What to Expect at Your First Appointment at Radiology and Medical Imaging

We know you may be worried about your child’s radiology visit. That’s OK—we’ve got your back. We work with patients of all ages and developmental levels, and we know how to make the experience safe and comfortable for them. We encourage patients and families to ask as many questions as you want, and to speak up about any concerns.

Our dedicated Child Life specialists work with children during many different radiology procedures to help decrease their stress and anxiety. They may use toys, iPads and video goggles to help your child through longer and more complicated procedures. Our goal is the same as yours: to accomplish the test quickly and accurately with as little stress as possible.

Making an Appointment at Radiology and Medical Imaging

We want it to be easy for you to get the care your family needs. All radiology and medical imaging exams require an order from your physician. They can either enter the order in Epic, the electronic medical records system, fax us a referral form or call our department.

If your child needs an X-ray, you don’t have to schedule an appointment. We will accept written orders from your physician for these walk-in visits. You can use the On My Way feature in MyChart to view wait times and schedule same-day or next-day X-ray exams at various locations.

If your child needs a CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine study, PET/CT, or interventional radiology study you need to schedule an appointment. Appointments can be made by calling the scheduling center at 513-636-3200 between 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, if your child needs a CT, ultrasound, nuclear medicine study, or PET/CT you can schedule your appointment online via MyChart

The Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging offers many convenient locations across the greater Cincinnati area.

Before Your Appointment

If your child’s exam requires them to follow special instructions, our scheduling agent will provide that information. If your child needs anesthesia during a test, you will receive a phone call from an anesthesia nurse five days before the visit. During that phone call, you and your child will get eating and drinking instructions, and the nurse will answer any questions you may have about the process.

On the Day of Your Visit to Radiology and Medical Imaging

Arriving At Your Appointment

When you make your appointment you will receive instructions for when to arrive. Depending on the test, your arrival time can range between 15 minutes to an hour before the test. The early arrival ensures that your child is registered and prepared for the study. If you are seeing us at the Burnet Campus, allow an additional 30 minutes to give yourself time to park and walk into the Radiology Department. Please call us if you’re running late.

Your child should wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave any jewelry at home. Please bring their favorite toy or comfort item. If you have other children, please leave them at home or bring someone along to watch them.

At Your Appointment

Your visit to Radiology and Medical Imaging can vary widely, depending on the type of test your child is having. Our dedicated pediatric technologists perform all imaging studies, and each study is later read by a sub-specialist pediatric radiologist.

After Your Visit to Radiology and Medical Imaging

There are a few different ways to learn about your child’s test results. You can find images and results online in MyChart—usually within a few hours. We will also send the results to your physician’s office. If you do not hear from them within 48 hours, please contact them.