A Practical Guide to Scheduling Radiology and MRI Appointments at RadNet San Bernardino (and Accessing Your Results)

Navigating radiology appointments can feel confusing: you may be juggling referrals, insurance approvals, and questions about how to actually book your MRI or X‑ray and see the results. When you’re dealing with your health, you want the process to be as clear and predictable as possible.

This guide walks through how to schedule radiology and MRI appointments at RadNet San Bernardino, what to expect before and during your visit, and how to access your imaging results afterward. The focus is on practical steps and common patterns you’re likely to encounter at outpatient imaging centers like this one, so you can feel more prepared and confident.

Understanding Radiology and MRI at an Outpatient Center

Before you schedule, it helps to understand what you’re scheduling.

What Radiology Services Typically Include

Outpatient radiology centers commonly offer a range of imaging exams, such as:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• CT (Computed Tomography) scans
• X‑rays
• Ultrasound
• Mammography
• DEXA (bone density) scans
• Fluoroscopy and certain specialized procedures

RadNet San Bernardino is generally positioned as an imaging center within a larger network, so many people are referred there by primary care doctors, orthopedic specialists, neurologists, or surgeons.

Each exam type has its own:

• Preparation requirements (fasting, clothing, medication adjustments)
• Approximate duration
• Contraindications or safety checks (for example, MRI and metal implants)

Understanding which test you need and why can make scheduling smoother.

Why You Usually Need a Referral or Order

Most radiology centers, including those in large imaging networks, require:

• A valid imaging order (sometimes called a “requisition”) from a licensed healthcare provider.
• Details like the specific exam (e.g., “MRI of lumbar spine with and without contrast”) and the clinical reason.

This order is important because:

• It tells the imaging center exactly which study to perform.
• It helps ensure the exam is medically appropriate.
• Insurers often require an order for coverage and prior authorization.

If you don’t have an order yet, the center will typically advise you to contact your doctor before scheduling.

Step-by-Step: How to Schedule an MRI or Radiology Exam at RadNet San Bernardino

Scheduling usually follows a predictable sequence. While exact options can vary over time, most patients can expect some combination of phone scheduling, online request tools, and in‑person coordination.

1. Gather Essential Information Before You Schedule

Having the right details ready saves time and reduces back-and-forth.

✅ Be ready with:

• Your imaging order

  • Type of exam (e.g., MRI brain, CT abdomen, X‑ray knee).
  • “With contrast,” “without contrast,” or “with and without”—if applicable.
  • Ordering provider’s name and contact info.

• Your personal details

  • Full legal name (matching your ID).
  • Date of birth and contact number.
  • Email address, if you plan to use an online portal.

• Insurance information

  • Insurance card (front and back).
  • Member ID, group number, and plan type.
  • Whether this is a worker’s compensation or auto accident claim, if applicable.

• Scheduling preferences

  • Days and times you’re available.
  • Whether you prefer early morning, evenings, or weekends (if offered).

Having these details handy can make a single scheduling call or online session sufficient, rather than needing multiple follow‑ups.

2. Choose How You Want to Schedule

Most outpatient imaging centers, including those in the RadNet network, commonly support several scheduling routes:

Phone Scheduling

Many patients prefer calling to schedule because:

• You can ask immediate questions about prep or insurance.
• Complex exams (like multi-part MRI studies) are often easier to coordinate by phone.
• The scheduler can confirm if prior authorization is already in place or still needed.

When you call, you are usually:

• Asked to verify your identity.
• Asked about your referring provider.
• Guided through available dates and times that match your exam type.

Online Appointment Requests

Some locations support online request forms or patient portals where you can:

• Submit an appointment request.
• Upload or confirm your doctor’s order.
• Provide insurance details.

In many cases, staff review online requests and call you back or email you to finalize. For time-sensitive exams, it can still be more efficient to call directly.

Scheduling Through Your Doctor’s Office

Certain clinics:

• Coordinate imaging on your behalf, especially for same‑day or urgent scans.
• Fax or electronically send your order and ask the imaging center to reach out to you.

If this is how your clinician operates, you may receive a call or message from the imaging center to confirm a specific slot.

Working With Insurance, Authorizations, and Costs

Understanding how insurance fits into radiology scheduling can reduce surprises on the day of your MRI or CT.

