Frequently Asked Questions
We use advanced, low-dose imaging technology designed to keep exposure to ionizing radiation as low as possible—while still delivering clear, accurate images your physician can rely on. It is also important to understand that MRI and ultrasound exams do not use any ionizing radiation at all.
Most exams are quick and painless. Your technologist will walk you through the process and make every effort to keep you comfortable throughout your visit.
Results are delivered quickly, often the same day or next day—so your physician can review them and discuss next steps with you promptly.
We accept most major insurance plans and also offer prompt-pay pricing options. Our team can help review coverage or provide estimates before your appointment.
Our outpatient imaging centers are designed for comfort and convenience, offering a calmer, less stressful experience. Hospital imaging can cost significantly more—often twice as much—for the same exam.
Usually not. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after their scan, unless the referring physician advises otherwise. There are a few exceptions, such as biopsies or other minimally invasive interventional radiology procedures, that may require some limits on certain activities for a short time. Your referring physician or the interventional radiologist performing your procedure will inform you if such limitations are needed. If you have any uncertainty about this, your first point of contact should be your referring physician.
Yes. Let your referring physician and our scheduling team know ahead of time. Claustrophobia is usually only a concern with MRI exams. We can help select a location and equipment that’s best suited for patients with claustrophobia. For example, for an MRI of a bone or joint of your arm or leg, a special MRI unit called an Extremity MRI is available at Princeton Radiology’s Hamilton and Mercerville imaging centers. An Extremity MRI requires only the limb being examined to be inserted into a small MRI bore, while the patient relaxes in a comfortable chair.
Scheduling & Appointment Questions
Most imaging exams require a referral from your physician. Our scheduling team can help confirm what’s needed for your specific exam. When receiving a referral from your referring physician, it is also important for you to understand that you have the right to choose where to go for an imaging exam. As such, you can politely ask for a referral to Princeton Radiology even if your physician’s office tells you that you are required to go elsewhere.
Appointments can be scheduled online or by phone. Our scheduling team will help you find the location and time that works best for you.
Many exams take 15-30 minutes, though some may take longer depending on the type of imaging. Your scheduler can provide exam-specific timing.
We have multiple convenient outpatient locations throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania and are always expanding. Right now, our locations include:
Exam Preparation & Experience Questions
Preparation varies by exam. You’ll receive clear instructions ahead of time, including anything related to eating, drinking, medications, or clothing. General information about preparation for the major exam types, such as SmartMamm®, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound, is also available on this website. Simply hover over or tap Services toward the top of any page, then select the exam type that has been ordered for you.
Comfortable clothing is best. You may be asked to change into a gown depending on the exam.
Some exams require contrast, while others do not. Depending on the specific exam or the diagnostic need, contrast may be oral (a fluid that the patient drinks, either before the exam or part-way through a multi-step exam) or intravenous (IV—a fluid administered through a needle inserted into a vein in the patient’s arm or hand). If contrast is needed, your care team will explain why and what to expect beforehand. It is important to let Princeton Radiology and your referring physician know if you have a known allergy to any contrast materials.
Yes. In many cases, a friend or family member may accompany you, though certain exam rooms may have restrictions.
Trust, Quality, & Care Questions
To ensure accurate and reliable results, all exams are read by radiologists, who are board-certified physicians. Our large physician team includes general diagnostic radiologists as well as sub-specialty radiologists with extensive training where specific expertise in certain anatomies or diagnostic scenarios is needed. Examples of sub-specialties include, but are not limited to, neuroimaging, musculoskeletal imaging, body imaging, and vascular imaging.
Yes. Our imaging centers meet rigorous accreditation standards for quality, safety, and patient care.
That’s completely normal. Our team is here to answer questions, explain the process, and help you feel as comfortable and informed as possible.