How To Choose The Right Diagnostic Imaging Center For You

December 12, 2022 – 6 min read

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South Jersey Radiology Sewell Washington Township

When a physician requests you to go for further testing, a lot of questions will run through your head. How much will this cost? Where do I go? Why do I need another appointment? What are my options? Usually, physicians will write a prescription for you to get a particular imaging study conducted at a specific diagnostic imaging center. These imaging studies can include MRIs, CT scans, mammograms, X-rays, and other studies.

However, the physician’s diagnostic imaging center of choice might not align with your questions and concerns. You should never feel like you must go to a particular location. It is okay to shop around to find the right diagnostic imaging center for you. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when looking at diagnostic imaging centers near you.

Cost

Your physician may have ties to a particular hospital system that makes the imaging process easier for them rather than for you. On average, hospital-based imaging centers may cost up to 60% more than outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Outpatient diagnostic imaging centers can accommodate tighter financial budgets without sacrificing quality.

Convenience

A physician doesn’t request an imaging study to be conducted without good reason. A physician is looking to get an accurate snapshot of the area in question so the correct treatment plan can be created within a reasonable timeframe. Time is of the essence for both the physician and you. When choosing a diagnostic imaging center, you want to look at the locations and the hours available. In comparison to hospital-based imaging services, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers can have weekend and walk-in hours available to accommodate all schedules.

Another point to consider regarding convenience is how easily your results and bill can be accessed. Most diagnostic imaging centers have electronic portals where this kind of information can be viewed securely. When finding your diagnostic imaging center of choice, a single patient portal is ideal. There are enough usernames and passwords to remember already.

Comfortability

You want to be comfortable while your imaging study is being conducted. The best way to measure this as a patient is to look at patient reviews and the level of technology available at the diagnostic imaging center. Patient reviews can be found on a variety of online directories. Google, Yelp, Facebook, Yahoo, and Yellow Pages are great review sources that can help you understand what the patient experience is like. Medical technology is constantly evolving each day. Outside of higher quality images and faster scan times, advanced imaging technology can make the patient experience a lot more comfortable. For example, wide-bore and open MRI machines have been developed to better accommodate patients who experience anxiety or claustrophobia.

Confidence

An advanced diagnostic imaging center is built on the foundation of trust. When you are searching for an imaging center to make your appointment with, you want to assess their overall standing in the healthcare world. The amount of subspecialized radiologists at a particular imaging center is a great indicator of the level of expertise offered. Subspecialized radiologists can make all the difference when it comes to assessing a particular area of the body.

At South Jersey Radiology Associates, our patient-focused approach shines through every step of the way. As an outpatient diagnostic imaging center for over eighty years, our imaging services may cost up to 60% less than hospital-based imaging services. Walk-in and weekend hours are available at all locations to ensure you get the results you need quickly. Our patient portal provides you with 24/7 access to your imaging reports and billing information. Each of our locations houses state-of-the-art technology that puts patient comfort and quality images first.

If you are ready to make your imaging study appointment with SJRA, reach out to any of our following locations:

Learn more about the board-certified subspecialized radiologists who read and interpret studies at SJRA here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider exploring different options for a diagnostic imaging center?

While your doctor may recommend a specific imaging center, it’s important to find a center that aligns with your needs and concerns. You have the right to choose a diagnostic imaging center that fits your preferences and offers benefits such as cost savings, convenience, comfortability, and a high level of confidence in the expertise provided.

How does cost differ between hospital-based and outpatient diagnostic imaging centers?

On average, hospital-based imaging centers can cost up to 60% more than outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Outpatient centers often offer competitive pricing that can accommodate tighter financial budgets without compromising the quality of the imaging services.

What factors should I consider for convenience when selecting a diagnostic imaging center?

When choosing a diagnostic imaging center, consider the location and hours of operation. Outpatient centers often provide more flexible scheduling options, including weekend and walk-in hours, to accommodate various schedules. Additionally, easy access to results and billing information through secure electronic portals can enhance convenience.

How can I assess the comfortability of an imaging center?

To gauge the comfortability of an imaging center, consider reading patient reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, Facebook, Yahoo, and Yellow Pages. These reviews can provide insights into the patient experience. Additionally, look for centers that offer advanced imaging technology, such as wide-bore and open MRI machines, which are designed to provide a more comfortable experience for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.

How can I determine the level of confidence in an imaging center’s expertise?

Assess the imaging center’s standing in the healthcare world by considering the number of subspecialized radiologists they have. Centers with a significant number of subspecialized radiologists demonstrate a higher level of expertise in assessing specific areas of the body, which can contribute to increased confidence in their diagnoses and interpretations.

Why should I choose South Jersey Radiology Associates (SJRA)?

SJRA is an outpatient diagnostic imaging center with over 80 years of experience. Our imaging services can cost up to 60% less than hospital-based services. SJRA offers evening and weekend hours at select locations, ensuring timely results. The patient portal provides 24/7 access to imaging reports and billing information. With state-of-the-art technology and a patient-focused approach, SJRA prioritizes comfort and quality images.

How can I learn more about the radiologists at SJRA?

Our team of board-certified subspecialized radiologists reads and interprets all imaging studies. You can learn more about them by visiting our physician profiles.

Larchmont Imaging and SJRA have united to elevate patient care across South Jersey!

For over 80 years, both Larchmont Imaging and SJRA have been recognized for their state-of-the-art technology, industry-leading subspecialized radiologists, and exceptional patient care. 

What does this mean for you?

  • Our new, combined footprint now includes 16 convenient locations across Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties to serve you better.
  • Enjoy more locations with flexible appointment times, including early mornings, evenings, and weekend hours, to accommodate your busy schedule.
  • Benefit from increased availability of same-day and next-day appointment times for quicker imaging results.
  • Schedule your appointments online, 24/7, for greater convenience.
  • Access the highest quality imaging services, typically only offered at hospitals, at costs up to 60% less.

You will continue to have access to the same compassionate office team, highly trained technologists, and experienced radiologists you’ve known and trusted for years.

Thank you for entrusting us with your care. We are excited to continue this legacy together as SJRA to serve our community even stronger.