What to Expect When You Schedule a Radiology Appointment at Lenox Hill Hospital

How to reach Lenox Hill radiology to schedule an appointment

Lenox Hill Hospital operates radiology departments at multiple locations across Manhattan, and the way you schedule depends on whether you're an existing patient with a referral or calling without one. The main radiology scheduling line is 212-434-2000. When you call, have your insurance card and photo ID ready, along with any referral paperwork from your doctor if you have it.

If your doctor has already sent a referral to Lenox Hill, the radiology department may contact you directly to schedule. If not, you can call the main number and ask to be transferred to radiology scheduling. Be prepared to tell them what type of imaging you need — X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, or mammogram — because that determines which location and which time slots are available.

Lenox Hill has radiology services at its main campus on the Upper East Side (100 East 77th Street) and at other affiliated locations. Ask the scheduler which location is closest to you and whether that site offers the specific imaging your doctor ordered.

Key Takeaways

• Call Lenox Hill's main line at 212-434-2000 and ask for radiology scheduling, or wait for the department to contact you if your doctor sent a referral.
• Have your insurance card, photo ID, and any referral paperwork ready when you call or arrive for your appointment.
• Different imaging types (X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, mammogram) are offered at different locations, so confirm which site you're scheduled at.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete check-in and bring a list of any metal implants or devices you have, since these affect MRI and some CT scans.
• Most radiology results are available within 24 to 48 hours and are sent to your referring doctor, who will discuss them with you.

What to bring and how to prepare for your appointment

Bring your insurance card and a photo ID to every radiology appointment. If your doctor gave you a referral form or order, bring that too — it tells the technologist exactly what imaging you need and why. If you don't have a physical copy, the department may have it on file already, but calling ahead to confirm saves time.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing without metal buttons, zippers, or snaps if you're having an MRI, since metal interferes with the machine. For X-rays and ultrasounds, you can usually keep your clothes on. If you're having a mammogram, wear a two-piece outfit so you don't have to undress completely.

Before your appointment, write down any metal implants, pacemakers, metal plates, or surgical hardware you have. Tell the technologist about these when you arrive — they need to know before any MRI or CT scan. If you're pregnant or think you might be, mention it when you check in, because some imaging is adjusted during pregnancy.

For certain scans like CT or ultrasound of the abdomen, you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for a few hours beforehand. The scheduler will tell you this when you book, so ask specifically about any preparation needed for your type of scan.

What happens during a radiology appointment

When you arrive, you'll check in at the front desk and complete or update your patient information. A technologist will call you back and take you to the imaging room. They'll explain what the machine does and what you need to do — usually stay still while they take images. Most appointments last 15 to 45 minutes depending on the type of imaging.

For X-rays, you stand or lie in front of the machine while it takes pictures. The technologist may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds. For ultrasound, a technologist spreads gel on your skin and moves a handheld probe over the area being scanned. For CT or MRI, you lie on a table that slides into a large machine. MRI machines are loud and enclosed, which can feel uncomfortable if you're claustrophobic — tell the technologist if you're nervous, because they can help.

A radiologist (a doctor who specializes in reading images) reviews your scans after the appointment. You won't usually get results on the same day. Instead, the radiologist sends a report to your referring doctor, who contacts you to discuss what was found and what happens next.

Understanding your radiology results and next steps

Radiology results typically arrive within 24 to 48 hours. Your referring doctor receives the radiologist's report and is responsible for calling you to explain what it means. Don't wait passively — if you haven't heard from your doctor's office within two business days, call them to ask about your results.

The report will describe what the radiologist saw and whether anything is abnormal. "Normal" or "no acute findings" means nothing concerning showed up. If something was found, the report explains what it is and may recommend follow-up imaging, additional testing, or specialist referral. Your doctor will walk you through what this means for your care.

If you want a copy of your actual images (the scans themselves, not just the report), you can request them on CD. Lenox Hill can usually provide these within a few business days. This is useful if you're seeing another doctor or getting a second opinion.

Insurance, costs, and what to expect at check-in

Lenox Hill accepts most major insurance plans. When you schedule, tell the scheduler your insurance name and member ID so they can verify coverage before your appointment. Radiology services are usually covered by insurance, but your out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific plan — deductibles, copays, and coinsurance vary widely.

If you don't have insurance or want to know your exact cost beforehand, ask the scheduler for an estimate. Lenox Hill can often provide a ballpark figure, though the final bill may differ slightly depending on what imaging is actually done.

At check-in, you'll be asked to verify your address, phone number, and emergency contact. If your insurance information has changed since you last visited, update it then. If you have a high deductible or know you'll owe money, ask the financial counselor about payment plans before you leave.

Rescheduling, canceling, or getting help with your appointment

If you need to reschedule, call the radiology scheduling line at 212-434-2000 as soon as you know you can't make it. Canceling with at least 24 hours' notice helps Lenox Hill offer your time slot to another patient. If you cancel with less notice, you may be charged a no-show fee depending on your insurance plan.

If you're running late, call the department immediately so they know to expect you. Most departments will still see you if you arrive within 30 minutes of your appointment time, but arriving late may mean your appointment is rescheduled.

If you have questions about your appointment, your results, or billing, the main hospital line at 212-434-2000 can direct you to the right department. For urgent concerns about your health or results, contact your referring doctor rather than the radiology department — they manage your overall care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone with me to my radiology appointment?

Yes, you can bring a family member or friend to wait with you in the waiting room. However, they usually cannot come into the imaging room itself unless you need assistance due to mobility or language barriers. Ask the technologist when you arrive if your companion can be present during the scan.

What if I'm claustrophobic and need an MRI?

Tell the technologist before the scan starts. Lenox Hill has open MRI machines at some locations, which are less enclosed than traditional ones. You can also ask about sedation options if anxiety is severe — your doctor may need to approve this beforehand. Call scheduling to ask which locations have open MRI available.

How long does it take to get results?

The radiologist usually reviews your images within 24 to 48 hours and sends the report to your doctor. Your doctor's office then contacts you. If you haven't heard anything after two business days, call your doctor's office to follow up rather than calling radiology directly.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to schedule a radiology appointment?

Most insurance plans require a referral, and Lenox Hill will ask for one when you call. If you don't have one, ask your primary care doctor to send one, or ask the radiology scheduler whether you can proceed without it. Some self-pay patients can schedule without a referral, but this varies.

What should I do if I think there's an error in my results?

Contact your referring doctor first — they can request a second radiologist review or clarify what the report says. If you believe the scan itself was done incorrectly, your doctor can request that the imaging be repeated. Do not contact radiology directly; work through your doctor's office.