A diagnostic imaging appointment can feel unfamiliar, especially when it’s your first one. You may have questions about how to prepare, what will happen when you arrive, what the equipment will be like, how long the appointment will take, and when you can expect your results.
The exact experience will depend on the type of imaging you’re having, but most appointments follow a general process. There may be preparation instructions to follow beforehand, paperwork or screening questions when you arrive, and specific steps during the exam to help the technologist capture the images your healthcare provider needs.
Understanding what typically happens before, during, and after a diagnostic imaging appointment can help you prepare for the day, know what to expect at each stage, and understand what happens once the exam is complete.
Before Your Diagnostic Imaging Appointment
The process usually begins when your healthcare provider gives you a requisition for an imaging exam. This tells the imaging clinic which test has been requested and may include clinical information to help the imaging team understand what needs to be examined.
From there, follow the scheduling instructions provided by your healthcare provider or imaging clinic. Some clinics allow you to submit your requisition online and will then contact you to arrange your appointment. When booking, confirm the date, time, and location, as well as anything you’ll need to bring with you, such as your original requisition, identification, health card, or previous imaging records.
You may also receive instructions on how to prepare. These will depend on the type of exam you’re having. An X-ray, for example, may require very little preparation, while some ultrasound exams require you to avoid eating beforehand, drink water, or arrive with a full bladder. A Bone Mineral Density exam may include instructions about clothing, recent imaging procedures, or supplements. RadiologyInfo provides general guidance for preparing for an ultrasound as well as information about Bone Density Scans, but always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or imaging clinic.
On the day of your appointment, comfortable clothing is generally advised, unless you’ve been told otherwise. Because metal can interfere with certain images, you may be asked to remove jewelry, a belt, or clothing with metal fasteners. For some exams, you’ll be given a gown to change into.
Before your exam, the imaging team may also ask you a few questions about your health and medical history. Be sure to mention anything that could be relevant to the exam, including the possibility of pregnancy, recent imaging procedures, or a condition that could make it difficult to remain in a particular position. Health Canada advises anyone who is or may be pregnant to tell their doctor before an X-ray so appropriate precautions can be considered.
During a Diagnostic Imaging Appointment
Once your appointment begins, the imaging professional will walk you through what’s needed for your specific exam. They may confirm details from your requisition, ask a few relevant questions, and explain how you’ll need to position yourself. Depending on the exam, you may also need to change into a gown or remove jewelry or other items that could interfere with the images.
You’ll be given instructions throughout the exam, but you can also speak up if you’re uncomfortable, have limited mobility, or aren’t sure what you’re being asked to do. The goal is to capture the images your healthcare provider needs while helping you understand what’s happening at each stage.
The process will look a little different depending on the type of exam you’re having:
- X-ray: You may stand, sit, or lie down while the technologist positions the body part being examined. You’ll need to remain still and may be asked to hold your breath briefly while images are taken.
- Ultrasound: You’ll usually lie on an examination table while a trained professional applies gel to the skin and moves a handheld transducer over the area. Some specialized ultrasound exams use different approaches, which should be explained beforehand.
- Bone Mineral Density: You’ll generally lie on a padded table while the equipment measures bone density, commonly around the hip and spine. Remaining still helps the technologist capture accurate measurements.
During the exam, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to shift position or if the imaging professional takes additional views. This is often simply part of getting the images needed for your exam and doesn’t necessarily mean something concerning has been found. The technologist’s role is to complete the exam and make sure the required images are available for review.
It’s important to note that the technologist will not provide a diagnosis during the appointment. The images must be reviewed and interpreted by an appropriately qualified physician, who will consider the findings alongside other clinical information.
Once your imaging exam is complete, the images become part of your medical record and may need to be reviewed by your referring healthcare provider or shared with other members of your care team. Having access to those records can also be useful if you need follow-up care, see a specialist, or undergo imaging at another facility in the future.
Some diagnostic imaging providers offer patients online access to make this part of the process easier. Alfa Scan, a diagnostic imaging provider offering X-ray, ultrasound, and Bone Mineral Density exams, gives patients access to their imaging records through PocketHealth. Patients can securely access, save, and share their medical imaging records online, making it easier to keep previous imaging on hand or share it with another healthcare provider when needed.
What Happens After the Appointment
Once the exam is complete, the imaging professional will let you know when you can leave and whether there are any immediate instructions to follow. Many routine imaging appointments don’t require recovery time, but this varies by procedure. Follow any directions provided by the clinic.
The images are reviewed and a report is prepared for the referring healthcare provider. That provider can explain the results in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and other tests. Depending on the findings, the next step may involve treatment, monitoring, additional testing, or a specialist referral.
Ask when and how you should follow up. Don’t assume that no news means no action is required. Contact the referring provider if you’re unsure when your results will be discussed or if your symptoms change while you’re waiting.
SIMPLE WAYS TO FEEL MORE PREPARED
Before leaving, review the clinic’s instructions, bring the requested documents, and allow enough time to arrive without rushing. Write down questions in advance. Most importantly, speak with the clinic or your healthcare provider when instructions are unclear rather than trying to guess. A diagnostic imaging appointment is one step in a larger care process. Knowing what to expect can reduce uncertainty, help the appointment run more smoothly, and make it easier to understand what happens after the exam.
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Our Editorial Team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions may not always be the views of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under the direction of medical supervision please speak to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommendations in these articles.
