Getting an MRI starts with more than finding an imaging center. Patients generally need an appropriate imaging order before scheduling the scan. 

Imaging Orders Direct provides virtual consultations with licensed providers who review imaging requests and issue orders when medically appropriate. The service offers a $40 flat-fee phone or video consultation with no membership requirement.

This guide explains how to get an MRI order through Imaging Orders Direct, what happens during the consultation, and what to expect after an order is issued.

What Imaging Orders Direct Provides

Imaging Orders Direct is a patient-facing telehealth service focused on diagnostic imaging orders. Patients can request consultations for MRI, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, mammograms, DEXA scans, and PET/CT studies. EKG and lab order reviews are also available when clinically appropriate.

The service does not perform the imaging itself. Instead, a licensed provider reviews the patient's request and determines whether the requested study is medically appropriate. If an order is issued, the patient can take it to the imaging facility of their choice.

This distinction is important when looking for an MRI order online. The consultation and order are handled through Imaging Orders Direct, while the MRI is scheduled and performed separately by the selected imaging facility.

Start With a $40 MRI Order Consultation

The first step is booking a virtual consultation. Imaging Orders Direct charges a $40 flat fee for a phone or video visit, with no membership requirement. Consultations are available seven days a week.

Patients can use the consultation whether they already know which MRI they need or are unsure which imaging study is appropriate. Someone who has previously been told to obtain a specific MRI can explain the request to the provider. 

Someone experiencing symptoms without a specific imaging recommendation can discuss the situation and receive guidance on the appropriate next step.

The $40 fee covers the professional review. It does not cover the cost of the MRI itself, which is arranged separately with the imaging facility.

Complete the Secure Patient Intake

After booking the consultation, patients complete a secure intake before meeting with the provider. The process collects relevant information such as medical history, symptoms, medications, and consent. Prior imaging can also be included when relevant.

This information gives the provider context for the consultation. The provider can discuss the imaging request, review the patient's situation, and determine which study may be appropriate.

The virtual format also means patients do not need an in-person visit with Imaging Orders Direct to complete the consultation. Phone and video appointments are available through the secure booking process.

Get a Clinical Review From a Licensed Provider

The clinical review is a central part of the MRI order process. Imaging Orders Direct does not automatically issue an order simply because a patient requests a particular scan. A licensed provider reviews each request and determines whether the requested imaging is medically appropriate.

The consultation can result in several outcomes. The provider may issue the requested MRI order when appropriate. They may recommend a different or preliminary imaging study and order that instead with the patient's agreement. 

Receive Your MRI Order Securely

When an imaging order is medically appropriate, it is typically delivered securely within one business day. The order can then be taken to the imaging facility selected by the patient.

The turnaround time applies to the order process, not to the MRI appointment itself. Once patients receive their order, they need to contact an imaging facility and schedule the scan separately.

Imaging Orders Direct does not guarantee that a specific imaging order will be issued. The final decision depends on the provider's clinical judgment and the information available during the consultation.

Choose Where to Get Your MRI

Once the order is issued, patients can choose where to have the MRI performed. Imaging Orders Direct is independent of imaging facilities, so patients can take their order to the imaging center they choose. Facility acceptance and requirements can vary.

Patients can consider several factors when comparing imaging facilities:

  • Location and convenience
  • Self-pay pricing
  • Appointment availability
  • Whether the facility accepts outside orders

Patients should confirm that the imaging center accepts the order before scheduling the MRI. Imaging Orders Direct also recommends considering accreditation, appropriate equipment, price, scheduling speed, and how results are handled when choosing an imaging center.

The ability to select a facility gives patients an opportunity to compare available locations and their scheduling or pricing options.

Schedule the MRI With Your Selected Imaging Center

After receiving an imaging order and choosing a facility, the patient schedules the MRI directly with that imaging center. Imaging Orders Direct does not perform the scan and is not an imaging facility or laboratory.

The imaging facility handles the MRI and the radiologist's interpretation. Patients can ask the facility how they will receive their results and whether they can obtain copies of their imaging and report for their records.

MRI preparation can vary depending on the specific study. Some MRI exams use contrast, and the provider can discuss related requirements during the consultation, including possible lab requirements such as recent kidney-function results.

MRI Is One of Several Imaging Orders Available

Although MRI orders are a major part of the service, Imaging Orders Direct reviews requests for several types of diagnostic imaging.

These include MRI, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, and more.  EKG and lab order reviews are also available when clinically appropriate.

This can be useful for patients who know they need diagnostic imaging but are unsure which study fits their situation. The provider can review the request and determine whether the requested imaging is appropriate.

What to Know Before Booking an MRI Order Consultation

The $40 consultation is separate from the cost of the MRI. Patients arrange and pay for the imaging itself through their selected facility. Facility pricing and requirements can vary, so confirming these details before scheduling can help patients understand their total cost.

Imaging Orders Direct currently serves patients across 33 states, with consultations available seven days a week. The service is intended for non-emergency imaging needs.

Patients should also understand that an imaging order is not guaranteed. Imaging Orders Direct does not diagnose or treat medical conditions or interpret imaging results.

Final Thoughts

Getting an MRI involves several steps, from having the request reviewed to receiving an imaging order and scheduling the scan at an appropriate facility. Imaging Orders Direct brings the initial ordering process into a virtual consultation with a licensed provider.

Patients can book a $40 phone or video consultation, complete a secure intake, discuss their imaging needs with a licensed provider, and receive an order when medically appropriate. They can then take the order to the imaging facility they choose.

Ready to have your MRI request reviewed? Start your $40 consultation with Imaging Orders Direct today.