What SimonMed Imaging is and how it differs from hospital MRI

SimonMed Imaging is a network of outpatient imaging centers that perform MRI scans and other diagnostic imaging outside of hospital settings. The company operates independently owned and operated centers across multiple states, meaning you go to a standalone facility rather than a hospital radiology department. SimonMed centers focus on imaging only — they do not provide emergency care, inpatient services, or other hospital functions.

The main practical difference for you is location and scheduling. SimonMed centers are often in office parks or medical plazas near where you live or work, which can mean shorter travel time and easier parking than a hospital campus. Many centers offer extended hours including evenings and weekends, and appointment availability may be faster than hospital radiology departments that prioritize inpatient scans.

SimonMed is part of a larger category called independent diagnostic imaging centers or freestanding imaging centers. Your doctor can order an MRI from SimonMed the same way they order one from a hospital — the difference is where the scan happens, not whether it happens.

Key Takeaways

  • SimonMed Imaging operates freestanding MRI centers in multiple states, separate from hospitals, usually with more flexible scheduling and shorter wait times.
  • Your doctor orders the MRI the same way they would at a hospital, and your insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs are typically the same regardless of where the scan is performed.
  • SimonMed centers accept most major insurance plans, but you should contact your specific location to confirm coverage before your appointment.
  • The scan itself — the machine, the process, and the radiologist reading — works identically to a hospital MRI; the difference is the building and the scheduling.

How to find a SimonMed location near you

SimonMed operates centers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah, though the number and location of centers can change. You can search for a center on the SimonMed website by entering your zip code or city name. The search tool shows you the address, phone number, hours, and sometimes the specific equipment available at each location.

If your doctor has already ordered your MRI, ask them whether they have a preferred imaging center or whether they can send the order to a specific SimonMed location. Some medical offices have standing relationships with particular centers and can route your order directly. If your doctor has no preference, you can choose the SimonMed location that works best for your schedule and location, then call that center to schedule.

When you call to schedule, have your insurance card and your doctor's order ready. The center will confirm that they can perform your specific type of MRI scan — some centers have different equipment — and will tell you what to bring and any preparation you need to do before the appointment.

Insurance coverage and what you may owe

SimonMed centers are in-network with most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid (in states where SimonMed operates), and commercial plans from UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, and others. However, coverage varies by plan and by state. A plan that covers SimonMed in Arizona may not cover it in Texas, and your specific plan may have different rules than another plan from the same insurer.

Before your appointment, contact your insurance company directly — not just the SimonMed center — to confirm that the specific location and the specific type of MRI scan are covered under your plan. Ask whether you need a prior authorization (a pre-approval from your insurance company before the scan can happen). Some plans require it; others do not. If prior authorization is needed, the SimonMed center can usually request it on your behalf, but confirming this ahead of time prevents delays.

Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay, and coinsurance. If you have not met your deductible for the year, you may owe the full cost of the scan until you do. If you have met it, you may owe only a copay or a percentage of the cost. SimonMed centers can often give you an estimate of what you will owe based on your insurance information, though the final bill may differ slightly depending on what the radiologist finds and documents.

What to expect during your SimonMed MRI appointment

When you arrive, you will check in and complete paperwork that includes a health history and screening questions about metal in your body, implants, and pregnancy. The technologist will review these answers with you to make sure the MRI is safe. You will change into a hospital gown or be asked to remove metal objects like jewelry, watches, and belts, then lie on the MRI table.

The scan itself takes 20 to 60 minutes depending on what part of your body is being imaged and how many images the radiologist needs. The machine makes loud knocking and buzzing sounds, and you will be given earplugs or headphones. You must stay still during the scan; movement blurs the images. The technologist can see and hear you the entire time and will tell you when to hold your breath if needed.

After the scan, you can usually leave right away and return to normal activities. A radiologist — a doctor who specializes in reading imaging — will review your images and write a report. Your doctor will receive this report, usually within one to three business days, and will contact you with results and next steps if any.

Differences between SimonMed and hospital imaging departments

The imaging equipment and the scan process are essentially identical between SimonMed and a hospital. Both use the same MRI machines, both employ licensed technologists, and both have radiologists read the images. The radiologist's report looks the same and carries the same medical weight whether it comes from SimonMed or a hospital.

The practical differences are convenience and speed. SimonMed centers typically have more appointment slots available and shorter wait times because they are not competing with emergency cases and inpatient scans the way hospital radiology departments are. Extended hours mean you may be able to schedule an evening or weekend appointment. Parking and check-in are usually faster at a standalone center than at a large hospital.

One potential difference is continuity of care. If your scan reveals something that needs when ready follow-up or if you have a medical emergency during the scan, a hospital has doctors and emergency services on-site. A freestanding center does not. For routine scans in stable patients, this is not a concern. If you have complex medical needs or are very ill, your doctor may prefer a hospital setting.

How to prepare for your SimonMed MRI scan

Preparation depends on what part of your body is being scanned. For most MRIs, you need no special preparation — no fasting, no medication changes, no special diet. For some abdominal or pelvic scans, you may be asked to avoid eating for a few hours before the appointment or to drink a specific amount of water. The SimonMed center will tell you what to do when you schedule.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing without metal buttons, zippers, or snaps if possible. Metal objects interfere with the MRI images and can heat up inside the machine, so you will need to remove them anyway, but loose clothing makes the process faster. Leave jewelry, watches, phones, and wallets in your car or at home. If you have any metal implants — a pacemaker, metal joint replacement, metal pins or screws, a cochlear implant, or metal fragments in your eyes — tell the center when you schedule. Some implants are not safe in an MRI, and the center needs to know before you arrive.

Bring your insurance card and photo ID, and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in. If you are anxious about enclosed spaces, tell the technologist before the scan starts — they can explain what to expect and may be able to help you manage anxiety during the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my doctor order an MRI at SimonMed, or do I have to choose the location myself?

Your doctor can order the MRI at SimonMed if they have a relationship with a specific center, but most doctors write an order that does not specify a location. You can then choose which SimonMed center works best for you and call to schedule. If your doctor prefers a particular center, ask them directly and they can send the order there.

What if SimonMed is not in-network with my insurance?

If a SimonMed center is out-of-network for your plan, you will likely owe a larger share of the cost. Contact your insurance company to ask whether they cover out-of-network imaging and what your responsibility would be. You can also ask your doctor whether they can order the scan at an in-network hospital or imaging center instead.

How long does it take to get my MRI results?

The radiologist typically reads your images and sends a report to your doctor within one to three business days. Your doctor will then contact you with the results. If the scan shows something urgent, the radiologist may contact your doctor the same day. Ask your doctor's office when you can expect to hear back.

Is a SimonMed MRI as good as a hospital MRI?

Yes. The machines, the technologists, and the radiologists meet the same standards whether they work at SimonMed or a hospital. The image quality and diagnostic accuracy are equivalent. The main difference is convenience and scheduling, not the quality of the scan itself.

Do I need prior authorization before my SimonMed MRI?

Some insurance plans require prior authorization and others do not. Contact your insurance company or ask the SimonMed center when you schedule — they can tell you whether your plan needs it and can often request it on your behalf if it does.