Prior Authorization: What It Is and Why It Matters

For many plans, especially for MRI, CT, and some advanced imaging, insurance carriers may require prior authorization. In general:

• The ordering provider’s office usually initiates this process.
• The imaging center may help by providing procedure codes or medical necessity documentation if requested.
• Appointments for high‑cost imaging are sometimes scheduled after authorization is approved, or scheduled tentatively with the understanding that they may shift if authorization is delayed.

If you’re unsure about authorization:

• Ask your provider’s office whether authorization is required and if they have requested it.
• Ask the imaging center whether they see authorization on file when you schedule or confirm.

Verifying Coverage and Expected Charges

Outpatient radiology centers typically:

• Collect your insurance details during scheduling.
• Perform eligibility checks to estimate coverage.
• Inform you if a copay, coinsurance, or deductible may be due at the time of service.

Because coverage varies widely:

• Many centers can only give a range or estimate, not a precise final amount.
• You can contact your insurance directly with a procedure code (which staff can provide) to ask about out‑of‑pocket estimates.

💡 Tip:
If costs are a concern, ask about:

• Self-pay or cash rates.
• Payment plans or financial assistance options that may be available in some settings.

Preparing for Your Radiology or MRI Exam

Once your appointment is scheduled, preparation can affect both the quality of images and the smoothness of your visit.

1. Follow Exam-Specific Preparation Instructions

Preparation depends heavily on the exam type:

• MRI

  • You may be asked to remove metal objects (jewelry, piercings, hairpins, watches).
  • You might receive a questionnaire about implants, pacemakers, metal fragments, or past surgeries.
  • Some MRI exams require contrast injections, so you might be asked about kidney function, allergies, or prior reactions.

• CT scans

  • For abdominal or pelvic CT, you may be asked to fast for a period beforehand.
  • Oral or IV contrast may be used; you may receive instructions about drinking contrast material before your scan.

• Ultrasound

  • Abdominal ultrasound sometimes requires fasting for a set number of hours.
  • Pelvic or obstetric ultrasound may require a full bladder, with instructions on how much water to drink and when.

• X‑rays

  • Usually minimal preparation, but you may be asked to avoid certain lotions, powders, or clothing with heavy metal components.

When your appointment is confirmed, staff typically provide preparation details by phone, text, email, or through a patient portal. If anything is unclear, it’s reasonable to call back and ask for clarification.

2. Plan What to Bring on the Day

On the day of your exam, it’s helpful to arrive with:

• Photo ID
• Insurance card
• Form of payment, if a copay or cost share is expected
• The imaging order, if it was given to you on paper
• A list of medications and allergies
• Previous imaging CDs or reports, if your doctor wants comparison studies and they weren’t already transferred digitally

Comfort-related items can also help:

• Comfortable, metal‑free clothing (sportswear, sweatpants with no zippers or buttons)
• A light sweater or socks (MRI rooms can feel cool)
• Any hearing aids, glasses, or removable devices that you may be asked to take off, with a case or pouch to store them

3. Arrive Early for Check-In

Radiology appointments generally request arrival before your scheduled scan time. This allows for:

• Registration and paperwork (demographics, consent forms, medical history)
• Verification of insurance and authorization
• Review of safety questionnaires, especially for MRI and procedures with contrast

Arriving early can reduce the risk of delays and give you time to ask last‑minute questions.

What to Expect During Your MRI or Radiology Visit

Knowing what happens from check-in to completion can lower anxiety and help you feel more prepared.

Check-In and Pre-Exam Steps

When you arrive:

1. Register at the front desk

   • Confirm your personal and insurance information.
   • Provide any required identification.

2. Complete questionnaires

   • MRI safety forms (e.g., metal implants, prior surgeries).
   • Contrast-related questions (e.g., previous allergic reactions, kidney history).
   • General health history relevant to your exam.

3. Change into a gown, if needed

   • For many MRI, CT, or certain X‑rays, you may be asked to change to avoid metal on clothing.

During the Exam

The exact experience varies by exam type, but some general themes are common.

MRI Exams

Typical elements:

• You’re brought into the MRI suite and either lie down on a table that moves into the scanner or are positioned as needed.
• The technologist explains:
  • How long the study will take.
  • The importance of staying still for clear images.
  • How you can communicate (commonly a call button or intercom).

