At UPMC, we aim to make your imaging tests as easy and stress-free as possible. Our staff will work closely with you and your health care team to schedule your imaging appointment at a location and time that is convenient for you. We'll also tell you how to prepare for your imaging test and what to expect during your procedure.
Our scheduling team makes it easy to set up an imaging appointment at a time and location that works best for you.
We have more than 100 imaging centers throughout Pennsylvania, western New York, and western Maryland. Contact the one closest to you to make an appointment.
When you make your appointment, let us know if:
The length of your test will depend on what type of test you’re having and other factors. Please ask for this information when scheduling your procedure.
You do not need an appointment for general x-rays Walk in for x-rays at the location of your choice with your doctor's order.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your imaging appointment, call the imaging center where it is scheduled as soon as possible. We request at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
Your doctor will give you pretest instructions on how to prepare for your imaging procedure. Be sure to ask your doctor if you must stop taking any medications before your test.
A member of our imaging team or your doctor will give you a description of each test, which includes:
Basic preparation guidelines for common imaging procedures include:
We will give you details on how to prep when you make your appointment. Study times vary in length.
Please call the UPMC Imaging Center for specific instructions for:
Ask your doctor or call the imaging center where you're having your test for any pre-scan instructions.
Wait one week to have a DXA scan if you've had any:
If you've scheduled any of those tests on the same day as your DXA scan, you must have the DXA first.
Do not eat or drink anything after 10 p.m. the night before your exam. This includes chewing gum.
Please have any prior mammogram images and reports sent to our office before your appointment. If your prior mammograms were performed at UPMC, your provider should be able to access your previous images.
Do not use powders, talcs, sprays, or deodorants on your breasts or under your arms.
When you schedule your appointment, please inform us of any metal implants or devices in your body. We'll give you details on any other steps you should take to prepare for your MRI scan.
On the day of your scan, you will:
No special pretest preparation is necessary.
You should take nothing by mouth for six hours before your appointment. This includes chewing gum, mints, and cigarettes.
In some cases, you may need to drink fluids up to one hour before your test to fill your bladder. Do not empty your bladder until after the test.
On the day of your scheduled test, please report to the imaging center's registration area, located near the lobby, unless instructed otherwise by our staff. You may need to complete health history paperwork or sign other forms.
If you arrive to a screening mammogram with symptoms of breast disease, such as a lump or skin changes, you will be asked to reschedule for a diagnostic mammogram.
Depending on your procedure, please arrive between 15 and 30 minutes before your appointment to complete the necessary registration paperwork.
Plan to bring your insurance card, referral, or written order/prescription, and the name and address of your insurance plan and/or claims payer. You'll also need to provide a list of any medications you take.
Before your test or procedure, you may be escorted to a changing room, where you may be asked to change into a gown for your test. Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing and remove any metal body jewelry. Leave jewelry and other valuables at home.
When you arrive at the testing site, our receptionist will greet you. We'll let your imaging technologist know of your arrival and start the test as soon as we can.
The test procedure varies depending on the type of imaging test you’re having. Your imaging technologist will tell you about the procedure and answer any questions you have before your test.
Unless your doctor says otherwise, you can leave the imaging center after your test is complete. If you received medication to help you relax during the test (sedation), you will need to arrange for someone else to drive you home.
Your doctor will receive your test results after a radiologist interprets them. Your doctor will contact you about your results unless you have already scheduled a follow-up appointment or made other arrangements with their office.
You can also access your imaging test results through your UPMC patient portal account.
Call your doctor's office if you have questions about your test results.
Our radiologists usually return reports to your doctor within 24 hours. Occasionally, it may take longer. Your doctor will review the results within one to two days.
Expect to hear from your doctor within three to five business days of your procedure. If you don’t receive a phone call after five days, call your doctor’s office to ask about your results.
UPMC accepts many health insurance plans. We ask that you check with your health plan if you have questions about your coverage for doctor’s visits, emergency care, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, preventive screenings, or medical procedures. You're responsible for paying any non-covered charges. If you have an insurance co-pay, you will be billed after your visit.
Common forms of payment we accept are:
You may have basic questions about imaging, such as:
When you choose UPMC for imaging services, you will have access to:
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