What to Expect at Your Banner Imaging Appointment

What Banner Imaging Does and Why You're Going

Banner Imaging is the radiology and diagnostic imaging department of Banner Health, one of the largest hospital systems in the United States. When your doctor orders imaging — X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs, or other scans — Banner Imaging is often where you'll go to have that test done. The appointment itself is the scan; a technologist will position you, take the images, and send them to a radiologist who reads the results and sends a report back to your doctor.

You're going because your doctor needs to see inside your body to diagnose or monitor a condition. Imaging can show broken bones, tumors, infections, organ damage, pregnancy development, or dozens of other things a physical exam alone cannot reveal. The appointment is usually quick — often 15 to 45 minutes depending on the type of scan — though you may spend extra time in the waiting room.

Key Takeaways

• Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and any paperwork your doctor gave you, because Banner will verify your coverage and confirm the order before the scan begins.
• Some scans require you to fast beforehand or drink contrast liquid; your appointment confirmation will tell you what to do, so read it carefully.
• Metal objects interfere with MRI machines, so you will need to remove jewelry, watches, hearing aids, and anything else metal before entering the scan room.
• The technologist will explain what to expect and may ask you to hold still or hold your breath during the scan itself.
• Results typically reach your doctor within 24 to 48 hours, and your doctor's office will contact you with next steps.

Before Your Appointment: What to Prepare

Check your appointment confirmation email or call the Banner Imaging location directly to confirm the date, time, and type of scan. The confirmation will also tell you whether you need to fast (usually for abdominal ultrasounds or CT scans with contrast), drink contrast liquid beforehand, or take any other preparation steps. If you're unsure what the instructions mean, call and ask — it's better to prepare correctly than to arrive and have the appointment rescheduled.

Bring your insurance card and a photo ID. If you have a recent insurance change, bring both the old and new card. Bring any paperwork your doctor gave you, including the imaging order or a printed copy of the referral. If you've had imaging at Banner before, they may have your records on file, but bringing your own copy speeds things up. Wear comfortable, loose clothing without metal buttons, zippers, or snaps if possible — you may be asked to change into a hospital gown, and loose clothes make that easier.

If you're pregnant or think you might be, tell the technologist before the scan. If you have metal implants — a pacemaker, metal joint replacement, shrapnel, or surgical clips — mention this when you call to schedule. Some implants are safe in an MRI machine and some are not, and Banner needs to know before you arrive.

What Happens During the Scan

You'll check in at the front desk, provide your insurance and ID, and wait to be called back. A technologist will take you to the imaging room and explain the procedure. They'll tell you how to position yourself, whether you need to hold still, and whether you'll hear or feel anything unusual. Different machines feel different: X-rays are quick and silent; ultrasounds use a handheld probe and warm gel; CT scans are a brief tunnel experience with a moving table; MRIs are loud and take longer, sometimes 20 to 45 minutes.

During the scan, follow the technologist's instructions exactly. If they say "hold your breath," hold it for the few seconds they ask. If they say "don't move," stay still. The technologist watches from an adjacent room and can see and hear you, so if you're uncomfortable or need to stop, raise your hand or speak up. Most scans are painless, though some people feel anxiety in enclosed spaces like an MRI machine — tell the technologist if you're nervous, because they can help.

If your scan uses contrast (a dye injected into your vein or swallowed as a liquid), the technologist will explain what it does and what you might feel. Contrast can cause a warm sensation, a metallic taste, or mild nausea in some people. These sensations pass quickly. If you have a history of allergic reactions or kidney problems, tell the technologist before the scan starts.

After the Scan and Getting Your Results

Once the scan is done, you're free to leave. There's no recovery time for most imaging. If you received contrast, drink extra water for the rest of the day to help flush it from your system. You can eat and drink normally unless your doctor told you otherwise.

A radiologist — a doctor who specializes in reading imaging — will review your scans, usually within 24 to 48 hours. The radiologist writes a report and sends it to your doctor's office. Your doctor's office will then contact you with the results and explain what they mean and what happens next. If the results are urgent or show something that needs immediate attention, Banner or your doctor may call you sooner.

Do not assume no news is good news. If you haven't heard from your doctor's office within a few days, call them to ask about your results. Sometimes reports get delayed in the system, and it's your responsibility to follow up.

Different Types of Banner Imaging Scans

X-rays use radiation to create a two-dimensional picture, usually of bones or the chest. The appointment is very quick — often just a few minutes. You stand or lie still while the machine takes the picture.

CT scans (computed tomography) use multiple X-rays to create detailed cross-section images. You lie on a table that moves through a tunnel-shaped machine. The scan usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Some CT scans use contrast liquid injected into your vein.

Ultrasounds use sound waves to create images and are often used for pregnancy, abdominal organs, or blood vessels. A technologist moves a handheld probe over your skin with warm gel. The appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and is painless.

MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) use a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create very detailed images, especially of soft tissue. You lie on a table inside a large cylindrical machine. MRI scans are loud and can take 20 to 45 minutes. You must remove all metal before entering the scan room. MRIs are not safe for people with certain metal implants.

Nuclear medicine scans involve a small amount of radioactive material injected into your vein or swallowed. The material travels to the organ being studied, and a camera detects it. These scans show how an organ is functioning, not just its structure. The appointment can take several hours because the material needs time to reach the target organ.

What to Do If You Need to Reschedule or Cancel

If you need to cancel or reschedule, call the Banner Imaging location as soon as possible. Most locations allow you to reschedule by phone or through the patient portal if you have one. Canceling ahead of time helps Banner open the slot for another patient and avoids a no-show fee, which some insurance plans charge.

If you're running late, call the location immediately. Some appointments have a grace period of 15 to 30 minutes, but if you arrive after that window, you may be asked to reschedule. If you miss the appointment without calling, Banner may charge a no-show fee and your doctor may have to reorder the imaging.

Common Questions About Contrast and Allergies

If you have a history of allergic reactions to contrast, iodine, or shellfish, tell Banner when you schedule the appointment. Some people can take medication beforehand to reduce the risk of a reaction. If you have kidney disease or diabetes, mention that too, because contrast can affect kidney function in some cases. Banner may order a kidney function test before your scan or use a different type of contrast.

Contrast reactions are usually mild — itching, hives, or a rash — and resolve on their own. Severe reactions are rare but possible. The technologist and radiologist are trained to handle them, and emergency equipment is available in the imaging suite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes, you can bring a support person to wait with you in the waiting room. They usually cannot go into the imaging room itself unless you need help positioning yourself or have a medical condition that requires it. Ask when you call to schedule.

Will the scan hurt?

Most imaging scans are painless. You may feel pressure from an ultrasound probe, a pinch if contrast is injected into your vein, or discomfort from lying still in one position. Tell the technologist if you're in pain so they can help adjust your position or take a break.

How long does it take to get results?

The radiologist usually reads your scan within 24 to 48 hours and sends the report to your doctor. Your doctor's office will contact you with the results. If results are urgent, you may hear sooner. Call your doctor's office if you haven't heard anything after three business days.

What if I'm claustrophobic and worried about an MRI?

Tell Banner when you schedule so they know ahead of time. Some locations offer open or wide-bore MRI machines that feel less enclosed. You can also ask about sedation options or scheduling the scan at a time when you feel calmer. The technologist can also let you keep your eyes closed or play music during the scan.

Do I need to do anything special after my scan?

For most scans, no. If you received contrast, drink extra water to help flush it out. If you received a sedative, arrange for someone to drive you home. Your doctor will tell you if you need to avoid anything specific based on your results.