For Patients

If your doctor has ordered an imaging exam at one of the facilities we serve in Southwest Michigan, here is what to expect — and who will be reading your images.

Your Exam

Behind every image is a subspecialist

You may never meet us, but our radiologists are a central part of your care team. After your exam, your images are interpreted by a board-certified radiologist with fellowship training in that specific type of imaging — a brain MRI is read by a neuroradiologist, a mammogram by a breast imaging specialist. Your results are sent directly to the doctor who ordered the exam.

Scheduling

Imaging exams are scheduled through your imaging facility or your ordering physician's office. Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and any orders your doctor gave you.

During the Exam

A registered technologist performs your exam. Most studies take 15–60 minutes. If your exam requires an image-guided procedure, one of our radiologists performs it personally.

Your Results

Our radiologist sends a detailed report to your ordering physician, who will review the results with you. Urgent findings are communicated to your doctor immediately.

Preparation

Preparing for common exams

Your scheduling team will give you exact instructions for your specific exam. A few general guidelines:

MRI

Tell the scheduling team about any implanted devices, metal, or claustrophobia. Leave jewelry at home. Most MRI exams need no other preparation.

CT

Some CT exams use contrast dye — you may be asked not to eat for a few hours beforehand. Mention any kidney problems or prior contrast reactions.

Ultrasound

Depending on the exam, you may be asked to fast or to arrive with a full bladder. Your instructions will say which applies.

Mammography

Skip deodorant, lotion, and powder on the day of your exam — they can show up on images. Bring prior mammograms if they were done elsewhere.

Insurance & Billing

Billing is handled by your imaging facility

Insurance, billing, and payment for imaging exams are managed by the health system where your exam was performed — Beacon Health System or Hillsdale Hospital — not by Premier Radiology directly. For questions about coverage, cost estimates, or a bill you received, please contact that facility's patient billing office.

Looking for a facility? See our locations.

Have a question about your imaging?

For scheduling, billing, or results, start with your ordering physician or the Beacon facility. For anything else, we are happy to help.