What Questions Should You Ask Before a Medical Imaging Examination?
Knowing what to ask before a medical imaging examination can help you understand your referral, prepare correctly and feel more comfortable about what to expect on the day of your appointment.
Useful questions before a medical imaging examination include why the examination has been requested, whether any preparation is required, what you should bring, how long the appointment may take, whether you should continue your usual medicines and when your referring healthcare professional is expected to receive the report. The questions that matter most depend on the type of imaging examination and your individual circumstances.
What Questions Should You Ask Before Medical Imaging?
Asking a few practical questions before your appointment can help you understand what has been requested and what you need to do beforehand. The most useful questions usually relate to your referral, preparation, appointment requirements, the examination itself and follow-up.
1. Why Am I Having This Examination?
Understanding the clinical reason for the examination can help you know what your healthcare professional is investigating or assessing.
2. Do I Need Any Preparation?
Ask whether you need to fast, drink water, have a full bladder or follow any other instructions before attending.
3. What Should I Bring?
Check whether you need your referral, previous imaging, reports or other relevant information for the appointment.
4. How Long Will It Take?
Appointment times vary between examinations, so ask how much time you should allow.
5. What Will Happen During the Examination?
Knowing what to expect can help you understand whether you will need to change position, remain still or follow specific instructions.
6. How Will I Receive My Results?
Ask when the report is expected to be available and which healthcare professional will receive it.
Why Should You Ask Questions Before a Medical Imaging Examination?
Medical imaging includes examinations such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT and DEXA scans. Each examination uses different technology and may have different preparation, positioning and appointment requirements.
Your referral provides important clinical information about why the examination has been requested. However, you may still have practical questions about what will happen when you arrive, what you need to bring or how to prepare.
Asking questions before your appointment can help you follow the correct instructions and avoid relying on preparation advice intended for a different examination.
You do not need to prepare a long list of questions. Start with the basics: why the examination is being performed, whether preparation is required, what to bring and what you should expect on the day.
Questions to Ask About Your Referral
Your referral helps the imaging provider understand what examination has been requested and why it is being performed.
1. What Examination Have I Been Referred For?
If you are unsure whether your referral is for an X-ray, ultrasound, CT, DEXA or another examination, ask your referring healthcare professional or imaging provider for clarification.
2. What Is the Examination Looking For?
Your doctor or other referring healthcare professional can explain the clinical reason for the examination and what information they are seeking.
3. Do I Need a Referral?
Referral requirements can vary according to the type of diagnostic imaging and your circumstances. Confirm that the required referral information has been provided before your appointment.
4. Is There Anything Important I Should Tell the Imaging Team?
Ask whether there is any relevant information the imaging provider needs before performing your examination. This may include information that could affect preparation or the way the examination is performed.
What Should You Ask About What to Bring?
Knowing what documents and information you need can make the check-in process more straightforward.
Referral
Ask whether your referral has been received or whether you need to bring the original referral or another form of documentation.
Previous Imaging
Ask whether previous imaging reports or comparison images are relevant to your appointment.
Medicare or Private Health Details
Confirm which Medicare or private health information is required for your appointment, where applicable.
Other Relevant Information
Ask whether there is any other information or documentation your imaging provider needs before the examination.
If you are attending CareWell Diagnostix, you can review the clinic's diagnostic imaging booking guide for additional information about referrals, booking and preparation.
What Should You Ask When You Arrive?
When you arrive at the imaging centre, the reception team will generally confirm your appointment and relevant details.
If you are unsure about the examination, preparation instructions or anything written on your referral, you can ask the imaging team for clarification before the examination begins.
You can also confirm practical details such as where to wait, whether you need to change clothing and what will happen next.
If you do not understand an instruction or are unsure what will happen during your examination, tell the imaging team. Clear communication can help you feel more prepared.
Questions About What Happens During the Examination
The examination itself depends on the type of medical imaging you have been referred for. Asking what to expect can help you understand the process before it begins.
| Examination | Useful Question to Ask |
|---|---|
| X-Ray | Will I need to change position, remove any clothing or jewellery, or hold my breath for the images? |
| Ultrasound | Do I need any preparation, and will I need to change position during the examination? |
| CT Scan | Do I need any preparation, and will contrast material be required for my examination? |
| DEXA Scan | Is there anything I should avoid before the examination, and what should I expect during the scan? |
Your imaging provider can explain the practical steps involved in your particular examination. Preparation and procedure requirements vary between examinations.
What Questions Should You Ask Before an X-Ray?
