Frequently asked questions

Not for an MRI, you can refer yourself. Ultrasound, CT and X-ray all require a referral (CT and X-ray by law, because they use radiation). If you do not have a referral, we can arrange a private GP appointment and provide one.

Yes, for MRI. Ultrasound, CT and X-ray require a referral (CT and X-ray by law, as they use radiation). We can arrange a referral for you when needed.

Scans are self-pay or insured at every centre. If you are claiming on insurance, your insurer will usually need the referral to come from your own registered GP rather than ours. A GP appointment with us is self-pay only.

Prices vary by centre and are shown on each scan page. Every scan includes a consultant radiologist report. Contrast is used only where it is clinically needed and is charged separately, we will always tell you before you book.

You can pay as a self-paying patient or claim on private medical insurance. If anything about cost is unclear, call us and we will explain it before you commit to anything.

Any referral or previous imaging you have, a list of your medications, and your own GP's details so we can send your results on with your consent.

Comfortable clothing without metal fastenings where possible. For some scans you may be asked to change into a gown, and we will have one ready for you.

It depends on the scan. An X-ray takes about ten minutes, an MRI around thirty. The exact time is on each scan's page, and we will confirm it when you book.

Yes, for most scans a relative or friend can come with you. Tell us at booking and we will make sure it is arranged.

For most scans, yes. A few need some preparation, fasting, or arriving with a full bladder, for example, and where that applies we will tell you clearly when you book.

A consultant radiologist reports every scan within a short turnaround, at every centre.

A consultant radiologist, a doctor who specialises in reading images. Every scan is reported, not just the complex ones.

Yes, with your consent we will send your report to your own GP so it becomes part of your record and your care can continue joined up.

MRI uses a strong magnetic field rather than radiation. That makes it the first choice for soft tissue, joints and ligaments, the spine and discs, the brain, and the abdominal and pelvic organs.

The scanner uses a powerful magnet, so tell us about any implants, surgical metalwork or implanted devices before your appointment and we will check they are safe. More metalwork can be scanned safely at 1.5T, which is why some patients are best scanned at our Brighton centre.

Around thirty minutes, depending on the area being scanned. You lie still while the scanner takes its images.

Usually no special preparation is needed. If a particular scan does need it, we will tell you exactly what to do when you book.

Contrast is a dye that makes certain tissues show up more clearly. It is used only where it is clinically needed, and it is charged separately, we will tell you beforehand if your scan is likely to need it.

Yes, both use a small dose of radiation. That is why they must be requested by an entitled referrer, and it is why we keep doses as low as reasonably possible.

Because they use radiation, the law requires them to be requested by an entitled referrer. If you do not have a referral, we can arrange a private GP appointment and provide one.

A standing CT images the joints or spine while they carry your weight, which can show problems that are not visible lying down. If you cannot stand comfortably, tell us and we will advise.

An X-ray appointment is about ten minutes and the image itself takes seconds. A CT varies with the area being scanned; we will give you a time when you book.

Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation, so it can be repeated safely. A referral is required before we scan (we can arrange one). It is well suited to soft tissue, the abdomen and the pelvis, and to guiding injections in real time.

It is an injection placed precisely using live ultrasound, so the medication goes exactly where it is needed. It is carried out by a consultant.

Yes. Being guided by imaging makes them accurate, and they are performed by a consultant who will explain the small risks and what to expect before you go ahead.

Weybridge has free parking directly outside. Parking at the other centres varies, and each location page says what to expect.

Tell us at booking what would make your visit easier and it is arranged before you arrive. Each location page lists the access details we have confirmed for that centre.

They vary by centre, Brighton, for example, is open seven days a week. Each location page shows that centre's hours.

Yes. Each centre is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). You will find the CQC rating and a link to the full profile on every centre page.

A cardiac CT is a fast, low-dose scan of the heart's arteries, used to assess the risk of coronary heart disease. It is part of our cardiac pathway, which explains who it suits and what the results tell you.

A cardiac CT uses a small dose of radiation, so a referrer needs to be involved, but we can arrange that for you as part of the cardiac pathway. Start on the cardiac pathway page or call us.

Cone beam CT is high-resolution 3D imaging used mainly for dental and maxillofacial assessment, at a low radiation dose. It is available at our Weybridge centre, see the cone beam CT page.

Blood tests are available at most of our centres. Availability is listed on each location page, and if your nearest centre does not yet offer them we will point you to the closest one that does.

Many people who feel anxious manage well. The scanner is open at both ends, our radiographers talk you through it, and for most scans someone can stay with you. Tell us when you book and we will do what we can to make it easier.

MRI and ultrasound use no radiation. CT and X-ray do, so if you are, or might be, pregnant, tell us before your appointment and we will advise on the safest way to answer your question.