If you’re dealing with health symptoms that haven’t been explained, you may need an MRI scan. Most insurance plans require a written order from your provider before they’ll cover the scan. Learning how to get an MRI referral can be the first step toward getting answers. You get a referral by talking with your doctor about your symptoms, asking whether imaging is medically necessary and receiving a written order before you schedule your appointment.
In this guide, you’ll learn what an MRI referral is, who can write one and how to ask your doctor for a referral. You’ll also find out what to do if you think you need imaging but haven’t been referred yet.
What Is an MRI Scan?
An MRI, or “magnetic resonance imaging,” is a safe, non-invasive scan that uses powerful magnets, radio waves and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of your body. It doesn’t use radiation, which makes it one of the safest imaging options available, especially for viewing soft tissues, organs and internal structures. Before your scan, you’ll complete a quick safety screening for implants or metal. Learn more about how MRI and CT scans affect your body.
MRI is commonly used to examine:
- The brain and spinal cord
- Joints, including the knees, shoulders, hips and wrists
- The abdomen and pelvis
- Blood vessels and the heart
- Soft tissue throughout the body
Because MRI captures such a high level of detail, it helps doctors identify injuries, monitor neurological conditions and detect abnormalities that other imaging scans may not fully capture.
What Is an MRI Referral?
An MRI referral is a written order from a licensed medical provider that requests an MRI scan. You may also hear it called an imaging order. It tells the imaging center what body part needs to be scanned, the reason for the scan and any relevant clinical notes. The referral also helps your imaging center verify your insurance and request prior authorization if your plan requires it, which helps you avoid unexpected bills.
Do You Need a Referral for an MRI?
Most insurance plans require a provider’s order to confirm the MRI is medically necessary before they’ll cover it. Without a referral, you may be responsible for the full cost of the scan.
Most imaging centers, including American Health Imaging, require an order from a licensed provider before they’ll schedule the MRI scan, regardless of whether you have insurance. That order helps your care team choose the right scan for your symptoms, review your results and recommend next steps.
Who Can Refer You for an MRI?
Several types of medical providers can write an imaging order for you:
- Primary Care Physicians: Your regular doctor is often the first to refer you for imaging when your symptoms need a closer look.
- Specialists: Neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, oncologists and other specialists frequently order MRI scans related to their area of focus.
- Urgent Care Providers: If you’re seen for an injury or new symptoms, an urgent care provider can refer you for follow-up imaging.
- Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants: Many advanced practice providers are authorized to write imaging orders, depending on state rules.
- Telehealth Providers: A virtual visit with a licensed provider can be a convenient way to discuss your symptoms and get an imaging order if one is appropriate.
- Chiropractors: In some states, chiropractors can also order an MRI, though insurance coverage for these orders varies.
If you’re unsure where to start, talk to your primary care doctor first and ask for guidance.
Can You Ask Your Doctor for an MRI Referral?
Advocating for your own health is one of the most important things you can do. If you’ve been dealing with symptoms that haven’t improved or haven’t been explained, bringing up an MRI is a reasonable next step.
Your doctor may agree that imaging makes sense right away, or they may explain what other steps they’d want to try first. Either way, having the conversation gives you clarity and helps move your care in the right direction.
How To Request an MRI From Your Doctor
The most effective way to ask your doctor for an MRI is to describe your symptoms first. Explain what you’ve been experiencing, how long it’s been going on and how it’s affecting your daily life. From there, ask your doctor directly if imaging could help.
Here are a few ways you could bring it up:
- “I’ve had lower back pain that radiates down my leg for about two months, and it hasn’t improved with rest. Do you think an MRI could help us figure out what’s going on?”
- “My shoulder has been painful and weak since I hurt it, and I’d like to understand what’s going on. Could an MRI help give us more answers?”
- “I’ve done some research, and I’d like an MRI to check my knee for a possible ligament tear. Do you agree that it could help?”
There’s no wrong way to start the conversation. Describing your symptoms, asking a direct question or bringing up a specific scan you’ve researched are all good ways to ask your doctor for an MRI referral.
