Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our services, payment options, scheduling, and more, so you have the information you need to make informed decisions about your healthcare journey.
General
Absolutely! You have the right to choose where you go for your radiology services. You can even choose which NWR imaging center to have your exam.
All patients have the right to choose NWR for their radiology services. With our flat rate pricing program, your cost is guaranteed not to exceed the quoted amount. NWR accepts nearly all major health insurance plans in the central Indiana region, including Medicare, Medicaid and TriCare. The flat rate price is what is billed to the insurance company and will count toward a deductible.
Yes, most studies can be put on a CD. Please let the technologist know that you would like a copy, and typically a CD can be created immediately following your appointment so you can take it with you!
Absolutely! Please call 317-XRAY NOW (972-9669) or 800-400-XRAY (9729), and someone will assist you.
Scheduling
Our NWR imaging centers offer extended hours, including early mornings, evenings and Saturdays. To schedule an appointment, please call 317-XRAY NOW (972-9669)/800-400-XRAY (9729) or submit an appointment request on our website.
In many cases, NWR can schedule you for a same-day appointment. NWR wants you to obtain an appointment at the best possible time for you.
Our NWR imaging centers offer extended hours which include early mornings, evenings and Saturdays.
No. The referral is for an imaging study, not an imaging provider. YOU have the choice of where you want your imaging services completed.
Payments
Always bring your insurance card with your complete information, including ID number and group number.
Some plans require pre-authorization. Check with your insurance company to see if this is necessary. Your insurance representative can also answer any questions you may have about what imaging studies may or may not be covered.
Our flat rate pricing is guaranteed to every patient regardless of whether or not you have insurance.
Yes
Imaging Procedures & Preparation
It is necessary for you to arrive at least 15 minutes before your procedure in order to complete or review your paperwork and prepare for your exam.
Some patients may be asked to arrive earlier due to taking preparation drinks for their exams.
There will be time for a technologist to answer any questions before your exam. Please call with any immediate questions or concerns. (317-972-9669 or 800-400-9729)
CT
Depending on the type of CT scan ordered, it will take approximately 10-30 minutes.
A CT is used to examine areas of the body, including head, neck, sinuses, chest, abdomen, urinary tract, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and renal arteries. For some CT studies, you may be asked to fast briefly before the exam. For abdominal visualization, you may be asked to drink a contrast media before the exam. A staff member will provide instructions at the time of scheduling.
Please wear comfortable clothing. It may be necessary for you to change into a patient gown depending on the area being scanned.
Yes. You may continue taking your prescribed medication(s), with the exception of Metformin or some other diabetic medications. Please call if in doubt.
Yes; however if contrast is part of your exam, then we ask that you not nurse for 24 hours after the scan.
Radiology exams produce very low radiation dosage in X-rays as well as in CT scans. CT is a safe diagnostic test. NWR employs a radiation physicist who inspects our units annually, and protocols are designed to minimize radiation exposure to the patient and the technologist.
MRI
MRI scans create images with the combination of a magnetic field, radio waves and a specialized computer, and does not use radiation as a CT or X-ray machine would.
MRI procedures can take 30 minutes or more, depending upon the area being scanned.
Usually, no preparation is required. Depending on whether your exams require contrast media, some preparation may be necessary. When making your appointment, instructions will be given.
Due to the magnetic field of the MRI unit, it is extremely important that you remove all metal objects. Some of the problems that can occur are demagnetizing of credit cards and reprogramming pacemakers.
Please inform the MRI technologist of any prior surgery containing metal implants. Patients with pacemakers or certain kinds of aneurysm clips should not have an MRI procedure. Please check with your physician.
MRI with contrast is not recommended for pregnant women unless it is medically indicated. If your MRI is without contrast, it is up to you and your physician. If you are breastfeeding, you can safely have a MRI. There are no documented side effects with MRI contrast and breastfeeding, but it is up to you and your physician whether or not to briefly discontinue nursing after your exam.
MRI scanners are composed of strong magnetic fields which induce energy. When this energy is released, it causes loud knocking sounds. We offer headphones and music to help.
Mammography
Deodorant may appear on the images as micro-calcifications, which could mandate additional filming and use more radiation.
The American College of Radiology has recommended women have a BASELINE mammogram between the ages of 35-40 and every year after.
Nuclear Medicine
Depending on the type of nuclear medicine study you are having, imaging can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Some studies even require delayed imaging.
With most studies, the radioactive tracer will be excreted through your urine within 24 hours. If your exam requires delayed imaging, the nuclear medicine technologist will give you more information regarding this question.
PET-CT
PET-CT is a combination exam or fusion of PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and CT (Computed Tomography). The PET-CT scan provides functional detail (cell activity of a tumor, mass or other area), and the CT scan provides detail of the body’s anatomy.
PET-CT provides improved accuracy by combining the two modalities (PET & CT) which enables our NWR radiologist to provide more accurate diagnoses to help with treatment by simultaneously merging anatomical and functional data.
Ultrasound
Full bladders are required for pelvic and obstetrical ultrasounds. Since sound waves travel better through liquids, a full bladder enables the passage of the sound waves making the anatomy (uterus and ovaries) behind the bladder easier to evaluate.
Eating/drinking/chewing gum or using mints introduces air into the stomach and bowel areas, and sound waves do not penetrate air well. This air/gas makes it harder to evaluate the organs. Plus, some organs contract and cannot be visualized if food or drink has been ingested.