Imaging & Diagnostic Procedures at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center - Houston, TX

Imaging and diagnostic services affect virtually every medical condition. Our diagnostic exams include X-ray, fluoroscopy, mammography, ultrasound, MRI or magnetic resonance imaging, CT scans, cardiovascular imaging and nuclear medicine. Our board-certified radiologists are committed to accurate diagnosis and the highest standard of patient safety and care.

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In most cases, yes. Your doctor will provide a referral for imaging services based on your symptoms or condition. Please check with us or your health care provider to confirm.

You may be asked about your medical history and any symptoms you're experiencing. Depending on the test, you may need to change into a gown or remain still during the procedure. Our staff will guide you through each step.

The duration of your exam will depend on the type of imaging procedure. Most exams take between 15 and 45 minutes, but more complex procedures like MRIs may take longer.

Yes, imaging exams are generally safe. Our team follows strict safety protocols to minimize any risks. For certain tests, like X-rays or CT scans, we use the lowest possible radiation dose.

Most imaging exams are painless. Some, like MRIs, may require you to lie still for a period, which can feel uncomfortable for some people. If you have concerns, let us know, and we'll do our best to make you comfortable.

Preparation depends on the type of exam. For some, like X-rays, no preparation is needed. For others, like MRIs or CT scans, you may need to avoid eating or drinking beforehand. We’ll provide specific instructions ahead of time.

For most procedures you will be asked to lie on an imaging table and multiple time-lapse photographs will be taken. The camera used to take photographs will be positioned very close to your body in order to obtain the best pictures possible. If you are prone to claustrophobia, please inform the technologist performing your study. They can then make variations in the procedure to improve your comfort and help you through the procedure. Throughout the procedure it will be necessary for you to remain motionless while your pictures are being taken. You may breathe normally and you may also speak during your test.

The length of time varies for different exams. Most tests are performed on a single day, but a few tests can take up to several days. Because the radioactive agent takes time to be absorbed by the body, it is not unusual for most tests to take 2-3 hours.

For most nuclear medicine studies, patients can eat prior to the exam. Certain tests, such as cardiac, gallbladder and gastro-intestinal studies, require fasting. If you have questions, please ask your physician.

You should wear any clothing that allows you to lie down comfortably. We may ask you to change into a hospital gown. Also, if you are scheduled for a cardiac stress test, please bring shoes and clothing suitable for exercise. It is also advised that you do not wear any jewelry to your examination, as these may need to be removed.

All imaging results are reviewed by our board-certified radiologists, who provide a detailed report to your referring physician. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you and coordinate any necessary follow-up care or appointments.

You can also access many imaging test results, such as MRI and CT scans, through our secure patient portal. Once your provider has reviewed the results, they’ll appear in the app for your convenience.

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We accept most major insurance plans, but since coverage is frequently updated, we recommend that you check with your insurance company for details on specific plan requirements.

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Yes, we can send exam reports to multiple locations. Just let our registration staff and technologist know where you’d like them sent.