Your First Visit
A Guide to Your First Visit to Atlantic Radiology Associates
Going to a radiology center can be intimidating—particularly if it’s your first time. You might not know what to expect or how long everything will take. At Atlantic Radiology Associates in Savannah GA, we prioritize comfort, communication, and compassionate care from beginning to end. Here’s what you can expect during your first appointment, from scheduling your X-ray or MRI to receiving results.
1. Before Your Appointment: Scheduling & Preparation
Everything starts before you even enter our facility.
Booking your exam
You can schedule imaging appointment through your referring doctor’s office, or call us directly to book your exam as long as you have an order.
Insurance information & general questions
Atlantic Radiology Associates accepts most insurance plans. However, it can be helpful to double check with your insurance provider that your specific test is covered. Feel free to call our office if you would like to receive an estimated cost for your exam.
Preparing for your exam
Certain exams may require special preparation, like not eating before the test. CT scans and ultrasounds often have preparatory instructions. If there are any instructions to prepare for your exam, your doctor or our staff will let you know.
2. Arrival & Check-In: Friendly & Efficient
Once you arrive at our office:
Our front desk staff will verify your personal and insurance information. This is even if you’ve visited us before—it ensures that our records are up-to-date and will reduce any potential billing problems.
You’ll fill out any necessary paperwork and receive instructions on where to wait until your appointment.
If you’re unsure about which door to use or where to sit: don’t worry! Someone will be with you every step of the way.
3. Meet Your Radiology Team
Before your imaging procedure begins:
The doctor or technician will explain the imaging process to you.
You can expect them to ask questions about your medical history and symptoms.
You’ll receive instructions on how to position your body for certain scans. Proper positioning helps guarantee clear and accurate imaging.
Atlantic Radiology’s friendly physicians are board-certified and trained in cutting edge imaging technology to ensure your results are accurate and thorough.
4. The Imaging Process
Each type of imaging process will be slightly different. In general, here’s what you can expect:
X-rays are fast and painless. Our technicians will position you and capture images of the affected area.
Ultrasounds use soundwaves and a handheld probe to generate images.
CT or MR imaging procedures take longer—you’ll need to lie still as the scanning machine does its job.
Our technicians will walk you through every step of the process and do their best to make you comfortable.
You’ll be monitored by our staff during the entire imaging process. We will also keep in communication with you!
5. After Your Imaging Appointment
After your test is complete:
You can go back to your normal activities immediately—unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
Your images will be analyzed by our radiologists, who will create a comprehensive report. In most cases, your results will be delivered to your doctor’s office within 24–48 hours.
Reminder: For privacy reasons, your imaging center will typically send test results to your doctor, not you. Your doctor will interpret the images along with your existing health records to provide a diagnosis. If you would like your test results sent to you, that is usually possible. Contact your imaging center to learn more about their policies—you may encounter fees or required paperwork.
6. Questions, Results, & Follow-Up Appointments
You can request that your imaging results be sent to another doctor if you choose. Atlantic Radiology can forward your images to any medical professional, given that you provide written consent.
If you’re not sure when your doctor will go over your results with you, ask a staff member at check-in or checkout.
Ask questions—lots of them!
Take a deep breath. Feeling confident going into your appointment can help you relax.
Ready to Schedule Your Exam?
Now that you know what to expect when you visit Atlantic Radiology Associates, you’ll feel confident going into your appointment. From the moment you schedule your imaging test to the minute you receive your results, we strive to provide professional, compassionate service to every patient. Atlantic Radiology is devoted to listening to our patients and providing quality healthcare.