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Patient Information

Scanning costs

The different categories of patients that we will generally scan here at Heath Lodge Clinic generally come under any of the following:
– Self- Funding
– Insured
– NHS
– Medico- legal and occupational health – for any enquiries please email marketing@heathlodgeclinic.co.uk.

Our aim is to keep our scanning costs as low as possible for self- funding, non- insured patients as we are an independent service provider.
Our objective has always been to provide a cost- effective affordable service in comparison to other local providers, yet without compromising on the quality of scan and service received.
Our MRI scan prices vary depending on the anatomical area to be scanned and how many areas require investigation.
Once the clinical referral has been received, our Consultant Radiologist will review the detail and you will be notified on the costs involved prior to attending the clinic for your appointment.
We accept patient referrals from most of the UK’s leading insurance companies.
Please note that it is the patient’s responsibility to have obtained an authorisation code from their insurance provider before attending their appointment.
Please note that it would be highly unlikely that an insured provider would honour a retrospective claim for reimbursement as authorisation needs to be obtained in advance of any appointment.

How soon can I have a scan?

We are an independent clinic with minimal waiting times.
Appointments are generally available within a few days.

Do I need a referral?

Heath Lodge Clinic accepts referrals from hospital based consultants, independent consultants, General Practitioners, physiotherapists, osteopaths, podiatrists and chiropractors.

As we generally only see our patients as a “one- off”, for their investigation, it is important that our clinical team obtain relevant clinical details from the clinician who has an understanding about their patient’s medical history, along with the reason why the scan is required.

We have a duty of care towards our patients to therefore obtain a referral letter from either their GP, hospital consultant, or other relevant healthcare professional and so that we are able to send the clinical report to your referrer for them to discuss the results with you.

Safety Questions

As part of the appointment process we will go through a few safety questions to make sure we can proceed with an MRI scan. Some conditions, listed below, may prevent us from offering you an appointment:

  • Heart pacemakers
  • Neurostimulators
  • Head aneurysm clips
  • First three months of pregnancy
  • Certain heart valves or other implants

Please note that metal implants such as hip or knee replacements or metal plates, which have been inserted after certain fractures, are MR safe but we will need to discuss the options with you before you attend an appointment.

Following your appointment, the technical report will be sent to your referrer together with a copy for you to keep for your records.
The referrer will liaise with you to discuss further advice or treatment options necessary.  The report is sent directly to the clinician who has referred the patient to ensure that the appropriate follow-up is made as we are a diagnostic facility only- we are not able to offer treatment or medical advice. This should be overseen by the referring clinician, who is responsible for your ongoing care.

Claustrophobic Patients

The MRI scanners at Heath Lodge Clinic are ‘wide bore’ scanners, which mean they have more room for patients than the older more traditional tunnel type scanners. We have scanned many claustrophobic patients who have been happy with their experience and have been unsuccessful at being scanned elsewhere Please click here to read a claustrophobic patient testimonial. 

For claustrophobic patients who have attempted an MRI scan elsewhere, and have not managed to complete the investigation it is a condition of being given an appointment at Heath Lodge Clinic that our patients adhere to the following:

  1. Come to the clinic prepared for the option of sedation. Oral sedation offered at Heath Lodge Clinic is different to that used in a hospital as it is a short-acting sedation.
    NB: If the patient does not meet this requirement then we will be unable to offer any sedation.
  2.  The patient will need to organise for someone to drive them to and from their appointment.
  3.  The patient will be advised not to have had anything to eat “Nil by Mouth” for four hours prior to their appointment. The option of oral sedation is discussed with the patient on the day of their appointment.
  4. Please note that patients with sleep apnoea who use a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) are UNLIKELY to be offered sedation.
  5.  If you are pregnant and claustrophobic, please contact the clinic before attending your MRI appointment.

Other useful information for claustrophobic patients wanting to undergo an MRI scan:

  • Very little preparation is required for an MRI examination. Please be aware that there are safety requirements that apply- for example- no metal objects such as watches, credit cards, certain types of jewellery, piercings etc.
  • At Heath Lodge we try to find the easiest way for you to successfully complete your MRI scan. Our experienced MR Radiographer will work with you and explain each step of the process.
  • Before you have your scan, the Radiographer will run through all the safety questions with you again, weigh you and answer any questions you may have.
  • Only certain patients may need to get changed into a gown in our designated changing area. You will then be guided by your aide to the scanning room.
  • During the MRI the Radiographer will monitor and keep in contact with you at all times.
  • Earplugs and/ or ear defenders will be given to you to help minimise the noise levels although you will still be able to hear music of your choice through the headphones.
  • You will also be given a call- bell that you can press at any point if you wish should you need to get the attention of the team.
  • The duration for the MRI exam depends on the examination request and times may vary depending upon the anatomical area being scanned.
    During the MRI you may be expected to stay as still as possible whilst the scans are running as movement can give blurred pictures (in the same way as a photograph). The more you are able to keep still, the quicker the scan will be performed.
    Some patients may require a contrast agent which will involve a small needle placed in your arm. If you have any needle phobias, please contact the clinic prior to your appointment to advise.

After the scan if sedated:

  •  Your adult companion will be able to sit with you after the scan and you will be taken to a quiet area within the clinic and offered some light refreshments.

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