Diagnostic Scans

Private MRI scans in London

At Prime Health Harley Street we give you fast access to the latest MRI expertise and 3T technology so you can get diagnosed, treated and on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

A man being transferred out of a MRI machine.

Fast MRI scans in London

We understand that if you need an MRI scan, you want it quickly and at a time convenient to you.

Appointments for a private MRI scan at our centre in the heart of the Harley Street healthcare district are available daily, including at weekends, and at short notice.

High-quality scanning services

We also understand that as well as being seen quickly, your health specialist wants reassurance that the quality of the MRI scan will be high and the report produced will provide them with the information they need to get your treatment underway and you back on the road to recovery, fast.

The private MRI service at Prime Health Harley Street in London has developed an enviable reputation with healthcare professionals for delivering accuracy and excellence.

We provide a first-class diagnostic service and have a huge amount of experience in delivering high-quality MRI scans which are interpreted and reported by highly experienced specialist consultant radiologists.

Our centre features the latest 3T MRI technology to efficiently investigate and identify potential bone and soft tissue injuries or conditions.

We have a particular expertise in non-invasive, painless multi-parametric prostate assessments and work with some of the UK’s most experienced radiologists that specialise in urology.

Why choose Prime Health Harley Street for an MRI scan?

At Prime Health Harley Street you can expect:

  • Fast scans and results

Private appointments are available daily at our dedicated diagnostic centre in central London and scans are reported and returned within 48 hours.

  • Expert-led scans

Our teams are experts in their field and all of our scans are reported by UK-based FRCR accredited expert consultant radiologists working within their sub-speciality areas of interest. Our superior scans and reports are tailored to facilitate accurate decision-making.

  • Timely MRI reports

Our reports are usually turned around and sent back to your referring clinician within 24-48 hours of your initial scan, meaning you can get answers and treatment underway in next to no time.

  • Easily accessible

Prime Health Harley Street is conveniently located just off Harley Street. The centre is located in Queen Anne Street just a short walk from both Oxford Circus and Regents Park tube stations.

  • Easy booking process

We aim to make referring as easy as possible. The online booking form on our website can be used to submit referrals from your healthcare professional, and your referring clinician can use our online portal to receive your reports and view your images.

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Paying for a private MRI scan in London

  • Private medical insurance

We offer scans to people with private healthcare, and we are covered by all major insurers,

  • Self-pay

For those who aren’t insured, we welcome people who simply wish to pay directly for the convenience of having their MRI quickly and efficiently.

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Self-referral for an MRI

If you require an MRI scan you will need a referral from your consultant, GP, physio or other healthcare professional.

If you already have a GP referral, you can book an MRI scan directly via our website. If you don’t have one, contact us and we will be able to advise.

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Common Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about our services and appointments at Prime Health.

View and download our Patient Leaflet for MRI scans at Prime Health

If you have an appointment for a private MRI scan at our centres in Surrey, Harley Street or Manchester, you can view and download a copy of our patient leaflet here.

What are the benefits of having an MRI scan?

An MRI scan is a safe and non-invasive way to get detailed images of the inside of your body, helping doctors make informed decisions about your health.An MRI scan is incredibly sensitive for imaging soft tissue structures including the brain, spinal cord, joints and internal organs, without causing discomfort. It provides doctors with more information than some other diagnostic tests.

Why might I need an MRI scan?

There are many reasons why you may be referred for an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan as it can create detailed images of nearly every structure and organ within the body.A healthcare professional will recommend an MRI based on your specific symptoms, medical history, and the information needed to make an accurate diagnosis or treatment plan.

What does an MRI scan diagnose?

An MRI scan is suitable and widely used to view organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, soft tissues and bones.At Prime Health, our use of MRI scans focuses on diagnosing a range of conditions. We rely on MRI's exceptional imaging capabilities to identify soft tissue injuries affecting muscles, ligaments, tendons, and organs. Additionally, we employ MRI scans for diagnosing joint issues like torn ligaments, cartilage damage, and arthritis. Our scans also help detect abnormalities within bones, organs, and vascular problems, including cardiac issues.

Which physiotherapy or orthopaedic service providers refer into our centre in Brighton for diagnostic imaging?

If you are looking for Physiotherapy or Orthopaedic Services below are some providers that refer to our centre in Brighton for diagnostic imaging.

These may be able to help you in discussing injury or diagnosis.

Physiotherapy providers in Brighton

Orthopaedic providers in Brighton

Please note that the above providers operate under their own business. Prime Health is not responsible for any of the care that they provide. The above businesses are not recommendations for care.

