Please read through our FAQs to save you time when evaluating your image study needs:
What type of image studies and procedures are not currently performed at WICE?
- Arthrogram
- Breast
- Cardiac
- OB/Pregnancy
- PET
Does WICE have an “Open MRI”?
No, we have a wide bore MRI that is a bit larger (28”) vs a standard MRI (24”). This may still be too claustrophobic for some patients. You are welcome to come visit our center to evaluate our MRI and/or ask your physician for medication that will help you relax prior to and during your imaging study. If you have medication, another individual will be required for your transportation to and from the center.
Do I need a physician’s order to schedule an exam?
Yes, this is required because we need to know what type of study is required to support your referring physician’s treatment evaluation for your care. We strive to provide the safest treatment for our patients and do not wish to subject anyone to unnecessary image testing.
The sequence is to go to your primary care physician or specialist physician first to get their diagnosis on your medical condition. Once that is complete, they will provide an order for the image study that we need to perform and get back to your referring physician for their review. If you have already been seen by a physician for your medical condition, WICE can assist you to get your order directly from their office. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to use WICE for your imaging study.
Can I call just to find out the price for my image study with my insurance coverage?
We welcome your call and inquiry about WICE image study pricing using our GE suite of equipment, including our 3T Pioneer MRI. We will do our best to give you an estimate of your cost for our services. Many times, patients have found that our prices are lower than another imaging center once deductibles and co-pays are applied. This is especially true and common for hospital-based MRI and CT services vs WICE.
How long will it take to get my image study scheduled once I have my order?
Most insurance companies require a Prior Authorization (PA) from them before WICE can get you scheduled for your image study. WICE is full service. We will coordinate getting the PA for you once we have the order from you or your physician’s office. PAs from insurance companies typically take 2 to 5 business days and may require referring physician medical records/notes to support the insurance company’s PA. Once we have your PA, we can get you scheduled within 1 to 3 business days for your image study.
Can I call your center on behalf of another person who I am trying to coordinate care for?
Sure, we welcome a call under those circumstances. We want to help. We ask that you provide us with the contact information for the patient and verify that they have been seen by a primary care physician or specialist for their medical condition. Once that is confirmed, we can work with you or the patient directly to obtain the order. We would then coordinate with the treating physician’s office to obtain any needed notes to support the insurance company’s PA approval. We can then schedule your friend’s or family member’s imaging study at WICE ASAP.