Expect:

• Loud, rhythmic knocking or buzzing sounds from the machine. Many centers offer earplugs or headphones.
• Periods of stillness while images are acquired.
• Possible use of contrast, which is usually administered through an IV if ordered.

For people who feel claustrophobic, technologists are typically experienced in:

• Explaining the process step by step.
• Checking in with you between sequences.
• Offering positioning aids to increase comfort.

CT, X‑ray, and Ultrasound

• CT: The table moves through a ring-shaped scanner; exams are often shorter than MRI.
• X‑ray: Usually quick, with various positions (standing, lying down, turning).
• Ultrasound: A technologist uses a handheld transducer with gel on the skin; you may be asked to hold your breath or change position briefly.

After the Exam

Right after your scan:

• The technologist typically confirms that enough images were obtained.
• They may advise you about any post-exam instructions (for example, drinking water after contrast, when applicable).
• You’re usually free to leave once the technologist confirms the study is complete and there are no immediate concerns related to the procedure itself.

The images are then:

• Sent to a radiologist (a physician specializing in interpreting imaging).
• Reviewed and used to create a written report for your ordering provider.

How to Access Your Radiology and MRI Results

One of the most common questions about MRI and radiology exams is: “How do I see my results?”

Who Actually Receives the Official Results?

Typically:

• A radiologist interprets your images and writes a formal report.
• That report, along with key images, is sent to your ordering provider (the doctor who requested the exam).
• Your ordering provider uses the report plus your overall clinical picture to discuss next steps with you.

Imaging centers usually don’t provide diagnoses or treatment plans; their role is to generate and interpret the images.

Ways You May Be Able to View Your Results

Outpatient imaging centers commonly support several channels for accessing your report and, in some cases, your images.

1. Through Your Doctor’s Office

Some patients prefer (or are required) to:

• Call or schedule a follow‑up with their ordering provider.
• Review the report and images with that provider, who can explain what the findings may mean in the context of their health history and physical exam.

This approach allows you to ask:

• What the findings might indicate.
• Whether additional testing is needed.
• What treatment or monitoring options they might consider appropriate.

2. Through a Patient Portal

Many imaging centers within large networks use secure online portals that can allow you to:

• Create an account linked to your exam.
• View or download written radiology reports once they are released to patients.
• Sometimes view selected images or PDFs of your studies.
• Receive notifications when new results are available.

Access may involve:

• A registration code or secure invitation sent after your visit.
• Two‑factor authentication or identity verification.

Policies vary on:

• When patient access is granted (for instance, some systems release results to patients after a certain delay, while others release almost immediately).
• Which types of results are shown directly to patients.

3. Requesting a Copy of Your Images

If you or your clinician needs the actual imaging files, you can usually:

• Request a CD, DVD, USB, or secure digital transfer of your studies.
• Complete a medical records or image request form.
• Provide identification and, if you’re not the patient, proof of authorization.

These image copies are often used when:

• You are seeing a specialist at a different location.
• You want to keep a personal copy for your records.
• Another provider wants to compare new and older imaging for changes over time.

💡 Tip:
If you know you’ll be seeing another provider soon, you can ask during your visit:

• How to request a copy of your images.
• How long it typically takes for the radiologist’s report to be finalized.

Typical Timeframe for Radiology and MRI Results

Timelines can vary depending on:

• The type of exam (routine vs. urgent).
• The complexity of your imaging.
• The clinical situation (emergency department vs. scheduled outpatient).
• Workflow and staffing at the specific center.

Common outpatient patterns:

• Routine studies are often interpreted within a short period of time after the exam, with the report made available to your ordering clinician thereafter.
• Urgent or “stat” exams may be read more quickly, with results relayed to the ordering provider as a priority.

If you’re curious about your specific case:

• Ask the technologist or front desk staff how long it typically takes for your kind of exam.
• Ask your ordering provider’s office how they notify patients (phone call, portal message, scheduled follow‑up).

