist reporting in their own area of expertise rather than a generalist. Most scans are reported within 1 to 5 working days.
Your report reaches your clinician
The report goes directly to the clinician who referred you, who will discuss the results with you and advise on next steps. If you self-referred, your report is sent to you and to any clinician you nominate, and we can refer you on if further treatment is recommended.
What happens next
Every report carries a clear recommendation. Green means normal or minor findings, Amber means further review is needed, and Red means urgent action. Where a scan shows something urgent, we escalate it to your clinician promptly rather than waiting for the routine report.
What patients ask about results
Will Medical Imaging Partnership explain my results to me? 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.
Can I get a copy of my images? Yes. You can request copies of your images, and many patients are able to access them digitally rather than waiting for a CD.
What if I have not heard? If you have not heard from your referring clinician within 10 working days of your scan, please contact them directly.
Can I get a second opinion? 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.
Whichever scan you are having
A quick guide to each type
MRI
Uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, no radiation. Painless but noisy, so we provide ear protection or headphones. Usually 20 to 45 minutes. Tell us about any metal implants, pacemaker or metallic device: we will send a safety questionnaire beforehand.
CT
Uses X-rays for cross-sectional images. Quick, usually 5 to 15 minutes. Some scans need a contrast injection to make areas clearer, which can cause a brief warm sensation. That is normal.
Ultrasound
Uses sound waves, painless and no radiation. Gel is applied and a small probe moved over the area. Usually 15 to 30 minutes. Some scans need preparation such as drinking water beforehand.
X-Ray
Quick and painless, using a small dose of radiation. Usually a few minutes. You may be asked to remove jewellery or clothing from the area being examined.
FAQs
Common questions about your appointment
Do I need a referral?
Do I need to prepare for my scan?
Can I eat and drink before my scan?
What should I wear?
Will I need a contrast injection?
Can I have an MRI if I am claustrophobic?
Can I have an MRI if I have a metal implant or pacemaker?
When will I get my results?
What if I need to cancel or rearrange?
Ready to book your scan?
Our referral centre is open seven days a week: Monday to Friday 8am to 6.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 4pm.