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Radiology

It is often the things you cannot see that are critical when making a diagnosis or treatment decision. Mayo Clinic Health System uses standard and advanced imaging tests to get a clear picture of your health and condition. Our locations are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), which means they meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

Our radiology team has extensive training, so you can get the diagnostic testing and image-guided procedures you need close to home. Team members work to make your visit a positive experience, delivering professional and compassionate care throughout your imaging exam.

Find out more about our radiology services:

Conditions and consultations

Getting the treatment you need begins with a diagnosis. Our fellowship-trained radiologists are experts at interpreting medical images to determine what is happening inside the body. In some cases, they perform image-guided procedures to treat conditions.

Your healthcare provider may request diagnostic imaging for several reasons. They may use it to:

Detect internal injuries and bleeding
Determine the location of a tumor, infection or blood clot
Diagnose muscle and bone disorders, including bone tumors
Guide diagnostic procedures, such as biopsy
Identify injuries, such as bone fractures and torn ligaments
Monitor the effectiveness of treatment and the progression of disease
Screen for diseases and conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, lung nodules and liver masses

Our radiology team focuses on your comfort and experience, using positioning aids and support techniques to help ensure high quality images and accurate results.

Radiology services

Some of the most common diagnostic imaging services and image-guided procedures we offer include:

Bone density scan
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Fluoroscopy
Interventional radiology
Mammography
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Nuclear medicine
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
Theranostics
Ultrasound
X-ray

Radiology specialists

Our radiology team has the expertise needed to operate and interpret advanced imaging technology. Team members prioritize patient safety and monitor you every step of the way.

Our radiology specialists include:

Radiologists
Radiology technologists
Advanced practice providers
Nurses
Medical physicists
Medical sonographers

Referrals

A referral is required for diagnostic imaging and image-guided procedures. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine if these services are right for you and to arrange a referral.

If you are a provider, you can refer a patient online, by phone or by fax.

FAQ

Why might my health care provider order an imaging exam?

Imaging exams allow your care team to see inside your body and better understand what may be causing symptoms or changes in your health. These images help guide accurate diagnosis and support personalized treatment decisions.

How safe are imaging exams?

Imaging exams are performed with your safety in mind. Mayo Clinic Health System uses the lowest radiation dose necessary to obtain high quality images, and some imaging exams, such as ultrasound and MRI, do not use radiation at all. Your care team carefully considers the benefits and risks before recommending any imaging test.

What should I expect from my radiology care team?

Radiology teams across Mayo Clinic Health System are focused on providing a comfortable, respectful, and compassionate experience. Technologists and clinicians work together to ensure high quality imaging while prioritizing patient comfort and safety.

What is the process for a young child needing radiology testing?

If your child is having imaging tests, our goal is to keep them comfortable and safe while getting the images needed. The radiology team uses harmless immobilization techniques to help your child stay still, so the testing will not need to be repeated.

A caregiver may be allowed to stay with the child during the test. If you are in the room during an X-ray, you will be asked to wear a lead apron to shield you from unnecessary exposure.

Who reviews and interprets my imaging exam?

Your imaging exam is reviewed by a radiologist, a physician with specialized training in medical imaging. The radiologist interprets your images and shares a report with your care provider, who will discuss the results and next steps with you.

How long does it take to receive imaging results?

The timing of results can vary depending on the type of imaging exam. In most cases, results are available to your care provider within a short time. Your provider will contact you to discuss findings and any recommended next steps.

When and where will I see my imaging results?

After your imaging exam is completed and reviewed by a radiologist, results are shared with your care provider. In many cases, you can also view your imaging results through the Mayo Clinic Patient Portal, available online or through the Mayo Clinic app. Your provider will review the results with you and discuss any recommended next steps.

Can the patient portal help me understand my imaging results?

The Mayo Clinic Patient Portal provides secure access to your imaging reports and related health information in an easy to navigate format. The portal may include helpful context to support understanding, and your care provider is always the best resource to explain what your results mean for your health.

Does insurance cover radiology tests?

Health insurance varies. However, many health plans provide coverage for medically necessary imaging. Contact your insurance provider for coverage details. Our Patient Account Services team is happy to answer any questions and help you navigate billing and insurance.

We serve patients in difficult financial circumstances and offer financial assistance to those who have an established need to receive medically necessary services.