Practical Tips to Make Scheduling and Results Access Smoother

Here’s a quick, skimmable summary of practical steps you can take 👇

📝 Quick Checklist: Before You Schedule

• ✅ Confirm you have a valid imaging order from your provider.
• ✅ Gather your insurance card, ID, and referral details.
• ✅ Ask your provider if prior authorization is needed and if they have started it.
• ✅ Note any implants, previous surgeries, or allergies, especially for MRI or contrast exams.

📅 When Scheduling the Appointment

• ✅ Ask for prep instructions specific to your exam type.
• ✅ Check if fasting or special clothing is required.
• ✅ Confirm the appointment location and any parking details.
• ✅ Verify whether a copay or deposit is due at the time of service.

📍 On the Day of Your Exam

• ✅ Arrive early to allow for registration and forms.
• ✅ Bring your order, ID, insurance card, and payment method.
• ✅ Ask how to access a patient portal (if offered) for results.
• ✅ Let staff know if you have anxiety or claustrophobia, especially for MRI.

📧 After the Exam

• ✅ Ask your technologist or front desk when results are usually ready.
• ✅ Confirm who will contact you about your results (your doctor’s office, portal message, or both).
• ✅ If you have a follow‑up appointment with another provider, request image copies or ask how they’ll receive them.

Common Questions About Radiology and MRI at an Outpatient Center

Do I need to bring my imaging order, or is it sent electronically?

Often:

• Providers fax or transmit orders electronically to the imaging center.
• It can still be helpful to bring a printed copy if you have it, especially if there is any possibility of miscommunication or if you were given one at your appointment.

If you’re unsure, you can call the imaging center in advance and ask if they’ve received your order.

Can I schedule an MRI or CT without a doctor’s referral?

In many cases:

• Insurance plans require a provider’s order for coverage.
• Outpatient radiology centers often require an order for all advanced imaging, regardless of insurance.

There are some exceptions in specific scenarios (such as certain screening exams), but for most diagnostic MRI and CT studies, a referral is standard.

How do I reschedule or cancel my appointment?

Rescheduling usually involves:

• Calling the imaging center’s scheduling or front desk line.
• Providing your name, date of birth, and appointment details.
• Asking about the next available dates that work for you.

Some centers may allow rescheduling through a portal or text system, but phone contact is still very common, especially for changes close to the appointment time.

Will I get my results directly from the imaging center staff?

Technologists and front-desk staff generally:

• Do not interpret your imaging or provide a diagnosis.
• Are focused on safely acquiring the images and managing the logistics of your visit.

Interpretation and follow‑up discussions usually happen between:

• The radiologist, who reads your images and writes the report.
• Your ordering provider, who receives the report and explains what it may mean for your care, if appropriate.

What if I notice something in my online report that worries me?

If you access your written report through a portal or receive a copy:

• Radiology reports use technical language that can be confusing or sound alarming out of context.
• Normal variants or minor findings can appear significant if you’re not used to interpreting these terms.

If something concerns you:

• Contact your ordering provider’s office and ask to review the results.
• They can clarify how, or if, the findings may affect your overall care plan.

Using Patient Portals and Digital Tools Effectively

More imaging centers are incorporating digital access to improve convenience. If RadNet San Bernardino’s processes include a patient portal or similar tool, you can often use it to:

• Review upcoming appointments and prep instructions.
• Confirm registration details and sometimes complete forms ahead of time.
• View or download reports after they are released to patients.
• Receive secure messages or reminders related to your exams.

To get the most out of these tools:

1. Register early

   • Complete your portal setup as soon as you receive an invitation or instructions.

2. Keep your contact info updated

   • Ensure your email and phone number are correct so you receive reminders and notifications.

3. Check regularly after your exam

   • Log in periodically to see whether a new report is available, especially if you’re waiting for results.

Bringing It All Together

Scheduling radiology and MRI appointments at a center like RadNet San Bernardino involves coordinating among three key pieces: your ordering provider, the imaging center, and your insurance. When you know what to expect at each step, the process becomes far more manageable.

By:

• Securing a clear imaging order from your healthcare provider,
• Confirming insurance and authorization details,
• Preparing for your specific exam type, and
• Understanding how and when you’ll access your results,

you put yourself in a stronger position to navigate imaging with fewer surprises and more confidence.

Your imaging exam is just one part of a larger health picture. Using the scheduling tools, patient portals, and communication channels available to you can help ensure that this piece fits smoothly into your overall care journey.