Coming in for imaging can bring up a lot of questions, especially if it’s your first time or it’s been a while. The good news is that most exams are straightforward, and the team will talk you through what happens before anything begins. If you’re feeling nervous, that’s completely understandable. The goal is to make the visit feel clear, comfortable, and easy to navigate from check-in to check-out.
Preparation is usually simple, but it can vary depending on the exam your provider ordered. If you were given specific instructions when scheduling, those should take priority. In the meantime, a few small steps below can help your visit go smoothly.
Ask about any special instructions when you schedule.
Some exams are very simple and only require you to show up. Others may have restrictions around food, drink, or medication. If anything is required for your specific exam, our team or your referring provider will let you know ahead of time.
Give yourself a little extra time.
Arriving a bit early means you are not rushed through check-in, paperwork, or questions. It also helps the technologist start your exam on schedule, so you are not waiting longer than necessary.
Know what exam you are having and why.
It can be helpful to know whether you are coming for a mammogram, ultrasound, X-ray, DEXA scan, or another study, and whether it is screening or follow-up. This gives you a chance to ask the questions that matter most to you.
Having the right information with you makes it easier for the team to register you and for the radiologist to see the full picture of your health.
Identification and insurance information.
Bring a photo ID and your insurance card, if you use insurance. This allows us to verify your information and handle billing correctly.
Your referral or imaging order.
If your provider gave you a written order or referral for your exam, bring it with you. It tells the radiology team exactly what has been requested and why.
Information about prior imaging.
If you have had imaging done elsewhere, especially mammograms or DEXA scans, it is very helpful to know where and when those exams were done. When prior studies are available for comparison, radiologists can better see small changes over time.
What you wear can affect your comfort and the quality of your images.
Choose comfortable clothing.
Loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to change out of work best. In some cases, you may be asked to change into a gown, especially if the area being imaged is covered by clothing.
Avoid metal near the area being imaged.
Metal, such as zippers, snaps, belt buckles, underwire bras, or jewelry, can interfere with X-ray-based imaging. When possible, avoid metal in the part of your body that will be examined, or be prepared to remove it.
Special note for mammograms.
On the day of a mammogram, do not apply deodorant, powder, lotion, or perfume under your arms or on your breasts. These products can appear on the images and make them harder to interpret.
Sharing a few key details with the team helps keep you safe and gives the radiologist important context when reading your exam.
Allergies and medical conditions.
Let us know if you have allergies, especially to contrast materials, or if you have medical devices such as pacemakers or joint replacements. This information helps us plan your exam safely.
Pregnancy and the possibility of pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, let the team know before any X-ray based exam. This allows us to take extra precautions or discuss alternative imaging when appropriate.
Breast surgery or implants.
If you are coming for a mammogram and have breast implants or a history of breast surgery, mention this at check-in. It can change how the images are taken and how they are interpreted.
Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and preparation can vary depending on the part of the body being imaged.
More information is available on our ultrasound services page.
X-rays are often quick and require little preparation.
Learn more on our X-ray imaging page.
DEXA scans measure bone density, often in the spine and hips, and small changes in preparation can improve image quality.
Visit our DEXA bone density page for additional information.
Mammograms work best when the skin is clean, and there is a clear view of the breast tissue.
You can find more details on our mammography page.
Breast ultrasound and Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) often follow a mammogram or are used to look more closely at specific areas.
Learn more on our ABUS ultrasound page.
If your provider has recommended a breast biopsy, the team will give you specific instructions based on the type of biopsy you are having.
You can learn more on our breast biopsy page.
After your exam, a radiologist reviews your images and sends a report to the provider who ordered your study. Your provider will then discuss the results with you and talk through any next steps, such as follow-up imaging, additional testing, or routine follow-up at your next visit.
If you are unsure when you will hear about your results, you can ask at check-in or call our office for clarification.
If you still have questions about getting ready for your exam, we are here to support you. Our team can explain what to expect and help you feel more comfortable before your visit.