Frequently Asked Questions

When will my doctor get my exam results?
During regular business hours (Monday through Friday) Mercy Imaging Centers’ goal is to provide results within 24-48 hours unless a phone or fax preliminary report from the referring physician has been requested.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Patients should bring a referral request form from their referring doctor, their health insurance card, a list of current medications and information about their medical history and current medical situation, along with any prior films or reports related to the current study we are doing.
How can I make sure services are covered by my insurance plan?
We recommend that patients contact their insurance company with any coverage questions prior to their appointment, because there are multiple health plans under each insurance company. Our office personnel are trained in understanding the various health plans and their contractual agreements with providers. Any of our MIC locations can assist you with the process, whether a prior authorization is needed for a service or exam that a referring physician has ordered or not.
What is the difference between an open and closed MRI ?
The traditional high field scanners (often referred to as closed) are actually open at both ends and provide considerably higher detail and resolution than the low field (open) scanners. Also, the length of time in the scanner is much shorter on the high field scanners.
Why do I have to have a CT contrast (oral or intravenously)?
The decision to use Oral or IV contrast depends on what the patient’s symptoms are and what the MIC Radiologist would like to learn from the exam. Ultimately, our Radiologist determines the need for contrast.
Will the CT oral contrast make me feel sick or have any side effects?
The CT oral contrast is a Barium Sulfate suspension. It is an inert substance that is not absorbed or metabolized by the body. It will eventually pass through your system within 1-2 days. Most patients tolerate it well.
Does Mercy Imaging Centers offer 3-D Ultrasound for obstetrics?
No, we do not. However, the ultrasounds that MIC do offer are of excellent diagnostic quality and meet the required standards of the American College of Radiology. While 3-D ultrasounds are fun to look at, they are not required or necessary at this time.
Will I get my test results back right away?
Results are provided to the doctor that referred you as a patient and are usually forwarded to their office within two business days. A patient may request a report to be mailed. This is usually sent approximately one week after your appointment.
Will my doctor get my films?
Yes, if your doctor requests them. MIC can either provide the referring doctor with films or a CD. Some of our referring doctors only want the radiology report. It is at the referring doctor’s discretion as to what they need us to provide. We are also now able to provide patient images and reports to a referring physician online using the PACS software system. Patients’ information is extremely confidential and is only accessible through the patient’s doctor’s office.
How long do most exams take?
Exams may vary according to the type of procedure. Our staff will be able to estimate the time for you when scheduling an appointment.
Are you open on Saturdays?
Generally no, except on occasion for certain MRI procedures located at our MIC Carmichael center.
How long does it take for a patient to get an appointment?
Generally, we are able to setup a patient appointment within the same day or the following business day.
What exams require an appointment?
CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy, Mammography, IVP, DEXA-Bone Densitometry and special procedures require an appointment. X-ray exams are allowed on a walk-in, first come, first served basis.
Can I bring my children to my appointment?
Children under the age of 12 years must have someone else to supervise them during the exam.
Do I need an order from my doctor?
Yes, an order is needed for ALL imaging procedures. A patient is unable to self-refer for anything other than a screening CT Colonography and screening CT of the coronary arteries and lungs.