Frequently asked questions

Many studies can be scheduled within a few days, and X-ray is often available as a walk-in. If your study needs prior authorization, timing depends on how quickly your insurer responds.

Submit the appointment request form or call (818) 679-2867. We confirm your slot by phone and tell you exactly how to prepare.

Yes, within our available slots. Tell us your preferred day and time when you request and we will match it as closely as we can.

Call us as early as you can and we will find you another time. There is no penalty for rescheduling with reasonable notice.

Yes. Our Glendale office is open Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm, in addition to Monday to Friday 7:00am to 7:00pm.

It depends on your plan and whether the study is medically necessary. We verify your specific benefits rather than guessing, and tell you what your insurer will and will not cover.

Prior authorization is your insurer's approval before an imaging study. Many plans require it for MRI and CT. We check and submit it on your behalf.

That depends on your deductible, copay and coinsurance. We call you with an estimate before your appointment so nothing on the bill is a surprise.

Yes. Self-pay prices are quoted upfront and are often a good option if you have a high deductible or are out of network.

Generally no. Whole-body MRI screening is a cash-pay service. Screening mammograms, on the other hand, are usually covered at no cost under most plans.

Most scans need no fasting. Abdominal ultrasound usually requires 6-8 hours without food or drink, and some contrast studies require a short fast. We tell you when you book.

Comfortable clothing without metal zips, snaps or underwire. For mammography, skip deodorant, powder and lotion on the day, as they can show up on the images.

Photo ID, your insurance card, your physician's order if you have one, and a list of your current medications. Prior images on a disc are helpful if you have them.

In almost all cases yes, take your medication as normal. If your study requires fasting or contrast, ask us when you book and we will confirm.

Yes. A companion is welcome to wait with you in our Glendale reception, and in some cases can stay in the room during the scan.

A chest X-ray is roughly a few days of natural background radiation. CT is higher but still low, and we use low-dose protocols to keep exposure as small as the diagnosis allows.

Tell us before your exam. Ultrasound and MRI are usually preferred during pregnancy, and we will discuss whether to reschedule or use a different modality.

Sometimes. Many modern devices are MRI-conditional, meaning the scan can be done under specific conditions. Tell us the device make and model as early as possible so we can screen it.

Tell us when you book. We offer headphones, music, two-way communication throughout and breaks between sequences, and our technologists talk you through each step.

Only some studies use contrast. It is well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. We ask about kidney function and allergies beforehand to make sure it is appropriate for you.

Your referring physician, because they have your full medical history and can put the findings in context. Preventive screening patients get a results consultation with us instead.

Through the patient portal, where you can view and download both. If you cannot find your access details, call us and we will resend them.

Yes. We can send your images and report directly to a specialist or second-opinion physician, or provide a disc or secure digital copy.

Your physician receives the report and discusses next steps with you. A finding does not automatically mean something is wrong, many need only a follow-up scan to confirm stability.

It is something noticed on the scan that is unrelated to the reason you had it. Incidental findings are common and often harmless, though some warrant follow-up.

No. Preventive screening at our Glendale center is a cash-pay service you can book directly.

It depends on you. Some people value the baseline and the reassurance. Others find that the chance of incidental findings and follow-up testing outweighs the benefit. We are happy to talk it through honestly before you book.

No. Whole-body MRI does not replace guideline screenings such as mammography or colonoscopy, which are designed to detect things MRI cannot reliably see. Keep those on schedule.

Generally not. It is offered as a cash-pay service with transparent, upfront pricing.

You get a results consultation to walk through the report, and we recommend the appropriate next step, often a targeted follow-up scan or a referral to a specialist.