Can You Schedule an MRI Without a Referral?
Most imaging centers require a provider’s order before scheduling an MRI. Without one, your insurance plan typically won’t cover the cost of the scan.
Some imaging centers offer “direct-access” or “self-referral” MRI scans, where you pay out of pocket and a physician working with the center reviews your request. These scans usually aren’t covered by insurance, and availability depends on state rules.
American Health Imaging requires an order from your provider for every scan, including self-pay exams. If you don’t have a regular doctor, an urgent care or telehealth visit can be a quick way to have your symptoms evaluated and get an order if imaging is appropriate.
What Symptoms Would Require an MRI?
If you’re wondering whether your symptoms might warrant imaging, here are some common reasons a doctor may order an MRI:
- Persistent joint pain, swelling or limited range of motion
- Back or neck pain that radiates into the arms or legs
- Recurring or unusual headaches
- Numbness, tingling or weakness anywhere in the body
- Unexplained dizziness or difficulty with coordination
- Suspected nerve compression or damage
- Symptoms that may suggest a tumor or abnormal growth
- Ongoing abdominal or pelvic pain without a clear cause
If you’ve been living with any of these symptoms without answers, imaging can be an important step toward understanding what’s happening and getting the clarity you need.
If you have sudden, severe symptoms, such as the worst headache of your life, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body, or new loss of bladder or bowel control, go to the emergency room right away instead of waiting for a referral.
Should You Get a Second Opinion if Your Doctor Won’t Order an MRI?
Seeking a second opinion is a normal and respected part of getting health care. If you feel strongly that imaging could help and your doctor wants to wait, that doesn’t mean your concerns aren’t valid. Providers sometimes recommend other steps first, such as physical therapy or medication, to see if your symptoms improve before moving to imaging.
For example, for new low back pain without warning signs, doctors often try rest, medication or physical therapy for about six weeks before ordering imaging, since many cases improve on their own. Some insurance plans also require you to try these steps before they’ll approve an MRI.
If you still feel an MRI is the right next step, here’s how to move forward:
- Ask your doctor what specific changes in your symptoms would lead them to recommend imaging, so you know what to watch for
- Request a referral to a specialist who treats your specific symptoms
- Look for another in-network physician who can review your symptoms and offer a second opinion
- Bring your symptom history and any prior test results to your new appointment so the provider has a full picture
You deserve to feel heard and confident about your care. A second opinion can give you the clarity you need to move forward, whether that means scheduling an MRI or finding another path with your care team.
How Do You Choose Where To Get Your MRI Scan?
Once you have an MRI referral, you need to choose an imaging center. Look for a provider that uses advanced MRI technology and has subspecialized radiologists reviewing your scans.
Ask about pricing upfront. You shouldn’t have to wonder what a scan will cost before you walk in. Many independent outpatient imaging centers offer MRI scans at significantly lower prices than hospital-based imaging, with no compromise on scan quality. Fast scheduling, quick turnaround on results and a supportive patient experience are all worth considering when you’re making your decision.
Also check that the center is in-network with your insurance plan, and if tight spaces make you anxious, ask whether it offers wide-bore or open MRI.
Schedule Your MRI at American Health Imaging
American Health Imaging offers faster scanning MRI technology, available at many of our locations, that reduces many scan times to as little as 8 minutes, and a board-certified, subspecialized radiologist reads your exam. We’re in-network with 99% of major insurance plans, our MRI scans cost up to 60% less than hospital imaging and we have a 97% patient satisfaction rating.
Your imaging team will guide you through every step, and you’ll receive a Scanslated® report by text within 48 hours after your report is finalized. It uses plain language and diagrams to help you understand your results. From there, scheduling is simple, with same-day appointments available and extended and weekend hours at select locations across Alabama, Georgia, Texas, South Carolina and Florida.
Talk to your doctor about imaging and schedule your MRI with American Health Imaging today. Learn more about how scheduling works.