Diagnostic Scans

Private MRI Scan Without A Referral

If an injury is preventing you from fully enjoying life, you can now self refer and book an MRI scan at Prime Health, immediately. Same day appointments available.

From £
520
Patient lying on a scanner table entering an MRI machine with a technician standing nearby in dim blue lighting.

Self Referral MRI Scans Now Available

At Prime Health we understand that if you are injured and you need an MRI scan, you want it quickly and at a time convenient to you. You also want reassurance that the quality of the MRI scan is high and that the report produced will provide your health specialist with the information they need to get your treatment underway and you back on the road to recovery, fast.

If you don’t have a referral from a health professional, you can now easily self-refer for an MRI scan at Prime Health. We offer daily appointments, allowing you to choose a time and date that suits your convenience.

Areas you can self-refer for an MRI scan include:

  • Elbows
  • Knees
  • Wrists
  • Shoulders
  • Hips
  • Ankles

Self referral appointments for a private MRI scan at Prime Health are available at short notice and reports are usually turned around within 24-48 hours.

We offer MRI scans to people with private medical insurance or those who simply wish to pay directly for the convenience of being seen quickly and efficiently.

About our Self Referral MRI scans

Our expertise

Prime Health has many years of experience in diagnostic imaging and draws on the expertise of a team that is passionate about rethinking your healthcare experience. We will give you access to the best expertise and technology at a date and time that suits you.

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 radiologists.

Your scan results, along with a comprehensive written report, will be promptly emailed to you by our specialist Sports and Exercise Medicine Consultants who are ready to support you with injury management. The report can also be forwarded to your preferred healthcare professional if required.

If further treatment is recommended for the management of the injury, we can refer you to specialists within the centre.

Golfer walking through tall grass carrying golf bags on his shoulders under a cloudy sky.

Available at the following Locations

Each of our sites provide first-class services and expert diagnostic scanning facilities. Every site offers multidisciplinary team of experts including GPs, physiotherapists, nutritionists, personal trainers and our specialist consultants.

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 an appointment with us today

Why choose us to provide your care?

Prime Health has been a leading name in diagnostics for over a decade, serving both the NHS and private patients.

We believe you deserve more than fragmented care which is why we offer a complete healthcare service under one roof.

At Prime Health you’ll find:

  • Fast, easy access to expert-led care: Highly experienced specialists from across many disciplines, from GPs and cardiologists to physiotherapists and nutritionists, all under one roof.
  • Cutting-edge technology: State-of-the-art facilities equipped with world-class diagnostics for accurate and timely diagnoses.
  • Seamless experience: No more bouncing between specialists. Our multidisciplinary teams can collaborate to create a personalised plan, getting you on the right treatment path quickly.
  • Preventative focus: We believe in empowering you to stay healthy. Get expert advice, wellness programs, and proactive screenings to minimise future health concerns.

At Prime Health, we treat you as a person, not just a collection of symptoms. We are your healthcare partner and will guide you towards a stronger, happier, healthier you.

Don’t settle for second best. Choose Prime Health and experience the future of healthcare: integrated, personalised, and focused on keeping you well.

Woman covered in mud crawling through a muddy obstacle course outdoors with another person behind her.