What SimonMed Imaging Is

SimonMed Imaging is a chain of outpatient imaging centers that perform X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs, and other diagnostic imaging procedures. The company operates imaging facilities across multiple states, primarily in the Southwest and Southeast. You visit a SimonMed center when your doctor orders imaging — you do not go there for a diagnosis or treatment, only to have the scan performed and the images sent back to your doctor.

SimonMed is a private imaging provider, meaning it is not a hospital department. Your insurance may cover the scan, or you may pay out of pocket depending on your plan and whether the center is in your insurance network. The imaging technologist performs the scan, but a radiologist (a doctor who specializes in reading images) reviews the images later and sends a report to your ordering physician.

Key Takeaways

  • SimonMed Imaging centers perform CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, and other imaging scans at standalone facilities, not inside hospitals.
  • Your doctor must order the imaging — you cannot walk in and request a scan on your own.
  • You should verify your insurance coverage and whether the specific SimonMed location you plan to visit is in-network before your appointment.
  • Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and any paperwork your doctor's office gave you when they placed the order.
  • Different scan types have different preparation requirements, so ask your doctor or call the center ahead of time to learn what to do before you arrive.

How to Schedule an Appointment at SimonMed

Your doctor's office typically schedules the imaging appointment for you after they order the scan. They will either call SimonMed directly or give you a referral form and a phone number to call yourself. If your doctor's office handles the scheduling, they will tell you the date, time, and location. If you are responsible for calling, have your insurance information and your doctor's order details ready when you phone.

SimonMed has multiple locations, so confirm which center you are going to and whether it offers the specific type of scan you need. Not every location has every machine — for example, some centers may have MRI but not PET imaging. Ask about parking, check-in procedures, and how early you should arrive when you confirm your appointment.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring your insurance card and a photo ID to every appointment. If your doctor's office gave you a referral form or order paperwork, bring that too. Some centers will mail you pre-visit paperwork or ask you to fill out forms online before you arrive; if so, complete those forms ahead of time so check-in moves faster.

Preparation depends on the type of scan. For an X-ray, you typically need no special preparation. For a CT or MRI, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for a few hours beforehand, especially if contrast dye will be used. For an ultrasound, you might need a full bladder or an empty stomach. Call the center a few days before your appointment and ask what you should do to prepare — this is important because showing up unprepared can mean rescheduling.

If you have metal implants (a pacemaker, metal joint replacement, or metal fragments in your eyes), tell the center when you schedule. Some implants are not safe around MRI machines, and the center needs to know before you arrive.

Understanding Contrast Dye and Allergies

Some imaging scans use contrast dye — a liquid you swallow, receive by injection, or have inserted as an enema — to make certain structures show up more clearly on the image. Contrast is common in CT and MRI scans. If your doctor ordered a scan with contrast, the center will tell you during scheduling.

If you have a history of allergic reactions to contrast dye, iodine, or shellfish, tell your doctor and the imaging center before the appointment. You may need to take medication beforehand to reduce the risk of a reaction, or your doctor may order a different type of scan instead. Kidney problems also affect whether contrast is safe for you, so mention any kidney disease or kidney function issues when you schedule.

What Happens During Your Scan

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk, show your insurance card and ID, and may be asked to sign consent forms. A technologist will call you back to the imaging room. Depending on the scan type, you may change into a hospital gown and remove jewelry, glasses, or other metal objects.

The technologist will position you on the scanner table and explain what will happen next. During the scan, you will need to hold still — movement blurs the images and may require a repeat. The technologist will be in an adjacent room watching you on a monitor and can hear you through a speaker if you need to communicate. Most scans take 15 to 45 minutes depending on the type and whether contrast is used.

You will not feel pain during the scan, though some people feel claustrophobic inside an MRI machine because it is a narrow tube. If you are anxious about enclosed spaces, tell the center when you schedule — they may offer sedation or a wider-bore machine. After the scan, you can usually get dressed and leave right away unless you received sedation, in which case you will need someone to drive you home.

Insurance Coverage and Out-of-Pocket Costs

SimonMed Imaging is in-network with many major insurance plans, but not all. Before your appointment, call your insurance company or log into your online account and search for SimonMed locations in your area to confirm the center you plan to visit is covered. Ask your insurance company what your copay or coinsurance will be — this is the amount you will owe at the time of service.

If SimonMed is out-of-network for your plan, you will likely pay more out of pocket. Some people choose to go to an out-of-network center anyway if it is more convenient, but understand that you may receive a bill for the difference between what your insurance pays and what the center charges. Ask SimonMed for an estimate of the total cost before your appointment if you are uninsured or out-of-network.

After Your Scan: Getting Your Results

A radiologist will review your images and write a report, usually within one to three business days. The report is sent to your doctor's office, not directly to you. Your doctor will review the results and contact you to discuss what was found and what happens next. If you have not heard from your doctor within a week, call their office and ask about your results.

You can also request a copy of your images and the radiologist's report for your own records. SimonMed can provide these to you on a CD or through an online patient portal. There may be a small fee for copies, and it can take a few business days to prepare them. Ask about this process when you check out after your scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone with me to my SimonMed appointment?

Yes. A family member or friend can come with you and wait in the waiting room. They cannot go into the imaging room during the scan unless you are a minor or need information, in which case the center will let one person accompany you. If you receive sedation, you will need someone to drive you home, so plan for that ahead of time.

What if I am pregnant or think I might be pregnant?

Tell your doctor and the imaging center when ready. X-rays and CT scans use radiation, which can harm a developing baby. Your doctor may postpone the scan, order a different type of imaging that does not use radiation (like ultrasound or MRI), or decide the scan is necessary despite the pregnancy. Do not assume the scan is unsafe — let your doctor make that call with full information.

How long does it take to get results from SimonMed?

The radiologist usually reviews your images within one to three business days and sends the report to your doctor. Your doctor then contacts you with the results. If you have not heard anything after a week, call your doctor's office to follow up. Urgent findings may be communicated faster.

What if I cannot make my appointment?

Call the SimonMed center as soon as you know you need to cancel or reschedule. Most centers ask for at least 24 hours notice. If you cancel without notice, you may be charged a cancellation fee. If you need to reschedule, the center will work with you to find another available time.

Will SimonMed send my images to my doctor, or do I have to pick them up?

SimonMed sends the radiologist's written report directly to your doctor's office electronically. The images themselves are stored at SimonMed and can be sent to your doctor if they request them. If you want a copy of the images for your own records, you can request a CD or online access, though there may be a fee and a processing time of a few business days.