If you’ve ever had an MRI scan, you’ll know the process can be rather longwinded. Waiting times for ‘non-urgent’ scans are often over six or seven weeks (which may only increase, given how many more people are being referred for scans these days*). And that’s before you wait for the results.
Waiting isn’t always a bad thing. There are times, after a sudden injury, when the wisest course of action is to press pause and assess, monitor and reassess.
But if you’re in pain – and, especially, if a GP or physiotherapist has recommended a scan – let’s be honest: you probably just want to get on with it.
People are often surprised to hear this, but we can get you scanned and seen within days if necessary – and sometimes even within 24 hours.
Streamlining the journey from scan to assessment is one of the key services we offer at Chris Bailey Orthopaedics. This is how it works…
Get in touch
The first thing to do is to call us direct. Ring our secretary Cheryl Rumsey at the BMI Sarum Road Hospital: you can reach her on 01962 826107. Tell her about your symptoms, why you need the scan and when, ideally, you’d be able to have one. She will pass this information on to our orthopaedic team, who will assess your suitability.
Wait for a call-back
Assuming you have the green light, we will complete the necessary MRI forms for your scan. We’ll then contact you to arrange a time for the procedure. This will most likely be at our recommended centre in Sarum Road, Winchester (though we can accept scans from other private scanning services if necessary).
Come in for the results
Once your scan is booked, we’ll arrange a time for you to visit us, view the results and have an assessment. It’s even possible to do this on the same day. We keep certain weekly slots open for just this purpose, so patients are able to get scanned in the morning and seen a few hours later.
MRI pricing: how much does it cost?
If you have private health insurance, check your coverage with them first – in most cases, MRI scans aren’t covered automatically. You can of course pay for an MRI scan yourself. A number of private healthcare companies offer the service; they will issue you with a digital version of the scan, which we can view in clinic. Prices vary, but the BMI’s Price Guide is a useful indicator: you can download a copy here.
* By way of example, one of our local hospitals – St Mary’s Hospital on the Isle of Wight – has seen a 120% increase in MRI referrals since 2010.
