FAQ
Please Click The Question To Reveal The Response
Billing and Payment
SimonMed provides a pre-visit estimate based on your insurance. For those without insurance, we provide a cash price. In most cases, your out of pocket costs will be much less than hospital based imaging. For an estimated quote please call or chat with a live agent.
Please let us know as soon as possible. There is generally no charge for rescheduling.
SimonMed accepts major credit cards, personal checks, or cash.
We do accept Care Credit and HSA or HRA cards.
Yes, for amounts over $100.
Payment is expected at the time of service.
Please visit our billing page for complete information on billing contacts and links to securely pay your bill online.
A National Provider Identifier, or NPI, is issued to health care providers by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Tax ID is a tax identificaiton number used for tax purposes.
Medical Records
You may pick up records at an office, email or fax as requested. You may also view and share medical records in your patient portal here: https://simonmed-accessmyimaging.ambrahealth.com/access. You can also fill out in person within a site, or fax a written request form that you can find here: https://www.simonmed.com/patient-information/medical-records-policy.
Absolutely. You simply need to complete an authorization form and submit a copy of your photo ID. We can then send your report to wherever you request.
As a courtesy to patients, any requests for a CD of your medical images will be provided at no charge. For any patient requested films, a fee of $50.00 per set will be applied. If your referring physician specifically requests films, SimonMed will provide them at no charge.
Yes, as long as they are listed on your Authorization to Release PHI form and can show a valid photo ID.
You should be able to view, but IT support is available if there is difficulty loading the exam.
This depends on the type of exam. In many cases your referring provider will discuss the results.
You can go to any of our locations to pick up records.
You can access your Patient Authorization Form here.
Insurance
SimonMed accepts all major insurance plans: commercial, Medicare, Medicaid, workers’ compensation, and more. For questions regarding your insurance plan please call us and we’ll be happy to provide more information.
We do price match including schools for comparable technology.
In our experience most procedures receive same-day authorization. In rare instances, some insurance companies will require a review of the referring physician’s notes. This can take from 3 to 12 days.
Scheduling
To Reschedule/Cancel, visit simonmed.opendr.com
Login using your email ID and password. This should be one which you had set up at the time of enrollment. Once logged in, you will see your name on the top right corner. Next to it will be a drop down arrow, click on the drop down arrow and select Manage Appointments. Under Upcoming Appointments, you will see the option to Reschedule/Cancel your appointment.
Please visit us at simonmed.opendr.com/contactusfaq for frequently asked questions regarding self scheduling and additional support.
Please visit the website below to book your screening mammogram with Mobile On-site Mammography by SimonMed’s mobile unit. https://simonmed.me/MOMScheduling
Almost always yes; from your provider prior to the exam.
Self-referral is very limited as almost all exams require a provider order.
Most orders, including mammography orders, are good for one year.
Yes, we will just need the physician’s name, address, phone, fax, and NPI number.
Yes, we will just need the physician’s name, address, phone, fax, and NPI number.
Yes, patients often prefer SimonMed for better technology, convenience and pricing.
Please visit our locations page on the website to find the fax number of the SimonMed location where you would like to be seen.
X-ray Fluoroscopy exams are not done on a walk-in basis. These exams include UGI, Esophogram, UGI w/ SBFT, Barium Enemas, IVP, and HSG.
Imaging Procedures/Preparation/Site Information
Please see our website services pages for sample pictures of equipment.
Yes, please do not stop taking your medication unless you are specifically told by your physician to stop.
Yes there is a portal but some paperwork still could be required depending on the exam.
Yes. We will simply need to see an alternate form of identification. Examples include: auto registration, credit card in your name, a Costco or Sams Club card, a gym ID or school ID, a Health card, TAM card, or Sheriff’s card. If we have your ID on file from the previous visit we will also be able to use that.
Exam times can vary based on what is being scheduled. Check the modality section below or please call to schedule your appointment for a more accurate estimate of exam length.
Check-in time for most exams is 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. For MRI and Nuclear Medicine appointments check-in time is 30 minutes prior. CT with oral contrast is 45 minutes prior. Some specialty exams can require a check-in time of up to 60 minutes prior. When you schedule your exam we will share your specific check-in details.
Yes, all SimonMed locations offer wheelchairs to patients who need them.
Spouse, Family, and friends are welcome. If a lone parent or guardian is getting scanned, infants or toddlers should remain at home as we unfortunately do not have anyone to watch them and we cannot be responsible for their safety. If you have any further questions or accommodations need to be considered please don’t hesitate to call.
Yes, emotional and service dogs can come to the center
Yes but please check our maps with the local transit routes.
The majority of our scans and services do not require a driver. However, if you are taking any oral sedative or receiving our twilight sedation for your exam we do ask that a driver accompany you.
Yes, we have convenient parking.
Please call our scheduling regarding a special circumstance regarding transportation.
Yes but the services available depend on the site. Please call or check online.
We do have locations open on: Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. The locations, hours, and available exams vary every year. Please call our scheduling department to obtain more details. All locations are closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. You will need to fill out our parental consent to treat a minor form on arrival.
Our weight limits vary by facility. Please call our scheduling department to inquire about specific facilities.
