The process of scheduling an MRI can be quite simple, but could also be quite complex, depending on a variety of factors including the specific health insurance provider and the type of exam ordered.  Our goal is to process each order accurately and as quickly as possible.

Pre-Scheduling Process

Prior to scheduling, at a minimum, Coliseum needs a copy of the order from your referring physician and health insurance provider information (if applicable).  Once we have this information, we will work with your referring provider to ascertain whether a prior authorization from your health insurance provider is required.  If prior authorization is required, we continue to work with your referring provider’s office to make certain the exam is approved and will be covered by your health insurance provider prior to scheduling.  This process can take just a few minutes or a few days depending on the health insurance provider.  We check regularly throughout each business day on the status of any pending authorizations.

Once Coliseum staff has a clear picture regarding the type of exam ordered and the health insurance provider details including the expected patient financial responsibility, we will call you to schedule your exam.

When We Call to Schedule/Finance

When we call a patient to schedule, we will first confirm patient identity and the type of exam ordered by the doctor.  We then go over the specifics of any financial responsibility of the patient.  This varies widely, depending on the individual patient deductible, co-pay, co-insurance, etc.  We will provide each patient a clear picture of what they can expect to owe at time of service and after the explanation of benefits has been issued by the patient’s health insurance provider.  It is Coliseum Imaging Center’s policy to collect 100% of a co-pay at time of service.  This also applies to any patients foregoing a health insurance claim and paying out of pocket.  Patients filing through commercial insurance who do not have a co-pay are expected to pay approximately half of the amount due at time of service.  Coliseum will hold a secure card on file to collect the remaining amount once the patient and Coliseum receive the explanation of benefits back from the health insurance provider.  Financing options are available for patients who may owe a larger than average amount.

Once the financial picture is clearly explained and the patient understands what they may owe for the exam, we will proceed to ask each patient a series of medical screening questions.  This is done to determine which of our two MRI machines will be best for each patient as well as to ensure each patient is safe to undergo an MRI.  If a potential issue is caught during the pre-screening process, the Coliseum staff may consult with one of our certified radiology technologists to see if the patient will be safe in the magnet.

After the pre-screening questions, our staff will find a date and time that works best to have the MRI.  We typically ask patients to arrive 15 minutes early to complete necessary paperwork.  Patients may also download, print and complete the paperwork beforehand to bring with them to the exam.

In most cases each patient will receive a reminder phone call the business day prior to their exam to confirm their appointment.

Epilogue

Following the MRI, the radiology technologist will escort the patient to the lobby as we prepare a CD of the MRI images for the patient to take with them that day.

The radiologist will typically review the MRI images within 24 hours, prepare a detailed report of the findings and provide it to the referring physician.  The report can be made available to the patient via fax or hard copy for pickup at our office or standard mail.