After your doctor orders an imaging scan, then you’ll usually make an appointment with a diagnostic center. There isn’t a lot of preparation involved, but there are a few tips to keep in mind so that you’re comfortable and in order for the technician to get the best images. When you arrive at an Orlando diagnostic imaging center, you need to make sure you’re having the proper scan performed that your doctor ordered. Once you sign any necessary documents, you’ll be taken to the exam area.
Education
Talk to your doctor about the reason for the scan. Most of the time, one is ordered so that your doctor can get a better look at potential health concerns so that the proper treatments can begin. Find out if you need to avoid eating or drinking anything before your appointment or if there is anything else that you should avoid doing in order to prepare. Sometimes, you might need an intravenous contrast before or during the scan so that certain areas are highlighted.
What to Wear
Most of the time, you can wear your own clothes as long as they don’t have metallic pieces. If you’re more comfortable wearing a hospital gown, then you can make this request when you get to the center. Avoid wearing any kind of jewelry. You also need to let the technician know about any metallic components that are in your body, such as those that are often used for joint replacements.
Details for the Scan
Let the technician know if you’re pregnant or if you could be pregnant. If you’re claustrophobic or have higher levels of anxiety, then ask your doctor if there is an Orlando diagnostic imaging center that has an open MRI machine or another type of open machine for the scan. Ask as many questions as you can before the scan so that you’re prepared for the sounds you could hear and how to move when the machine is used.