Which physiotherapy or orthopaedic service providers refer into our centre in Manchester for diagnostic imaging?

If you are looking for Physiotherapy or Orthopaedic Services below are some providers that refer into our centre in Manchester for diagnostic imaging.

These may be able to help you in discussing injury or diagnosis.

Physiotherapy providers in Manchester

Orthopaedic providers in Manchester

Please note that the above providers operate under their own business. Prime Health is not responsible for any of the care that they provide. The above businesses are not recommendations for care.

Which physiotherapy or orthopaedic service providers can refer into our centre in London for diagnostic imaging?

If you are looking for Physiotherapy or Orthopaedic Services below are some providers that refer into our centre in Weybridge for diagnostic imaging.

These may be able to help you in discussing injury or diagnosis.

Physiotherapy providers in London

Orthopaedic providers in London

Please note that the above providers operate under their own business. Prime Health is not responsible for any of the care that they provide. The above businesses are not recommendations for care.

Which physiotherapy or orthopaedic service providers can refer into our centre in Weybridge for diagnostic imaging?

If you are looking for Physiotherapy or Orthopaedic Services below are some providers that refer into our centre in Weybridge for diagnostic imaging.These may be able to help you in discussing injury or diagnosis.

Physiotherapy providers in Surrey

Orthopaedic providers in Surrey

Please note that the above providers operate under their own business. Prime Health is not responsible for any of the care that they provide. The above businesses are not recommendations for care.

I need an MRI scan, can I self refer?

You can now Self Refer for an MRI scan for certain areas. Find out more by visiting ‘Private MRI Scan Without A Referral.

If you still require a referral to have a scan with us you will need a written referral from a healthcare professional. This can be your Consultant, GP, Physiotherapist or Osteopath. Once we have this we can arrange an appointment at your convenience.

If you already have a referral you can book an appointment for your diagnostic scan today.

If you do not have a referral but would like to be seen, please call our centre direct on 01293 534 043 and our team will discuss how to arrange a referral with you.

When will I get the results of my MRI scan?

More than 90% of our reports are with your doctor within two days, often on the same day.To book your MRI scan with Prime Health - click here

What happens after my MRI scan?

After the scan, the images will be examined by the radiologist who is responsible for producing a written report on their findings to send to your referring clinician.Our radiologists are all qualified doctors and specialise in specific body areas, giving you, and your referring clinician confidence in the accuracy of your report.To book your MRI scan with Prime Health - click here

Can I bring a relative or friend to an MRI scan appointment?

Yes, subject to infection control restrictions. However, for safety reasons they won’t be able to accompany you into the scanning room unless there are exceptional circumstances.

What are the safety and security procedures at my MRI appointment?

Whether your MRI is planned or an emergency assessment, before signing the patient questionnaire and consent form, you need to understand what MRI is, what to expect, and any possible risks. A member of staff will go through the safety questionnaire with you, and you’ll be asked to sign it.Before your scan, you may need to remove some items of clothing and leave any jewellery (except your wedding ring), cash, keys, credit cards, watch, etc in a secure locker.

Can I eat and drink after I have had an MRI scan?

Yes, you can eat and drink as normal.

Who will I see at the appointment for an MRI scan?

During your appointment, you’ll be looked after by a small, specialised team, including a radiographer who will carry out the scan.

Do I need to have any special preparation for an MRI scan?

You don’t usually need to prepare for a routine MRI scan at Prime Health. Unless you’ve been told otherwise, you can eat and drink normally before and afterwards.

Are there any side-effects from an MRI scan?

There aren’t any side-effects from the MRI scan itself. However, if you’ve had an injection of contrast medium (dye) as part of the investigation, you may have some side-effects which might include a skin rash, dizziness, a headache, and nausea. Your radiographer will discuss these with you will and answer any questions you may have before the procedure.

To book your MRI scan today with Prime Health - click here
How long does an MRI scan take?

The MRI scan itself usually takes around 20-30 minutes and your appointment from start to finish is likely to be about 45 minutes.Private appointments are available daily at our dedicated diagnostic centres. If you are in need of an MRI scan, book an appointment today - click here.

What is an MRI?

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a painless procedure. It uses radio frequency waves and strong magnetic fields to create a series of detailed pictures showing ‘slices’ of the body. These images allow doctors to examine almost any area of your body, as well as monitor the effectiveness of previous therapies. An MRI scan can diagnose problems that can’t be assessed satisfactorily with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound, or CT (computed tomography) scanning.

What happens at an MRI scan?

