Patient Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

See Also

Downloadable Patient Brochures & Preparation

 

Insurance/Billing

  1. Will insurance cover my procedure, and do I need pre-authorization?
    For information, please review the Insurance/Billing Web site .
  2. How much will my exam cost?
    For information, please review the Insurance/Billing Web site .
  3. How do I pay for my exam?
    For information, please review the Insurance/Billing Web site .
  4. Whom do I call for billing questions?
    For information, please review the Insurance/Billing Web site .

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Scheduling

  1. How do I schedule an appointment?
    Please see: Make an Appointment

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Parking & Directions

  1. Where do I park? Is discounted parking available?
    For information, please review Directions & Parking.

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Patient Exam Preparation

  1. What do I need to bring with me for my appointment?
    Please bring your driver’s license or some form of identification along with your insurance card. Please also bring the name and telephone number of your referring physician. Please also access the Patient Exam Preparation for a list of what to bring to your examination.
  2. Do I need to arrive early to my appointment?
    You must check in to register 30 minutes prior to the appointment time if your appointment is Monday-Friday between the hours of 7:00am and 5:30pm. If your appointment is outside these hours at the Blake Wilbur Outpatient Clinic, please report directly to the clinic 30 minutes prior to the appointment time. 
  3. How should I prepare for my exam?
    For information, please access Patient Exam Preparation.
  4. Whom do I call for exam preparation questions?
    Please call (650) 723-6855 to have your exam preparation questions answered. Please also access the Patient Exam Preparation website.
  5. What is a radiologist?
    A radiologist is a doctor who has graduated from medical school, passed a licensing examination, and completed at least four years of training called a residency. In addition, many go on to complete a fellowship, which consists of one to two years of specialized training in a subspecialty of radiology such as cardiovascular radiology. Radiologists produce and interpret images of the inside of the body using medical imaging procedures such as computed tomography (CT); fluoroscopy; interventional radiology; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); nuclear medicine; positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT); X-ray; and ultrasound.
  6. Does my referring physician need to order the exam for me?
    Yes, your referring physician will need to complete an Outpatient Radiological Order Form and send it to us before your scheduled appointment for a procedure or imaging study at any Stanford Radiology facility. Scheduling
  7. What is a radiologic technologist? Are technologists doctors?
    Radiologic technologists are not doctors, but they are specially trained in performing medical imaging studies. They are highly skilled at properly positioning each patient for his or her exam and at operating the imaging equipment safely.
  8. Who will interpret my exam?
    A radiologist with subspecialty training will interpret your imaging examination and prepare your report.
  9. Who will contact me with my results?
    Your referring physician will contact you with your results. 

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Requests Records & Imaging

  1. How can I get a copy of my exam images and my report?
    For information, please review Request Records & Images on the Medical Records Web site.
  2. How do I get a copy of the results of my imaging study?
    For information, please review Request Records & Images on the Medical Records Web site.
  3. Will my referring doctor receive the results of my exam?
    Yes, your referring physician will receive the results of your exam. 
  4. Is it possible to send copies of my test results to my other doctors as well?
    For information, please review Request Records & Images on the Medical Records Web site.

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Consent Form/Participate in Research Study FAQs

  1. If I participate in a research study will my personal health information be shared with anyone?
    It depends upon the protocol. Some of the protocols are just to evaluate how the machines function, and no personal information is collected. Other research may involve some sharing of healthcare information, but this should be clearly explained in the consent form. All applicable Stanford, federal, and state guidelines will be followed to maintain privacy.
  2. Will I receive extra X-rays if I participate in the study?
    Our research projects involve either MRI or CT scanning. No X-rays are involved in the MRI protocols and, in general, our CT protocols do not require extra X-rays.
  3. If I participate in the study will my doctor have access to any additional information that would help in my diagnosis?
    There are no guarantees that any additional benefits will be obtained from this study, but if additional information regarding your health is obtained it will be communicated to your referring physician.
  4. Should I participate in the study if I am or suspect I might be pregnant?
    There are no known risks for MR and pregnancy, but there may be unknown effects and, therefore, we do not allow participation if you are pregnant.
  5. Will I benefit by participating in the study?
    We cannot guarantee or promise that you will receive any benefits from the study.  However, it is possible that some additional information about your case may be attained.

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