Premier Imaging

You should wear comfortable clothing. The use of cosmetics or lotions should be avoided as they can interfere with some procedures (CT, MRI, X-Ray etc). Avoid wearing jewelry.

How will my physician get the results?

Your physician will have multiple ways to access/obtain your results, which in many cases are ready the same day as your test:
1. A written report will be prepared by the radiologist and your doctor will be contacted.
2. Your doctor can access our online results system.
3. We can fax your doctor the results.

Do I need preauthorization from my health care policy or plan?

Some plans do require preauthorization. Check with your insurance company to see if this is necessary. Your insurance company can also answer any questions you may have about what services are covered

What if I have to reschedule my appointment?

Call us at least 24 hours in advance at 336-801-5800, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 am and 7 pm.

Do I need to do anything special prior to the procedure?

Each diagnostic procedure has different preparation requirements. If you have any questions, please contact our office, and we will review the steps with you. Some procedures may require fasting for 12 hours or taking special liquids/injections prior to your procedure. Some require none.

Download instructions on how to prepare for imaging tests on our Insurance and Forms page.

If you have results from prior imaging studies, please bring them with you as well.

How do I schedule my exam?

Check with your physician's office. Sometimes they prefer that you schedule the exam through their office. Others will ask you to schedule the exam yourself.

If you are asked to schedule your own exam, you can use our easy online scheduling or call 336-801-5800 Monday through Friday, 8 am - 7 pm.

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CT-Related Questions

Is there any preparation for a CT scan?

•	If you are having a CT scan without contrast, there is no special preparation. You may eat and drink normally and take any medications as prescribed by your physician.
•	If you are having a contrasted study, you may drink normally and eat a light meal prior to your scan.

What information should you provide your technologist before a CT scan?

Make sure to inform your CT technologist prior to your CT scan:
• You are pregnant
• You have any drug or food allergies (iodine)
• You have diabetes or kidney disease
• You have asthma
• What medications you take for diabetes

Can I have someone in the room with me?

No. Although exceptions can be made with small children. An appropriate protective ‘cover’ will be provided to the parent or guardian accompanying the child.

Can I bring my purse or other personal belongings with me?

Private dressing rooms and lockers are available.

How long does a CT scan take?

CT scans usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Are there any risks?

CT scans involve exposure to radiation. Our cutting-edge equipment uses “safe” doses to protect you from any overexposure. For children, we adhere to the image gentlySM protocol to minimize exposure as well.

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MRI-related questions

Do I need to prepare for the exam?

No special preparation is necessary for most MRI exams; however, if you are having an MRI of the abdomen or an MRCP you will need to be NPO (nothing by mouth) four hours prior to the exam. Take medication as usual, unless your doctor has given you other instructions.

Download instructions on how to prepare for imaging tests, here.

How long does the MRI scan take?

A single scan can last for about 30 minutes. If you are scheduled for more than one scan, you will need to allow additional time.

Will I feel anything during the scan?

The MRI scan is completely painless. Occasionally, an injection of a solution called contrast material may need to be used to better visualize the area of interest as specified by your physician. The contrast material used during an MRI scan typically has few or no side effects.

Are there any reasons I should not have an MRI done?

You should check with your physician or our MRI technologist if you have had any brain, heart, eye, ear or other surgeries. Also if you have any of the following, please let the technologist know:
•    Metal implants
•    Surgical staples
•    Foreign metal objects in eye, or removed from eye
•    If you have ever been a sheet metal worker or machinist
•    Shrapnel, bullets, or bullet wounds
•    Tattoos
•    Intrauterine devices (IUD)

You may NOT have the scan if you have the following:
•    Pacemaker
•    Neuro-stimulator (tens-unit)
•    Ferrous intracranial aneurysm clips
•    Implanted drug infusion device
•    If you are pregnant please notify the technologist.

Is there any risk to having an MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging is very safe. However, some special circumstances limit the use of a magnetic field, so it is important for you to tell us if any of the following apply to you or someone accompanying you into the exam room:
•    Cardiac pacemaker or artificial heart valve
•    Metal plate, pin or other metallic implant
•    Intrauterine device, such as Copper-7 IUD
•    Insulin pump or other infusion pump
•    Aneurysm clips
•    Previous gunshot wound
•    Inner ear implant
•    Ever been a metal worker (had metal in eye)
•    Permanent (tattoo) eye-liner

Any metallic substance on your person can affect the quality of the diagnostic images. It can also cause discomfort or injury to you when placed in the magnetic field, and may exclude you from the exam. Also, be sure to tell us if you are pregnant.

What can I expect from the test?

•	You will be asked to remove your eyeglasses, watch, jewelry, credit cards, dentures, hearing aids and any other metallic objects you are carrying. You will probably be asked to change into a gown or scrubs.
•	Then, the technologist will help you lie down on a cushioned table. A device called a coil will be placed over or under you. It helps the MRI system create a clear picture of your body. When you are comfortably positioned, the table will move under the magnet. The technologist will then step into the control area, while staying in constant contact with you both visually and through an intercom.
•	As the exam proceeds, you will hear a slight thumping sound for several minutes at a time. These sounds are normal and occur whenever the MRI pictures are being taken.
•	It is important that you hold still while the machine is running; otherwise, the pictures will be blurry and may have to be repeated.

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Mammography-related questions

Will it hurt?

Mammograms can be mildly uncomfortable, but it is for a limited amount of time and our mammography unit was designed for greater comfort than ever before, with rounded edges for easier compression. Plus, our technologists are very good at limiting any unpleasantness. Many people take 500 mg of ibuprofen prior to their test to help with the discomfort.

How long will it take?

Mammograms take about 15 minutes

When can I get my results?

You can receive results the same day if you schedule your appointment anytime between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No, in North Carolina you don’t need a physician referral for a mammogram.

How do I prepare for my mammogram?

Please do not wear any deodorant the day of your exam or other lotions or body oils as they might interfere with results.

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