Where can I have an X-Ray, MRI, CT, Ultrasound Scan?
Even a clinic regularly has an X-Ray facility and occasionally an ultrasound machine as well. An MRI and a CT is available at a major hospital or a center specialized with imaging tests. Consult your doctor first then your doctor writes a test order for those imaging tests.
For an MRI or a CT you do not need to go to a hospital that has these machines because often clinics have a contract with a local MRI or CT center and the test can be arranged through the clinic.
We often receive inquiries from clients who want to have a scan without having a doctor’s consultation in advance however this is not possible. You need a doctor’s order to have those scans. This is because imaging technicians need to have specific orders and instructions from doctors to do the scans.
Radiologists interpret the images after the scan then they write reports to the original doctor so that the doctor can explain the result to the patient. The radiologists reports are highly technical, you need your doctor’s interpretation to understand the result fully.
If you have any metal, a pacemaker, a breast implant or tattoos you need to tell the doctor before the test. Also if you are claustrophobic, you might want to ask your doctor to arrange an open MRI.
How long does it take?
An X-Ray is quick, for example it only takes about 5-10 minutes for a chest X-ray. An ultrasound is longer, it depends on the part of the body but from 20 minutes to 40 minutes in general. An MRI takes long, the whole process including preparation can be 60 minutes. A CT is quicker than an MRI.
You can generally have the X-Ray test done on the same day but an ultrasound, An MRI and a CT often requires an appointment on a different day. Abdominal MRI or ultrasound needs fasting for 4-6 hours.
How much is it?
Japanese insurance covers 70% of an X-Ray, an MRI, a CT, an ultrasound Scan when they are needed to treat medical conditions. Meanwhile it does not cover the scans for screening purpose, like for an annual physical examination or a Ningen Dock.
Contact us if you need those imaging tests. We can help find a hospital for you.
We asked an expert about the differences of Xray and MRI. You can read the articule from the link below.
https://japanhealthinfo.com/2024/05/13/xray-or-mri-ask-an-expert/