General X-rays are commonly used for a range of diagnostic indications. Before your appointment, you can ask whether you need to remove jewellery or certain items of clothing and whether there are any specific instructions for the area being examined.
You may also want to ask how long you should allow for the appointment and whether previous imaging is relevant to your examination.
During the examination, the radiographer may position you or the relevant body part in a particular way and may ask you to remain still for the image.
You can learn more about CareWell's General X-Ray service before your appointment.
What Questions Should You Ask Before an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of structures within the body and does not use ionising radiation.
Preparation can depend on the type of ultrasound. Some examinations may involve instructions about food, fluids or bladder preparation, while others may require little preparation.
Before your appointment, ask exactly what preparation is required and whether there are any clothing or positioning instructions you should know about.
CareWell provides a range of ultrasound examinations. Visit the CareWell Ultrasound service page for more information.
What Questions Should You Ask Before a CT Scan?
A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. Before your appointment, ask whether your examination requires any specific preparation.
Some CT examinations may involve contrast material. If this applies to your examination, the imaging provider can provide information about the relevant preparation and procedure.
You can also ask how long the appointment is expected to take and whether you should make the imaging team aware of any relevant medical information before the scan.
If you have been referred for CT imaging, you can review CareWell's CT Scan information for further details.
What Questions Should You Ask Before a DEXA Bone Density Scan?
A DEXA, or DXA, scan measures bone mineral density. Before the examination, ask your imaging provider whether there are any specific preparation instructions for your appointment.
You may also want to ask what clothing is suitable, whether any metal items need to be removed and approximately how long you should allow for the examination.
If you have questions about the purpose of the scan, your referring healthcare professional can explain why DEXA has been requested in your circumstances.
You can find more information about DEXA Bone Density Scans at CareWell Diagnostix .
What Questions Should You Ask About Liver Elastography?
Liver elastography, including FibroScan, uses specialised technology to assess liver stiffness. If you have been referred for this examination, ask what preparation is required and whether there are any instructions about food or drink beforehand.
You can also ask how the examination is performed, how long you should allow for the appointment and when your referring healthcare professional is expected to receive the report.
Learn more about Liver Elastography at CareWell Diagnostix .
What Questions Should You Ask After Your Imaging Examination?
After your examination, it can be helpful to understand what happens next. Ask when the images will be reviewed and when the report is expected to be available to your referring healthcare professional.
You can also ask which healthcare professional will receive the report and how you will discuss the findings.
The imaging provider generally performs and reports the examination, while your referring healthcare professional can explain the findings in the context of your symptoms, medical history and other clinical information.
The imaging report is one part of your overall healthcare assessment. Your GP, specialist or other referring healthcare professional can help you understand what the findings mean for your individual circumstances.
Should You Ask How Long the Appointment Will Take?
Yes. Appointment duration can vary significantly depending on the type of imaging examination, preparation requirements and individual circumstances.
A general X-ray may be relatively quick, while an ultrasound, CT, DEXA scan or procedure may require more time.
Your total appointment time may include registration, preparation, the examination itself and any necessary post-examination steps.
If you need to plan your day around your appointment, ask the imaging provider how much time you should allow for your particular examination.
Do the Questions You Need to Ask Depend on the Examination?
Yes. Although many practical questions apply to most imaging appointments, some questions are specific to the examination you have been referred for.
Type of Imaging
X-ray, ultrasound, CT and DEXA use different technologies and may involve different preparation and procedures.
Preparation
Some examinations require fasting, fluids or other preparation, while others involve little preparation.
Medical History
Relevant health information may be important when preparing for or performing certain imaging examinations.
Follow-Up
Ask when the report is expected and which healthcare professional will discuss the findings with you.
10 Questions to Ask Before a Medical Imaging Examination
If you are preparing for a diagnostic imaging appointment, these questions may help you understand what to expect:
- Why has this imaging examination been requested?
- What type of imaging examination am I having?
- Do I need a referral, and has it been received by the imaging provider?
- Do I need to fast, drink water or follow any other preparation instructions?
- Should I take my usual medicines as normal?
- What should I wear or bring to the appointment?
- Should I bring previous imaging reports or scans?
- How long should I allow for the appointment?
- What should I expect during the examination?
- When will the report be available to my referring healthcare professional?
If you are unsure about any preparation requirement, contact the imaging provider before attending rather than guessing.
Diagnostic Imaging at CareWell Diagnostix
CareWell Diagnostix provides diagnostic imaging services for patients in Tarneit and Melbourne's West.