In case of emergency call 911. Patients often call their provider who can assess in combination with their medical history and current treatment.
SimonMed uses low dose protocols and the American College of Radiology guidelines. Most exams are less than exposure from long distance air travel.
Our hours of operation vary by site, and exam type. If you’re looking for a particular location, please visit our location page and find the site you need. You can also click on the site name to view further details.
PET / CT Scan
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a imaging technique that aids physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, particularly cancer. A PET scan is a non-invasive test that provides your physician with a complete picture of how organs and tissues are functioning, making it easier for your doctor to diagnose problems, determine the extent of disease, prescribe treatment and track progress.
In a PET scan, radioactive sugar molecules are injected into the body. Cancer cells absorb sugar more quickly than normal cells, so they light up on the PET scan. A PET scan is often used to complement information gathered from a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or physical examination. An integrated PET/CT scan collects images from both PET and CT scans at the same time and superimposes the images.
Positron emission tomography.
A single PET or PET/CT exam can provide information that once would have required several medical studies and possibly surgery. PET scans are most often used to help the physician detect cancer and monitor response to treatment. PET scans are also used to evaluate heart disease and neurological conditions.
Abnormal metabolism in the body.
PET scans provide the physician with valuable information. For cancer patients it may help specialists understand the extent of disease, guide the most effective therapy, and then help evaluate if the treatment is effective. PET scans aid in the diagnosis of heart disease and neurological diseases. This type of imaging may show changes much earlier than other imaging tests like CT or MRI.
The risks associated with a PET scan are very slight. The amount of radiation is low and the radiopharmaceutical decays quickly so there is no detectable radioactivity after a few hours. In addition to the radioactive decay, the remaining radiopharmaceutical is eliminated from the body through urine. Family members are not at risk for exposure since most of the radioactivity has left the body or decayed before the patient has left the center. The physician providing you with the PET scan will explain any associated risks and benefits from the PET or PET/CT exam.
Your finger will be pricked or blood will be drawn from your arm to measure your blood glucose level. Your blood sugar level needs to be between 70 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL) and 199 mg/dL. If your level is 200 mg/dL or above, you may need to be rescheduled. Your tech assistant will speak with you about this. If your blood sugar level is below 70, you may need to be rescheduled.
The radioactive tracer will depending on the type of PET Scan. A tracer will be injected through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm.
You’ll wait at least 60 minutes (usually 60 to 90 minutes) for your body to absorb the tracer. How long the exam takes will depend on the area of your body being scanned.
Often covered by insurance. Please call for cash price.
Many PET scans are covered by private insurance and Medicare; pre-authorization may be needed and is advised.
No. Although a small amount of radioactive glucose is injected for the PET examination, this will not affect the diabetes. It is important that the SimonMed team are aware that the patient has diabetes. This ensures that the best results can be achieved from the scan and unnecessary radiation dose is avoided.
MRI
SimonMed has many locations for Open MRI as well as wider bore standard systems. Please call for further information.
See further information here.
Yes, you will just need to remove all piercings before your exam. Notify the technologist if you can not remove them.
Music is available at some locations. Please ask scheduling for a location most convenient to you.
CT or CAT uses X-ray and MRI uses magnets.
CT contrast is iodine based while MRI contrast is gadolinium based.
CT Scan
Computed tomography.
CT, CAT or computerized tomography is a quick exam that uses Xray to create a 3D image of the body.
See further information here.
A CT Scan sees inside the body to look at all the organ and structures.
Seconds to minutes.
They are the same.
CT or CAT uses Xray and MRI uses magnets.
CT contrast is iodine based while MRI contrast is gadolinium based.
Mammography
X-ray picture of the breast.
See further information here.
There can be some discomfort because of compression. There is compression to reduce the thickness and this really reduces the xray dose and also prevents motion blurring of the image.
Covered by most insurances. Please call for cash price..
On a mammogram, often as a white spot or distortion of the normal tissue.
X-Ray
X-ray hours vary by location. Some sites are open on nights and weekends. You can check the walk-in X-ray hours on the locations page. Visit our wait queue tool to see how many patients are currently waiting for X-rays at each site.
Generally, because of the speed of new digital X-ray equipment, X-ray exams are done on a walk-in basis. Visit the wait queue tool to see how many patients are currently waiting for X-rays.
X-ray hours vary by site. Please check the site location pages where you’ll find the walk-in X-ray hours listed. We do ask as a courtesy to staff to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your location closing.
X-ray Fluoroscopy exams are not done on a walk-in basis. These exams include UGI, Esophogram, UGI w/ SBFT, Barium Enemas, IVP, and HSG.
Click here for further information on X-rays.
Bone Density / DXA
Looks for osteoporosis.
See further information here.
Uses very low dose xray to evaluate bone loss.
Careers
Visit our Careers page or click here for non-radiologist roles, and click here for radiologist roles.
Why Choose Us
SimonMed Imaging and its affiliates have been serving the community for over 30 years. Our mission is to provide best-in class affordable care through the use of advanced technology. We have patient-focused staff and highly trained medical professionals.
SimonMed has over 160 convenient locations across 11 states and provides late night and weekend appointments to accommodate patients.
