What to Expect at Your RadNet Appointment

What RadNet does and why you're going

RadNet is a network of imaging centers across the United States that performs diagnostic imaging — X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasounds, and other imaging procedures. You're going to a RadNet location because your doctor ordered imaging to help diagnose or monitor a health condition. RadNet centers are independent facilities, not hospital-based, though they work with hospitals and physician offices to handle the imaging your doctor has requested.

RadNet operates in multiple states, and each location handles scheduling, insurance verification, and the actual imaging procedure. Your appointment is typically ordered by your primary care doctor, specialist, or urgent care clinic, and you'll receive instructions on where to go and what to prepare.

Key Takeaways

• RadNet centers perform imaging procedures like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs ordered by your doctor, and you'll need your insurance card and photo ID at your appointment.
• Scheduling is usually done by phone or online through the RadNet location nearest you, and you should confirm the exact address and parking details before you go.
• Preparation depends on the type of imaging — some require fasting, some require you to wear specific clothing, and some require you to arrive early for paperwork.
• The imaging itself typically takes 15 to 60 minutes depending on the procedure, and results are sent to your doctor within a few days to a week.
• If you have metal implants, are pregnant, or have contrast dye allergies, tell the RadNet staff before your appointment so they can adjust the procedure or reschedule if needed.

How to schedule your RadNet appointment

Your doctor's office usually sends the imaging order to a RadNet location, but you are responsible for calling to schedule. Look for the phone number on your order paperwork or ask your doctor's office which RadNet location they sent the order to. When you call, have your insurance information and photo ID ready — the scheduler will verify your coverage and ask about any medical conditions or allergies that might affect the imaging.

Some RadNet locations also offer online scheduling through their website. If you choose this route, you'll still need to provide insurance details and answer health history questions. Either way, confirm the exact address, parking information, and arrival time before you hang up or close the browser. RadNet locations can be in medical office buildings or standalone facilities, and parking varies — some have free lots, some charge, and some are street parking only.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and any imaging order paperwork your doctor gave you. If you don't have the order, RadNet can request it from your doctor's office, but this delays your appointment. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete or update registration paperwork and to allow time for insurance verification.

Preparation depends on the type of imaging. For X-rays and standard ultrasounds, no special preparation is usually needed. For CT scans, you may need to fast for a few hours beforehand, especially if contrast dye will be used. For MRI scans, you must remove all metal — jewelry, watches, hearing aids, and some medical devices — and wear metal-free clothing or a gown provided by the center. For abdominal ultrasounds, you may be asked to drink water and not urinate beforehand to fill your bladder. Ask the scheduler what to expect for your specific procedure when you schedule.

What happens during the imaging procedure

When you arrive, a technologist will call you back to the imaging room. They'll explain the procedure, answer any last-minute questions, and position you on the imaging table or equipment. The technologist will leave the room during the actual imaging but can see and hear you through a window or camera. Most procedures are quiet or produce humming or clicking sounds — MRI machines are notably loud, so some centers offer earplugs or headphones.

The procedure itself usually takes 15 to 60 minutes depending on what's being imaged. You'll be asked to hold still and sometimes to hold your breath for a few seconds. If contrast dye is being used — a liquid you drink or an injection — the technologist will explain what to expect. Contrast can cause a warm sensation or metallic taste, and some people feel mild nausea, but serious reactions are rare. After the imaging is complete, you can usually leave right away and return to normal activities unless you were given sedation.

Medical conditions and devices that affect your appointment

Tell the RadNet staff before your appointment if you have any metal implants — pacemakers, metal joints, metal plates, shrapnel, or tattoos with metallic ink — because these can interfere with MRI and some other imaging. If you have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator, you may not be able to have an MRI at all, and the RadNet center will contact your cardiologist to confirm. If you have metal implants from surgery, the center may still be able to image you, but they need to know the type and location.

If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell the staff before the appointment. X-rays and ultrasounds are generally considered safe in pregnancy, but CT scans and MRI scans may be postponed unless the imaging is urgent. If you have a contrast dye allergy or kidney disease, tell the staff immediately — contrast dye can be unsafe for people with certain kidney conditions, and the center may use a different type of dye or reschedule your appointment.

Understanding your results and next steps

The RadNet technologist does not interpret the images — a radiologist (a doctor who specializes in reading imaging) reviews your images and writes a report. This report is sent to your doctor, usually within 2 to 5 business days. Your doctor will contact you with the results and explain what they mean for your diagnosis or treatment plan. Do not assume no news is good news — follow up with your doctor's office if you haven't heard back within a week.

If you need a copy of your images or report for a second opinion or to share with another doctor, ask RadNet for a CD or digital copy. Most centers can provide this on the same day or within a few days. There may be a small fee for copies, but it's usually under $20.

What to do if you need to reschedule or cancel

If you need to reschedule, call the RadNet location as soon as possible — the sooner you call, the more likely they can fit you into another time slot. If you cancel without rescheduling, your doctor will need to place a new order, which can delay your imaging by weeks depending on how busy the center is. If you're running late on the day of your appointment, call ahead so the staff knows to expect you; some centers will turn you away if you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled time.

If you have a medical emergency before your appointment — chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding — go to an emergency room instead. You can reschedule the imaging once the emergency is treated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral or order from my doctor to schedule?

Yes. RadNet requires a doctor's order to perform imaging. If you call to schedule and RadNet doesn't have the order on file, they'll request it from your doctor's office, but this delays your appointment. Ask your doctor's office to send the order directly to the RadNet location you plan to use.

Will RadNet bill my insurance, or do I pay out of pocket?

RadNet bills your insurance directly if you provide your insurance information at scheduling. You may owe a copay or coinsurance depending on your plan. Ask the scheduler what your out-of-pocket cost will be before your appointment so there are no surprises at check-in.

How long does it take to get results?

The radiologist's report is usually sent to your doctor within 2 to 5 business days. Your doctor will then contact you with the results. If you haven't heard from your doctor within a week, call their office to ask about the status.

What if I'm claustrophobic and worried about the MRI machine?

Tell the RadNet staff before your appointment. Some centers have open or wide-bore MRI machines that are less enclosed. Others can give you a panic button to press if you need to stop the scan. In some cases, mild sedation can be arranged, though this requires a separate consent form and someone to drive you home.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes, you can bring a family member or friend to wait in the waiting room. They cannot go into the imaging room with you unless you need assistance due to mobility or cognitive issues, in which case ask the staff when you arrive.