Depending on your referral and clinical needs, available services include:
Ultrasound
Imaging using sound waves to produce real-time images of selected body structures.
Explore UltrasoundLiver Elastography
Non-invasive assessment of liver stiffness using specialised ultrasound technology.
Explore Liver ElastographyUltrasound-Guided Procedures
Selected procedures can be performed with real-time ultrasound guidance when clinically appropriate.
Explore Guided ProceduresQuestions About Medical Imaging in Tarneit and Melbourne West?
If you have been referred for diagnostic imaging and live in or around Tarneit, asking about appointment requirements before your visit can help you prepare for your examination.
CareWell Diagnostix is located at 205 Bethany Road, Tarneit VIC 3029 and supports patients from Tarneit and surrounding Melbourne West communities, including Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Truganina, Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes and Williams Landing.
If you have questions about your appointment, the CareWell team can provide information about the relevant examination, booking process and preparation requirements.
Related CareWell Patient Guides
How to Book Diagnostic Imaging in Tarneit & Melbourne West
Learn about referrals, booking, preparation and what to bring to your imaging appointment.
Read the Patient GuideHow Long Does a Diagnostic Imaging Appointment Take?
Explore the factors that can affect the duration of different imaging examinations.
Related article coming soon.What Questions Should You Ask Before Medical Imaging?
Practical questions that may help you feel prepared before your examination.
Related article coming soon.Frequently Asked Questions
What questions should I ask before a medical imaging examination?
Useful questions include why the examination has been requested, whether preparation is required, what to bring, how long the appointment may take and when the report is expected to be available to your referring healthcare professional.
Do I need to ask why my doctor has requested imaging?
You can ask your referring healthcare professional why the examination has been requested and what clinical question they are seeking to investigate or assess.
Should I ask whether I need to prepare before my scan?
Yes. Preparation varies between examinations. Some may require fasting, drinking water, bladder preparation or other instructions, while others require little preparation.
Should I ask what I need to bring?
Yes. Ask whether you need your referral, previous imaging reports or scans, Medicare or private health information or other relevant documentation.
Should I ask how long my imaging appointment will take?
Yes. Appointment duration varies according to the examination, preparation and individual circumstances. Your imaging provider can advise how much time you should allow.
What should I ask before an ultrasound?
Ask whether your particular ultrasound requires preparation, such as drinking water or having a full bladder, and whether there are any instructions about clothing or positioning.
What should I ask before a CT scan?
Ask whether preparation is required, whether contrast material will be used for your examination and whether there is any relevant information you should provide to the imaging team beforehand.
What should I ask before an X-ray?
You can ask whether you need to remove jewellery or clothing, whether you will need to change position and approximately how long the appointment is expected to take.
What should I ask before a DEXA scan?
Ask about any preparation requirements, suitable clothing, metal items that may need to be removed and how long you should allow for the examination.
Should I tell the imaging team about relevant health information?
Yes. If you have information that may be relevant to your preparation or examination, discuss it with the imaging provider before the examination.
When should I ask about my imaging report?
You can ask when the report is expected to be available and which healthcare professional will receive it. Your referring GP or specialist can then discuss the findings with you.
Where is CareWell Diagnostix located?
CareWell Diagnostix has a clinic at 205 Bethany Road, Tarneit VIC 3029. The centre supports patients from Tarneit and surrounding Melbourne West communities.
What imaging services are available at CareWell Diagnostix?
CareWell Diagnostix currently provides services including CT, ultrasound, general X-ray, DEXA bone density scanning, liver elastography and selected ultrasound-guided procedures. Availability depends on the service and appointment requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Ask why the medical imaging examination has been requested and what type of examination you are having.
- Confirm whether you need to fast, drink water or follow any other preparation instructions.
- Ask what documents, referrals, previous imaging or other information you should bring.
- Ask what you can expect during the examination, including positioning or other instructions.
- Find out how long you should allow for your appointment.
- Ask when the imaging report is expected to be available to your referring healthcare professional.
Have Questions Before Your Diagnostic Imaging Appointment?
If you have been referred for diagnostic imaging, CareWell Diagnostix can provide information about available examinations, appointment requirements and preparation.
Located in Tarneit, CareWell supports patients from across Melbourne West and surrounding communities.
Make an AppointmentThis article is provided for general educational purposes only and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. The appropriate imaging examination and any preparation requirements depend on your individual circumstances and clinical needs. Always follow the instructions provided by your referring healthcare professional and imaging provider.