PATIENT INFORMATION
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Understanding the referral process can save you money.
5 Steps
Understanding the radiology referral process allows you to be an informed patient and price conscious consumer. Knowing your options gives you the power of choice in addition to saving time and your healthcare dollars.
1) Doctor Examination
At your examination, your doctor orders a radiology test (MRI, CT, X-ray, or Ultrasound) to help diagnose and treat your medical problem.
2) A Signed Order
Your doctor may advise where you have the test, but the decision is yours. You can take your radiology order to any facility that offers the test. Hospital-owned facilities typically charge more than independent outpatient facilities. Ask your doctor for facility choices.
3) Schedule Appointment
Your doctor's office might schedule the test for you, but once you have the signed order you can schedule or re-schedule the test at the facility you choose. Not all imaging facilities are the same; cost can vary greatly, even for patients with insurance. Ask questions; be informed.
4) Tests Performed
After the test is completed, a radiologist will electronically send your referring doctor the radiology images and a written report with the results of your test.
5) Results to Your Doctor
Your doctor will discuss the results of your test at your follow-up appointment.
Do you have a physician's order?
If you do, you can request an appointment at Palmetto Imaging by calling or completing the form and clicking "Submit." A scheduling representative will contact you to collect additional information and schedule your appointment.
Request turnaround times may take up to 4 business hours. If your appointment is of an urgent nature, please call us at 803.256.7646 to schedule your exam. Requests received after business hours, on weekends or holidays will receive a response on the following business day.
Duplicate requests submitted via website and called-in will delay our ability to assist you.
Uploading supporting documentation
To ensure we have all of your most up-to-date medical information, our team may ask you to upload documents using our secure portal. Please click the button below to securely upload your signed doctor’s order, insurance card, implant or device information or other requested documents. A member of our team will then contact you if necessary.
Referral Form
The form completed and signed by your ordering healthcare provider.
Photo ID and Insurance Cards
A form of identification and current insurance card(s).
Prior Studies
Any previous, relevant imaging exams and reports performed outside of our network.
Payment
Payment, which includes deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance, are due at the time of service. To discuss payment options, please call Palmetto Imaging prior to your appointment
Request an Estimate
Shopping for healthcare will save you money
If your healthcare provider orders an MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound or X-ray, you have a choice where your test is performed. Choosing Palmetto Imaging can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
We will be happy to deliver a no-commitment price estimate based on your current insurance plan. If you don’t have insurance, our teams will provide a competitive self-pay pricing estimate. All requests will be fulfilled within 24-48 hours.
Translation / interpretation services
Palmetto Imaging complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Palmetto Imaging does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
Palmetto Imaging:
Provide free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as:
- Qualified sign language interpreters
- Written information in other formats (large print, accessible electronic formats, other formats)
Provide free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as:
- Qualified interpreters
- Information written in other languages
Request interpreter services
If you need interpreter services, please call our center at 803.256.7646.
If you believe that Palmetto Imaging has not provided these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with:
Section 1557 coordinator
3480 Preston Ridge Road, Ste 600
Alpharetta, GA 30005
Telephone: (877) 780-1378
Fax: (678) 992-7228
You may file a grievance by mail or in person at the facility where care was provided. If you need help filing a grievance, call (877) 780-1378.
You may also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available online at ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 509F, HHH Building
Washington, D.C. 20201
1-800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD)
Complaint forms are available at hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html
Frequently Asked Questions
When your doctor recommends a diagnostic imaging test such as an MRI, CT, mammogram, X-ray or ultrasound, you have a choice where that test is performed. At Palmetto Imaging, we are committed to providing convenient, high quality radiology services at a price you can afford.
Friendly, professional staff delivering prompt, courteous service
Hassle-free outpatient environment
Early morning, evening and weekend hours available
On-site, board certified radiologists
Registered technologists and accredited equipment at all locations
Competitive, transparency in pricing
We offer same-day, next-day, evening and weekend appointments.
The radiologist’s interpretation of your images will be sent to your referring provider within 24-48 hours of your exam.
The cost of imaging exams can vary greatly based on whether you receive care from a hospital, hospital outpatient facility or an independent outpatient facility. Palmetto Imaging is an independent outpatient facility. Our rates can be 40-60% less expensive than area hospitals and are competitive with other independent outpatient imaging centers. We accept most insurance plans and offer competitive self-pay rates and payment plans.
You will receive just one bill that is all inclusive; the fee for your radiology test and the fee for the radiologist interpreting the test are included in one bill. At the hospital, you will be charged separately for these services.
We accept all physician orders, even if they are on a hospital order form or prescription pad. All diagnostic imaging procedures must be recommended by your physician and require a signed physician order.
Exams will not be performed without prior authorization from your insurance company. We provide all patients with a good faith estimate that includes individual patient details based on your insurance plan and the study being performed. This estimate takes into account your insurance coverage, deductible and copay or coinsurance.
Physicians can request access to view the images online or the images can be delivered on a CD.
We use state-of-the-art equipment that is accredited by the American College of Radiology. Our imaging center contracts with community-based onsite radiology professionals that are available during primary business hours to ensure an accurate, quick turnaround on reports and easier consultation between the referring physician and reading radiologist.
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Get To Know Us
Patient Links
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Interpretation services
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