Treatment options and pricing
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MRI and CT Scanning Referral Assessment
Included in the MRI and CT Scanning Referral Assessment
When your GP refers you for an MRI or CT scan, you’ll be scheduled for a detailed medical imaging appointment where advanced technology will create cross-sectional images of the inside of your body, helping to diagnose and guide treatment for any potential health issues.
MRI and CT Scanning Referral Assessment
Included in the MRI and CT Scanning Referral Assessment
When your GP refers you for an MRI or CT scan, you’ll be scheduled for a detailed medical imaging appointment where advanced technology will create cross-sectional images of the inside of your body, helping to diagnose and guide treatment for any potential health issues.
Common Q&A about MRI and CT Scan Referral
Our FAQ section is designed to address common questions you may have, from how our treatments work to what you can expect during and after your session.
Our team is always available to provide additional support if you need more personalised guidance, ensuring that you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of your body. It’s commonly used to visualize soft tissues, such as the brain, muscles, and organs.
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan, also known as a CAT scan, is an imaging procedure that uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body. It’s especially useful for examining bone structures, detecting tumours, and assessing internal injuries.
The choice between an MRI and a CT scan depends on what your doctor is looking to diagnose. MRI is typically preferred for imaging soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, and joints. CT scans are often used to examine bone fractures, detect internal bleeding, and diagnose cancers.
Preparation varies depending on the type of scan. For an MRI, you may need to remove all metal objects and sometimes change into a hospital gown. For a CT scan, you might be asked to fast for a few hours if contrast dye is used. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
During an MRI scan, you’ll lie on a table that slides into a large, cylindrical machine. The machine makes loud noises as it takes images, so you may be given earplugs or headphones. You’ll need to lie very still during the scan, which can last anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour.
During a CT scan, you’ll lie on a table that moves through a doughnut-shaped scanner. The machine takes a series of X-ray images from different angles, which are then processed by a computer to create cross-sectional images. The procedure usually takes just a few minutes.
Both MRI and CT scans are non-invasive and painless procedures. However, you may experience some discomfort from lying still for an extended period, and in the case of MRI, the noise can be unsettling. If contrast dye is used, there might be a slight discomfort from the injection.
MRI scans are generally very safe, but they are not recommended for people with certain implants, like pacemakers, due to the strong magnetic fields. CT scans involve exposure to a small amount of radiation, so they are usually only recommended when the benefits outweigh the risks, particularly for pregnant women.
Contrast agents are substances injected into your body to enhance the visibility of specific tissues or blood vessels during an MRI or CT scan. They help provide clearer images and more accurate diagnoses. Not all scans require contrast, and your doctor will decide if it’s necessary.
The images from an MRI or CT scan are usually available immediately, but a radiologist needs to analyze them before your doctor can provide a diagnosis. This process typically takes a few days, but it could be faster in urgent situations.
Symptom checker
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please book an appointment with us. Symptoms can vary from person to person and from condition to condition.A proper diagnosis can only be made through a thorough medical examination.
Our clinicians will carry out a full assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
Do you have persistent unexplained pain or injury that needs advanced imaging?
Persistent pain in joints, spine, or soft tissues may need MRI/CT scanning to look for tears, inflammation, or structural problems and guide accurate diagnosis.
Are you experiencing ongoing headaches, vision changes, or neurological symptoms?
Long‑standing or worsening headaches, vision changes, numbness, weakness, or balance problems may require brain or nervous system imaging to investigate underlying causes.
Have you had trauma or injury with possible internal injury or fractures?
After a fall, accident, or blunt trauma, CT scans help detect bone fractures, internal bleeding, or organ injury, providing a detailed view beyond regular X‑rays.
Do you have unexplained abdominal or chest symptoms needing investigation?
Unexplained abdominal pain, persistent cough, or other internal symptoms may be examined with CT imaging to assess organs and detect conditions like inflammation, masses, or structural abnormalities.
Are you experiencing unexplained weight loss or persistent symptoms?
Significant, unexplained symptoms like weight loss or chronic discomfort can warrant advanced imaging to identify possible causes such as organ issues, masses, or inflammatory conditions.
Do you have ongoing symptoms despite initial tests being normal?
If symptoms persist but routine tests haven’t identified a cause, an MRI or CT scan can provide detailed internal images, helping clinicians find subtle abnormalities.
What we treat
At The Health Suite Leicester, our private medical clinic offers expert care whenever you need it. Our team of experienced GPs and healthcare professionals provide personalised diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions, ensuring high-quality, professional care in a comfortable setting.
Click below to view useful info on a few of the common conditions we treat:
Soft tissue & musculoskeletal problems
Referral for scans to assess muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and spinal structures when symptoms suggest injury or degeneration.
Neurological symptoms
Referral for imaging for headaches, numbness, weakness, dizziness, or sensory changes to investigate the brain, spinal cord, or nerves.
Trauma & fracture evaluation
Referral for CT scanning to detect bone breaks, internal bleeding, or organ injury after accidents or injuries.
Internal organ assessment
Referral for MRI/CT imaging to examine the chest, abdomen, or pelvis for masses, inflammation, or unexplained symptoms.
Unexplained chronic symptoms
Referral for detailed imaging for ongoing or unclear symptoms to help guide diagnosis and next steps in treatment planning.
many more
Our clinicians manage a broad spectrum of conditions, and individual assessment allows us to tailor care beyond the examples listed. We encourage you to book a consultation to discuss your symptoms and appropriate treatment options.