The radiographer who is operating the MRI scanner will show you into the room and will help you get into the right position on the couch. They will use pads and pillows to help you get comfortable so that you can remain still during the scan.Some people need to have a contrast medium to produce more detailed images, which involves an injection of dye. The dye is injected into a vein in your arm, which can make it feel a bit warm for a short while. If you need a contrast medium, you may also need to have a blood test before your scan as a precaution and to check your kidney function.The MRI scanner is approximately four feet long and is open at both ends. During the scan, the couch is moved so that the body area being examined is in the centre of the scanner. You’ll be given headphones or earplugs to wear because the machine makes a loud humming noise.The radiographer will be in the control room, but you’ll be able to talk to them via an intercom and they can see you on a screen. You’ll need to keep completely still while the images are being recorded. If you’re feeling worried or uncomfortable, just let the radiographer know and they will do what they can to help.

Are there any risks when having an MRI?

As far as is known at present, an MRI is an extremely safe procedure. It does not involve the use of x-rays. You are placed in a very powerful magnetic field. If you have any small pieces of metal inside your body, you should inform the radiographer as in some cases you may not be able to have the examination.If you have ever had metal fragments, in your eyes, you may need an x-ray before the MRI is done to prove that there are no fragments remaining. If you have a pacemaker, metal heart valves or a metallic clip in your brain, there is a risk that these may be affected during an MRI scan, and a different examination will need to be arranged instead.For female patients, if you are or might be pregnant, you must make sure the doctor referring you or a member of staff in the radiology department knows as soon as possible. MRI scans are not advisable in early pregnancy unless there are special circumstances.

Book a private MRI scan in London

Located in Queen Anne Street in the heart of the Harley Street healthcare district we are just a short walk from both Oxford Circus and Regents Park tube stations.

Prime Health Harley Street is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic scanning facilities and consulting rooms.

Prime Health Harley Street
45 Queen Anne Street
London
W1G 9JF

Tel: 03300 252 100 (Press Option 2)

Email: referrals@prime-health.co.uk

Prime Health Harley Street is open weekdays weekdays 8am – 8pm, Saturday 8am – 8pm and Sunday 9am – 6pm.

Modern waiting room with blue armchairs, a wall-mounted TV, a water cooler, and framed artwork, featuring wood flooring and light blue and white walls.

Book an appointment with us today

Keep you moving

Prime Health gives you access to best-in-class diagnostics, wellness, illness and injury prevention and rehabilitation services, from diagnostic scans to pain management services, consultant clinics to joint injections.

With appointments available daily, we give you fast, easy access to the care you need when you want it.

Book an appointment today or contact our experienced staff by calling 03300 252 100 for a quote for a scan, consultation, treatment or test.

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive, pain-free, diagnostic scan which captures images of the soft tissue, organs, muscles, tendons, cartilage and bones in your body.

Why might you need an MRI scan?

Most MRI scans can be used to diagnose problems or medical conditions that can’t be assessed satisfactorily with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound scan, or CT (computed tomography) scanning.

An MRI provides detailed and high-quality scan images of the organs and soft tissue inside your body. MRI scanners use radio waves and strong magnetic fields to create a series of image ‘slices’ which together create very detailed two and three-dimensional pictures of the inside of your body.

It allows doctors to examine internal parts of your body and it can be used to investigate or diagnose a wide variety of conditions which affect joints and soft tissue, as well as monitor the effectiveness of previous treatments and therapies.

Do I need to be referred for a private MRI scan?

Yes, you do need to have a referral for an MRI scan at Prime Health Harley Street from a healthcare professional. This can be your Consultant, GP, Physiotherapist or Osteopath. Once we have this we can arrange an appointment at your convenience. You cannot book an MRI scan directly or self-refer.

When will I receive my results?

Private appointments are available daily at our dedicated diagnostic centre in central London.

Our highly qualified consultant radiologists aim to report on images promptly, so your referring clinician can expect to receive your results within 48 hours of the scan.

How much does a private MRI scan cost?

The cost of a MRI scan at our centre in Harley Street, London is dependent on the type of scan you are having, the number of areas and part of your body being scanned.

When booking your appointment, we will provide you with an all-inclusive price and will always make any costs clear to you before they are incurred, so there is no need to worry about hidden extras.

Contact our helpful team for a quote.

How do I pay?

We offer private MRI scans to people with private health insurance or those who simply wish to pay directly for the convenience of being seen quickly and efficiently. We are accredited by all major private health insurers.

If you choose to self-pay for your MRI scan, you can pay for your treatment by cheque, or debit/credit card (except American Express). Payments will be taken by our staff at the centre or over the telephone before your appointment.

If you don’t have a referral but need a diagnostic scan, contact our team on 03300 252 100 and we will advise how we can help.