Getting a diagnostic imaging order does not always have to start with an in-person office visit. Imaging Orders Direct provides a virtual consultation where licensed providers review imaging requests and determine whether an order is medically appropriate. The service is designed to give patients a more direct way to address the order step before scheduling their imaging.
This guide explains how the Imaging Orders Direct virtual consultation works, what happens during each step, what the consultation includes, and what to expect after an order is issued.
How Imaging Orders Direct’s Virtual Consultation Works
Imaging Orders Direct uses a three-step process to help patients obtain diagnostic imaging orders through a virtual consultation.
The process starts with a phone or video consultation, followed by a secure intake where patients provide their history, symptoms, and consent. A licensed provider then reviews the request and determines whether an imaging order is medically appropriate.
Patients can start the consultation whether they already know which scan they need or are unsure which type of imaging may be appropriate. If the requested study is not the right fit, the provider may recommend a different study or determine that no order should be issued.
The service covers several types of diagnostic imaging, including MRI, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, mammograms, DEXA scans, and PET/CT.
Step 1: Book a Virtual Consultation
The first step is to schedule a virtual consultation through the secure booking system. Patients can choose a phone or video visit with a licensed provider, with consultations available seven days a week.
The consultation costs a flat $40. There is no membership or subscription required. The $40 fee covers the virtual consultation, while the actual imaging study is billed separately by the facility selected by the patient. Insurance acceptance, facility billing, and cash-pay pricing can vary by the outside facility.
This distinction is important when planning the overall cost. Imaging Orders Direct handles the virtual consultation and possible issuance of an order. It does not perform the imaging scan itself.
Step 2: Complete the Secure Intake
After booking, patients complete a secure digital intake. The process collects relevant medical history, symptoms, and consent so the licensed provider has information to review as part of the consultation.
Providing complete and accurate information is important because the provider's decision depends in part on the information provided. During the consultation, the provider may ask additional questions, review symptoms and medical history, and determine whether the requested imaging is appropriate.
Some imaging studies may require additional information. For example, if a requested study may involve intravenous contrast, recent kidney-function information, including eGFR, may be needed to assess whether contrast-based imaging is appropriate.
If recent results are unavailable, additional laboratory testing may be needed before contrast-based imaging can be considered.
Step 3: Meet With a Licensed Provider
The next step is the virtual consultation with a licensed provider. During the appointment, the provider reviews the request, discusses the patient's symptoms and history, and uses clinical judgment to determine the appropriate next step.
Patients do not necessarily need to know exactly which scan they need before booking. Those who already have a specific study in mind can tell the provider what they need. Those who have symptoms but are unsure which study may be appropriate can discuss their situation with the provider, who can recommend appropriate imaging if necessary.
The clinical team is led by Medical Director Dr. Vinson DiSanto, D.O., and includes board-certified nurse practitioners.
An imaging order is not guaranteed. The provider may decide that the requested test is not medically appropriate, recommend a different study, or determine that no order should be issued. This makes the consultation a medical review rather than an automatic order service.
What Happens After the Consultation
When an imaging order is medically appropriate, it is typically delivered securely within one business day. Providers generally respond within one business day and are available for consultations seven days a week.
The order is separate from the imaging appointment itself. Imaging Orders Direct does not operate the imaging facility, perform the scan, or provide treatment after results are received. Patients remain responsible for arranging any appropriate follow-up with their primary care provider, specialist, urgent care, or emergency room.
Choose the Imaging Facility That Works for You
If an order is issued, patients can take it to the imaging facility of their choice. Imaging Orders Direct is independent of imaging facilities and is not affiliated with one specific imaging center.
This gives patients the flexibility to choose a facility based on factors that matter to them, such as location or pricing. The available options and requirements can vary between facilities, so patients should confirm that their selected location accepts the order and can perform the requested study.
Diagnostic Imaging Services Available
Imaging Orders Direct supports virtual consultations for several diagnostic imaging studies. The available options include:
- MRI: Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues, joints, the brain, spine, and internal organs.
- CT scan: Uses X-ray technology and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of bones, organs, and injuries.
- X-ray: Evaluates concerns such as fractures, joint issues, chest concerns, and arthritis-related changes.
- Ultrasound: Uses sound waves rather than radiation to evaluate abdominal, pelvic, vascular, obstetric, and soft-tissue concerns.
- Mammogram: Provides specialized breast imaging for screening and diagnostic evaluation.
- DEXA scan: Measures bone density and osteoporosis risk.
- PET/CT: Assesses metabolic activity and is often used in oncology and diagnostic workups.
EKG and laboratory order reviews may also be available when clinically appropriate and can be discussed during the consultation.
What the Consultation Includes
The $40 consultation covers the virtual visit and clinical review involved in determining whether an order is appropriate. The service includes:
- A scheduled phone or video visit with a licensed provider
- Clinical review of the request and relevant history
- An imaging order when medically appropriate
- A recommendation for a different study when the requested test is not the right fit
- Secure delivery of an issued order
- Guidance related to next steps
The consultation fee does not cover the imaging scan itself. The selected imaging facility handles the cost of the scan, with insurance acceptance and pricing varying by facility.
What Imaging Orders Direct Does Not Include
Imaging Orders Direct is not an imaging center, laboratory, or treatment facility. Its service is limited to the virtual consultation and possible issuance of a diagnostic order when medically appropriate. It also does not provide ongoing treatment or management after results are obtained.
The service does not guarantee that patients will receive the exact test they request. A licensed provider makes the final decision based on clinical judgment and medical appropriateness.
It is also not intended for emergencies. Anyone experiencing urgent or life-threatening symptoms should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
A More Direct Way to Start the Imaging Process
For patients who need a diagnostic imaging order, Imaging Orders Direct provides a straightforward virtual path from consultation to clinical review.
You book a phone or video consultation, complete the secure intake, and speak with a licensed provider who reviews your request and determines the appropriate next step. If an order is medically appropriate, it is typically delivered securely within one business day.
Patients can then take the order to the imaging facility of their choice, subject to that facility's requirements. The process provides a way to address the imaging order step virtually while keeping the provider's clinical judgment at the center of the decision.
If you need an MRI, CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound, mammogram, DEXA scan, or PET/CT order, book your virtual consultation with Imaging Orders Direct now.
