Radiology & Imaging
Preparing for Your Scan
A little preparation makes your visit faster and easier. Here is what to bring, when to arrive, and what each type of exam needs.
Before You Come In
Please arrive 15 minutes early with your referral, insurance card, and photo ID.
If your exam needs special preparation, our scheduling team will go over it with you when you book.
Before Every Visit
What to Bring and When to Arrive
These six things apply to every imaging appointment at our Bronx location, no matter which exam you are having.
Your Referral or Prescription
Most imaging exams need an order from your doctor. Bring the paper referral or prescription with you, or ask your doctor's office to send it to us before your visit.
Insurance Card & Photo ID
Bring your insurance card and a photo ID to every visit so we can check you in and confirm your coverage.
Arrive 15 Minutes Early
Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time. That gives you room to complete your paperwork without feeling rushed.
A List of Your Medications
Write down the medicines you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. Bring the list with you.
Prior Imaging, If You Have It
If you have had imaging done somewhere else, bring the CD and the written report. Comparing your new images with older ones helps the radiologist see what has changed.
Comfortable, Metal-Free Clothing
Where you can, wear loose clothing without zippers, snaps, or metal fasteners, and leave jewelry at home. For some exams you may be asked to change into a gown.
By Exam Type
Preparation for Your Specific Scan
Some exams need a little extra preparation. Find your exam below, then follow the link for full details about the test. If anything is unclear, call us at (718) 319-1610 and we will walk you through it.
MRI
Remove all metal objects before your scan. Inform us of any implants, pacemakers, or metal in your body. Scan duration is typically 30-60 minutes. Some exams require contrast injection.
About MRI →CT Scan
Bring your referral or prescription and your insurance card, and arrive 15 minutes early to check in. Some CT exams ask you not to eat for 4 hours beforehand, and some require you to drink an oral contrast liquid before the scan — we will tell you exactly which applies to your exam when you schedule. Tell us about any allergies, especially to iodine or contrast dye, and about kidney problems, diabetes medication, or any chance you may be pregnant. Wear comfortable clothing without metal snaps or zippers and leave jewelry at home. Most appointments take about 15 to 30 minutes, and the scan itself only takes a few minutes.
About CT Scan →X-Ray
No special preparation is usually required. Wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners. Inform the technologist if there is any possibility of pregnancy. Walk-ins are welcome for X-ray.
About X-Ray →Ultrasound
Preparation varies by exam type. For abdominal ultrasound, you may need to fast for 8-12 hours. For pelvic ultrasound, a full bladder may be required. We will provide specific instructions when you schedule.
About Ultrasound →Mammogram
Schedule your mammogram for the week after your period when breasts are less tender. Do not apply deodorant, powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts the day of the exam. Wear a two-piece outfit for convenience.
About Mammogram →Bone Density Scan
Arrive 15 minutes early with your referral or prescription and your insurance card. No fasting is needed, but skip calcium supplements for 24 hours before your scan. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without zippers, snaps, or metal, and leave jewelry at home. Tell us if you have had a barium study or a contrast injection in the past week, or if there is any chance you may be pregnant. The scan is painless and takes about 10-15 minutes.
About Bone Density Scan →Echocardiogram
Arrive 15 minutes early with your referral or prescription and your insurance card. No fasting is needed and you can take your usual medications. Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit, since you will undress from the waist up and wear a gown for the test. The test is painless, takes about 30-45 minutes, and you may resume normal activities immediately after.
About Echocardiogram →Nuclear Stress Test
Arrive 15 minutes early with your referral or prescription and your insurance card. Avoid all caffeine — coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, and chocolate — for 24 hours before the test, and do not eat or drink anything except water for 4 hours before. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Bring a list of your medications; some may need to be held beforehand, so check with your doctor first. Plan to be here for a few hours, since the test has two imaging sessions with a wait in between, and tell us if there is any chance you may be pregnant or you are breastfeeding.
About Nuclear Stress Test →Preparation can vary depending on the exact exam your doctor ordered. Our team will confirm your instructions when we schedule your appointment.
After Your Visit
What Happens After Your Scan
A radiologist reviews your images and prepares a report. Results are typically available within 24–48 hours, and the report is sent to the physician who referred you. Your doctor will go over what the results mean for you.
Ready to schedule?
Request an appointment online or call us with any questions about preparing for your exam. Most imaging can be scheduled within 48 hours.
1480 East Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462 • Mon–Thu & Sat–Sun 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM • Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Multi-Specialty Care & Advanced Radiology Under One Roof
Board-certified physicians across 8 specialties, plus a full suite of ACR-accredited diagnostic imaging — all at one convenient Bronx location.
Starling Diagnostics is now Starling Health — same Bronx location, same trusted team, expanded medical care.
