FAQ


At BioImaging, we know that your health is very important to you and so is your peace of mind. We understand that you may have questions about your visit to our office and the procedure you will have. We have outlined some of the more frequently asked questions for you; however, we are always available should you have any other questions prior to, at the time of or after your appointment.


   General FAQs
  • How do I schedule an appointment?
    • You may schedule an appointment by calling our local office (615) 963-9991.
    • As we respect all our patients and their busy daily lives, we make every effort to keep on schedule. Arrival time is 30 minutes prior to the scan time in order to complete all necessary paperwork or pre-scan testing.
      • We request a 24-hour notice if you are unable to attend your appointment or need to reschedule, so that we can accommodate others waiting for an appointment.
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  • What do I need to bring to the appointment?
    • It is necessary for all patients to bring their insurance card (if applicable) and one form of picture ID.
    • For those having studies with contrast, please bring a list of all medications you are currently taking.
    • You may want to dress in comfortable clothing without any metal, such as zippers or snaps. If your clothing does have any metal, we may ask you to change into a gown or scrubs that we will provide.
    • As it is very important to compare current studies to previous studies, we ask that you bring any previous imaging studies you have had, especially if they were done at another facility.
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  • Will you file with my insurance company?
    • To insure that your claim will be paid, we will verify your benefits with your insurance company and work with your physician’s office to obtain any necessary pre-authorization or pre-certification.
    • Following the appointment we will file the claim with your health insurance company.
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  • Can I take my medications on the day of my appointment?
    • Yes, please do take any prescribed medications at the regular time.
    • If you are having a scan with contrast, bring a list of all current medications with you to the exam.
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   MRI-Related FAQs
  • Are there any reasons I should not have the scan done?
    Because of the potentially harmful effects associated with some metallic objects in a magnetic field, you should check with your physician or the MRI technologist if you have had any brain, heart, eye, ear or other surgeries. Also if you have any of the following please let the technologist know:
    • Metal implants
      • Surgical staples
      • Foreign metal objects in eye, or removed from eye
      • If you have ever been a sheet metal worker or machinist
      • Shrapnel, bullets, or bullet wounds
      • Tattoos
      • Intrauterine devices (IUD)

    You may NOT have the scan if you have the following:
    • Pacemaker
      • Neuro-stimulator (tens-unit)
      • Ferrous intracranial aneurysm clips
      • Implanted drug infusion device

    If you are pregnant please notify the technologist.
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  • Do I need to prepare for the exam?
    No special preparation is needed. Eat normally and take medication as usual, unless your doctor has given you other instructions. You may find it easier to relax if you avoid drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages before the exam.
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  • How long does the MRI scan take?
    The exam can last from 30 minutes to usually no more than one hour.
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  • What is an Open MRI?
    An open MRI means you will not be placed in a tunnel or tube. It is open on all 4 sides, allowing you to see around you. With an open MRI, you can have a friend or family member by your side during the examination. We also proved music for your relaxation.
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  • Is there any risk?
    Magnetic resonance imaging is very safe. There are no health risks associated with the magnetic field or radio waves used during the exam. However, some special circumstances limit the use of a magnetic field, so it is important for you to tell us if any of the following apply to you or someone accompanying you into the exam room:
    • Cardiac pacemaker or artificial heart valve
      • Metal plate, pin or other metallic implant
      • Intrauterine device, such as Copper-7 IUD
      • Insulin pump or other infusion pump
      • Aneurysm clips
      • Previous gunshot wound
      • Inner ear implant
      • Ever been a metal worker (had metal in eye)
      • Permanent (tattoo) eye-liner

    Any metallic substance on your person can affect the quality of the diagnostic images. It can also cause discomfort or injury to you when placed in the magnetic field, and may exclude you from the exam.

