WHAT TO EXPECT
Learn what to expect during your upcoming appointment at Crown Imaging. We’re committed to making your visit as smooth and stress-free as possible.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
To ensure a smooth and efficient visit, please take the time to prepare. This may involve adjusting your schedule, modifying medications as advised, arranging transportation, and fasting if required. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care and will work diligently to prepare for your appointment. This includes verifying insurance benefits, retrieving necessary medical records, assessing any implants, reviewing medications, and coordinating with your referring physician. You can expect a phone call from our staff prior to your appointment to discuss any additional details and address any questions you may have.
PATIENT PORTAL
Call our office at 972-759-5140 and they will set you up for full access to all your paperwork, reports and images.
WHAT TO WEAR
For optimal comfort and safety, please wear loose-fitting clothing without metal closures such as buttons. Athletic wear like shorts, sweatpants, and a t-shirt is ideal. To avoid any potential interference with the MRI machine, please remove all jewelry, including watches and piercings.
We provide lockers for you to store your belongings while you’re being scanned. Please keep the key with you at all times.
For procedures such as Myelograms and Arthrograms, you will be required to wear a gown. To ensure your comfort and privacy during your procedure, we provide two gowns. While our gowns are more substantial than traditional hospital gowns, they do tie in the back.
PLEASE NOTE: for Myelograms you will need a driver to accompany you.
PLEASE NOTE: that for these procedures, you will need a driver to accompany you and securely store any valuables. Following the procedure, a private recovery area will be provided for your comfort, where you will be monitored by our Paramedics.
DURING THE APPOINTMENT
Your Arrival Time is determined by two factors: the preparation required for your specific scan and the time needed to complete paperwork. For instance, if your CT scan involves contrast, you may need to arrive earlier to consume the contrast, change into a gown, and complete paperwork. Similarly, for an MRI with contrast, you may need to arrive earlier to change into a gown, have an IV inserted by a Paramedic, and complete paperwork.
Please note that your Arrival Time could be up to an hour before your scheduled Scan Time.
HELPFUL TIPS
Here are some time-saving tips to streamline your visit:
- Pre-Fill Your Paperwork:
Before your appointment, pre-fill your paperwork from our patient portal.
- Dress Smart, Save Time:
Wear loose-fitting clothing without metal closures such as metal buttons.
- Plan Ahead with Accurate Timing:
When our staff calls to confirm your appointment, ask for both your Arrival Time and Scan Time to optimize your visit.
At Check-In, please have the following ready:
While X-rays are generally safe, excessive exposure can pose health risks due to radiation exposure. To minimize risks:
- Insurance Card
- Driver’s License
- Signed Doctor’s Order (if not faxed)
You may also be asked to:
- Pay a co-payment or deductible based on your insurance plan. (For more information, see Insurance Questions.)
- Complete paperwork if you haven’t already done so online.
Once you’ve checked in and any necessary paperwork is completed, a Patient Coordinator or Paramedic will review your information and take you back for your scan.
THE PROCESS
Changing: A Patient Coordinator or Paramedic will guide you to a private changing area. You can secure your belongings in a locker. If a gown is required, you’ll wear two for complete coverage.
Waiting Area: You’ll be escorted to a waiting area where you can review the procedure with a staff member. This is a good time to ask any questions. If you haven’t fasted, feel free to request a snack or drink, but remember to use the restroom before your scan.
IV Placement (if required): A Paramedic will place the IV in a separate room. Our Paramedics are highly trained to make this process as comfortable as possible. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to call the office and speak with a Paramedic beforehand.
Your Patient Coordinator will keep you updated on your progress. Please feel free to ask them or the Paramedic for updates.
Sometimes, unexpected delays can occur due to a patient’s needs or technical issues. If you have a tight schedule, please call the office beforehand to discuss potential delays and adjust your appointment.
Once ready, you’ll be called to the exam room. Most exams require you to lie on a table or gurney. Please inform the Technologist of any discomfort or pain.
MRI rooms can be cool, so ask for a blanket if needed. You can also choose music to listen to during your scan. The Technologist will position you on the scanner and may use additional devices to enhance image quality.
Each scan has a unique duration. The Technologist will keep you informed after each phase. You can communicate with the Technologist through the room’s speaker system.
To ensure optimal image quality and minimize scan time, please follow the Technologist’s instructions and remain still. However, if you experience discomfort or need a brief pause, don’t hesitate to tell the Technologist.
It’s recommended to use the restroom before your scan begins. Some patients even doze off during the procedure. Sleeping is fine, as long as you don’t move excessively.
AFTER THE APPOINTMENT
Once the scan is complete, the Technologist will assist you off the scanner. A Patient Coordinator will guide you to the changing area and provide any necessary films or CDs. If you purchased a CD, it will be ready for you upon checkout.
For procedures like Myelograms or Arthrograms, you’ll be monitored in the Recovery Area by a Paramedic. Once you’ve received discharge instructions, you’ll be cleared to leave with your driver.
Please make sure you follow any post-visit instructions you were given by the Technologist or Paramedic. Click here for specific instructions for your scan.
After You Leave
The Technologist will review your images and send them to the radiologist on site for interpretation. The radiologist will then generate a report for your referring physician, which will be available within 24-48 hours. For appointments scheduled sooner than this, the report will be expedited as needed.
The Team Crown Staff Digital Images person will send the images to your doctor, if requested. You can also purchase a CD copy of the images for a fee or request a FREE QR code that you can download on your computer or mobile device. All images and reports will be uploaded into the Patient’s Portal as soon as they are ready.
The Team Crown Billing Staff will submit your claim to your insurance provider. For questions regarding your Explanation of Benefits (EOB), please contact the Billing Staff at 972.759.5140 or visit our insurance and billing information.
