Introduction

Medical imaging helps doctors diagnose and plan treatments. At Johns Hopkins Medicine, you get top-quality imaging from skilled pros. This guide walks you through scheduling your exam, from start to finish.

Types of Medical Imaging at Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins offers many imaging options with the latest tech. Here’s what’s available:

  • X-rays: Quick pics for bones and chest problems.
  • CT Scans: Detailed body slices using X-rays.
  • MRI: Sharp images with magnets, great for soft tissues.
  • Ultrasound: Live pics using sound, no radiation.
  • PET Scans: Shows how your body works inside.
  • Nuclear Medicine: Uses tiny radioactive bits to check organs.
  • Mammography: Special breast scans for cancer checks.

Your doctor picks the best one for you. Each type has a unique job.

Before Scheduling: Getting a Referral

You need a doctor’s referral for most imaging at Johns Hopkins. Here’s the process:

  • Talk to your doctor about your symptoms.
  • They choose the right imaging test.
  • Their office sends the referral to Johns Hopkins Radiology.
  • Check if your insurance needs approval first.

Dr. Karen Chen, Outpatient Imaging boss, says: “Right referral info speeds things up. It ensures you get the best test.”

How to Schedule Your Exam

You can book your exam online or by phone. Both ways are easy.

Online Scheduling

Use MyChart, their patient portal:

  1. Log in to MyChart.
  2. Go to “Appointments.”
  3. Click “Schedule an Appointment.”
  4. Pick “Radiology/Imaging.”
  5. Choose your spot, date, and time.

Phone Scheduling

Prefer talking? Call 443-997-7237. Have your referral and insurance card ready. Staff help Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

What You Need When Scheduling

Be ready with:

  • Your name, birth date, and contact info.
  • Your doctor’s name and contact details.
  • Referral info, like the exam type.
  • Insurance details.
  • Past imaging or medical history.
  • Notes about implants or pregnancy.

Locations and Specialized Centers

Johns Hopkins has imaging spots all over Maryland:

  • The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore): All imaging, even fancy stuff.
  • Bayview Medical Center (Baltimore): Full imaging services.
  • Howard County General (Columbia): Basic and special imaging.
  • Suburban Hospital (Bethesda): Complete imaging setup.
  • Sibley Memorial (Washington, D.C.): All imaging options.
  • Green Spring Station (Lutherville): Outpatient imaging.
  • White Marsh Imaging (White Marsh): Outpatient imaging.

Each place has different strengths. Ask which fits your exam when you book.

Insurance and Payment Info

Most insurance covers needed imaging, but plans differ. Before your visit:

  • Call your insurance to confirm coverage.
  • Ask if you need pre-approval.
  • Check for deductibles or copays.
  • Ask Johns Hopkins for cost estimates.

No insurance? They offer help and payment plans. Call 443-997-3370 to chat about options.

Preparing for Your Exam

Prep depends on your exam type. You’ll get instructions when you schedule.

General Tips

  • Wear comfy clothes, no metal like zippers.
  • Ask about taking your usual meds.
  • Some tests need fasting; others need water.
  • Arrive 15-30 minutes early.

Specific Prep by Exam

  • CT Scan with Contrast:
    • No food for 4 hours before.
    • Drink clear liquids.
    • Tell staff about allergies.
  • MRI:
    • Fill out the screening form.
    • Remove all metal.
    • Mention implants or claustrophobia.
  • PET Scan:
    • Eat low-carb 24 hours before.
    • Fast 6 hours before.
    • Skip hard exercise for a day.

Dr. Michael Thompson says: “Good prep means better images. Follow the steps!”

During Your Exam

Check-In

On the day:

  • Arrive on time.
  • Show ID and insurance.
  • Fill out forms if needed.

The Procedure

  • A tech explains it all.
  • You lie on a table and stay still.
  • The tech runs the machine nearby.
  • Exams take minutes or up to an hour.

Common Worries

  • Claustrophobia: Open MRIs or sedation help.
  • Contrast Issues: Staff handle allergies.
  • Discomfort: Cushions ease any pain.

After Your Exam

You can usually go back to normal right away. Drink water if you had contrast. The tech gives any special tips.

Special Cases

  • Sedation? Someone drives you home.
  • Nuclear medicine? Limit radiation to others.

Getting Results

Radiologists review your images. Results go to your doctor:

  • Emergency: Hours.
  • Regular: 1-3 days.
  • Complex: Longer.

Check results via MyChart or your doctor. Urgent stuff? They call you fast.

Special Groups

  • Kids: Fun spaces, lower radiation, parents can stay.
  • Pregnant: No-radiation options preferred.
  • Disabilities: Accessible gear, extra time.
  • Older Adults: Help with moving, comfort focus.

Advanced Imaging and Research

Johns Hopkins leads with cool stuff:

  • Super-clear MRIs.
  • Molecular imaging.
  • AI image help.
  • Research trials.

Interested? Ask your doctor or call 410-955-2273.

FAQ

  • How early to book? 1-2 weeks, urgent in 24-48 hours.
  • Get my images? Yes, via Records or MyChart.
  • Reschedule? Call 24 hours ahead.

Conclusion

Scheduling at Johns Hopkins takes a few steps. Get a referral, prep, and get results. Knowing the process makes it easy and comfy.

They use great tech and pros to help you. Call 443-997-7237 or visit their site for more!

References

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