    Also, be sure to tell us if you are pregnant.
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  • What is the Exam or Test like?
    • The exam usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. It consists of several image exposures lasting 10 to 15 minutes each.
      • You will be asked to remove your eyeglasses, watch, jewelry, credit cards, dentures, hearing aids and any other metallic objects you are carrying. You will probably be asked to change into a patient gown or scrubs.
      • Then, the technologist will help you lie down on a cushioned table. A device called a coil will be placed over or under you. It helps the MRI system create a clear picture of your body. When you are comfortably positioned, the table will move under the magnet. The technologist will then step into the control area, while staying in constant contact with you both visually and through an intercom.
      • As the exam proceeds, you will hear a muffled thumping sound for several minutes at a time. These sounds are normal and occur whenever the MRI pictures are being taken.
      • It is important that you hold still while the machine is running; otherwise, the pictures will be blurry and may have to be repeated.
      • Relax and try to lie as still as possible. Any movement during this time will blur the picture. When the exam is done, the technologist will help you off the table.
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  • Will I feel anything during the scan?
    The MRI scan is completely painless and comfortable. Occasionally, an injection of a solution called contrast material may need to be used to better visualize the area of interest as specified by your physician. The contrast material used during an MRI scan typically has few or no side effects.
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  • Will I need an injection?
    • In most cases an MRI exam does not require any injections. In some situations, however, a substance known as a contrast agent may be needed to enhance the ability of the MRI to see into your body. All contrast agents are FDA-approved and are considered safe.
      • Athough we have an open MRI, if you feel that you may still be claustrophobic, you may want to talk to your referring physician before the test. The doctor may be able to prescribe a medication to help you relax. In this case, you will need to bring someone with you to drive you home.
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   CT-Related FAQs
  • Is there any preparation for a CT scan?
    • If you are having a CT scan without contrast, there is no special preparation. You may eat and drink normally and take any medications as prescribed by your physician.
      • If you are having a contrasted study, you will need to be NPO, which means nothing by mouth, for 4 hours prior to the exam. The exception to this is water and any necessary medications.
      • It is recommended that you wear loose fitting comfortable clothing without any metal, such as zippers or snaps as these can degrade the images. If you do have metal in your clothing, you may be asked to change into scrubs or a gown prior to the exam.
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  • Can I have someone in the room with me?
    No. CT uses radiation, which should only be exposed to the person being scanned. An exception can be made with small children. An appropriate cover will be provided to the parent or guardian accompanying the child.
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  • Can I bring my purse or other personal belongings with me?
    We have lockers available for any of your personal belongings.
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  • How long does a CT scan take?
    CT scans usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
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  • Are there any risks?
    CT scans involve exposure to radiation (x-ray). We use the lowest appropriate dose for you, which enables us to get the most information for your doctor with the least amount of exposure for you.
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  • Are there any reasons I should not have a CT scan?
    Our technologist will pre-screen you prior to the exam. Contra-indications to a CT scan include:
    • Pregnancy
    • Asthma – bring inhaler
    • Recent colon biopsy (less than 48 hours)
    • Diabetes (will need to have your creatinine level determined prior to exam)
    • Kidney disease (will need to have your creatinine level determined prior to exam)
    • Use of Glucophage (you will need doctor’s approval to discontinue for 48 hours following exam)
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  • What is contrast?
    • For a CT scan, there are two types of contrast, oral & IV (injection).
      • For certain abdominal and/or pelvic examinations you will be asked to drink an oral contrast prior to the exam. If so, you will need to be NPO (without food or drink – other than water) for 4 hours prior to the exam.
      • With oral contrast you will either need to arrive one hour before the scan time to drink the contrast and allow it to get into your system, or you can talk with one of our staff members about picking up the contrast and instructions for drinking the contrast prior to your arrival.
    • It is appropriate to take any prescribed medications prior to the exam.
      • An IV contrast may also be administered. With IV contrast you may feel a warm sensation. There is no preparation by the patient for this contrast.
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From the time we initially schedule an appointment to the time we deliver the final report, our
empathy & compassion for our patients creates a reassuring experience in a caring environment.



Addresses for the three BioImaging Radiology Centers, located in Nashville, TN