FAQs About Your Imaging Exam

 

How do I make an appointment for an imaging exam?
Call (855) 269-4333 or schedule your imaging exam online

To ensure that we can schedule your appointment quickly and conveniently, please have the following information ready when you call or go online to schedule:

  • Patient's name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Home and cell phone
  • Insurance card/information
  • Exam type/prescription
  • Referring physician's name

Please let us know when scheduling your appointment if you have special transportation needs. 

Where can I find a list of BayCare Outpatient Imaging locations?
View a list of the BayCare Outpatient Imaging locations throughout Tampa Bay. 

Do I have to have a physician's prescription to get an imaging exam or can I just schedule one on my own?
In most cases, you need to have a prescription from your physician. But sure to talk to your doctor about any medical symptoms you are having, so he or she can prescribe the best imaging exam for you.

How do I prepare for my appointment?
When you schedule your appointment, our staff will provide you with the instructions you need to prepare for your exam. A certified technologist may call you the day before the exam to review your instructions and to answer any questions. 

Please plan to arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time and come prepared with your picture ID, your insurance card and other patient information. 

I gave my information to you the last time I was here. Why do I have to do it again?
We make every attempt to utilize existing information in our system, but we will always verify patient and insurance information is current.

Who performs my exam?
A registered and licensed technologist will perform the exam. Then a board-certified radiologist will review and interpret the images.

Are there any special instructions I have to follow after my procedure?
Your technologist will explain any special instructions to you and give you an opportunity to ask questions following your exam.

When will my doctor get the results?
It will normally take 1-3 business days for your report to arrive in your physician's office.

How do I get a copy of my imaging records and reports?
BayCare Outpatient Imaging: (727) 462-7471
Morton Plant Mease Hospitals: (727) 462-7471
St. Joseph's Hospitals: (813) 870-4843
St. Anthony's Hospital: (727) 825-1480
Winter Haven Hospital: (863) 297-1847
Bartow Regional Medical Center: (863) 519-1483

Please allow up to three business days for imaging record requests to be processed. Imaging records may be picked up Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. We will arrange your pick-up at an imaging site that is convenient for you. If you have a special need, please let us know.

Download the Release of Information authorization form.

Download the Spanish Release of Information authorization form.

Can my child get an exam at BayCare Outpatient Imaging?
Yes! We offer our services from pediatrics to geriatrics, and we can accommodate any fears that young patients have. Learn more about pediatric imaging services

Will it hurt to get a mammogram?
Some women report that mammograms can be uncomfortable, but at BayCare Outpatient Imaging, we utilize digital mammography technology , resulting in a quick and fairly painless experience in most cases.  Additionally, our technologists are very experienced and work to make your exam as comfortable as possible. Learn more about mammography and healthy breast screening practices

Are your imaging exams safe?
At BayCare Outpatient Imaging, using American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines, we review all imaging orders to ensure that they are both medically necessary and using the appropriate imaging modality.  Our protocols are designed to ensure the optimum exam with the lowest possible dose.  Our registered technologists will discuss the procedure with you to discuss any risks or possible complications related to the exam and to educate you on how to make it the safest exam possible.

Should I keep taking my regular medications before an imaging exam?
Be sure to talk to your doctor about this. There are some medications you may need to stop taking temporarily.

Will my insurance cover the costs of imaging exams?
That depends on your individual policy. Contact your insurance company once you have a prescription and ask about coverage for the particular exam you need to have.

What if I don't have insurance?
We can work with you on a case-by-case basis to find ways to finance your exams. When you schedule your appointment, be sure to ask about our policies.

What if I have questions about my bill?
For billing questions, please call our central billing office at (813) 443-8072. 

If you were seen at one of our Outpatient Facilities, you will receive one bill for your procedure. If you were seen at a hospital location or at the Mease Outpatient Imaging Center, you will receive two bills: one from the facility where you had your exam, and one from the Radiologist Group for the interpretation of the procedure. It is possible that you did not see the radiologist at the time of your exam. However, once the studies were made, the radiologist interpreted the studies, dictated the results and a copy was sent to your attending and/or referring physicians. When needed, the radiologist also consults personally with your physician.

If you have questions about the bill you received from the radiologist, contact the reading radiologist group directly:

  • Radiology Associates of Clearwater: (727) 213-5390
  • Radiology Associates of St. Petersburg: (727) 213-8675
  • SDI Tampa: (866) 833-9300

How do I leave feedback about my visit?
Your feedback is important to us. If you receive a patient survey in the mail, we encourage you to fill it out and return it in the envelope provided. Your comments help us know how well we met your expectations and how we can enhance the patient experience. You can also contact us at any time.

Where can I obtain Patient Rights & Responsibilities documents?
BayCare Imaging Services wants you to know your rights and responsibilities as a patient: