How to Schedule a Radiology Appointment at Lenox Hill Hospital

Scheduling a radiology appointment at Lenox Hill Hospital online

Lenox Hill Hospital, part of the Northwell Health system in New York City, offers online scheduling for radiology appointments through their patient portal and main scheduling system. You can book most imaging services — including X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs — without calling, though some complex cases or urgent imaging may still require a phone call to confirm.

The fastest route is through the Northwell Health patient portal if you already have an account. If you don't have one, you can create an account on the Northwell website and then schedule directly. For appointments without a portal account, you can also use the main Lenox Hill scheduling line, which accepts online requests through their website.

Key Takeaways

• You can schedule most radiology appointments online through the Northwell Health patient portal or Lenox Hill's main scheduling system without calling.
• You will need your insurance information, a valid photo ID, and any referral or order from your doctor before booking.
• Appointment availability varies by imaging type and location — MRIs typically have longer wait times than X-rays or ultrasounds.
• Lenox Hill has multiple locations across Manhattan, so confirm which facility your appointment is scheduled at when you book.
• If you cannot keep your appointment, cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance to free up the slot for other patients.

What you need before you book online

Before you start the scheduling process, gather your insurance card, a photo ID, and your doctor's order or referral for the imaging. The order should specify what type of scan you need — for example, "chest X-ray" or "abdominal ultrasound." If you don't have a written order, you can still schedule, but the radiology department will contact your doctor to confirm the request before your appointment.

If you're a new patient to Lenox Hill or Northwell Health, you may be asked to complete a brief intake form with your medical history, current medications, and emergency contact information. Having this information ready speeds up the online process. If you've had imaging at Lenox Hill before, your previous records may already be in the system.

Steps to schedule through the Northwell patient portal

Go to the Northwell Health website and log into your patient portal account. If you don't have one, you can create an account by entering your email address and creating a password — you may need to verify your identity with information from a recent visit or your insurance card.

Once logged in, look for the "Schedule an Appointment" or "Book an Appointment" option. Select "Radiology" or "Imaging" as the service type, then choose the type of scan you need. The system will show you available dates and times at Lenox Hill locations near you. Select your preferred appointment slot, confirm your insurance and contact information, and submit.

You should receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, including the date, time, location, and any preparation instructions specific to your imaging type. If you don't receive a confirmation within a few minutes, check your spam folder or log back into the portal to verify the appointment was saved.

Scheduling without a patient portal account

If you prefer not to use the portal, you can request an appointment through Lenox Hill's main scheduling system on their website. Look for a "Schedule an Appointment" button on the Lenox Hill Hospital homepage, select radiology or imaging services, and fill in your information. This method works the same way as the portal but doesn't require you to create an account.

You can also call Lenox Hill's main scheduling line directly. The phone number is listed on their website under "Contact Us." When you call, tell the scheduler what type of imaging you need and your preferred dates and times. They can often book you on the spot and email or mail you a confirmation.

Preparation instructions for different imaging types

Different types of radiology require different preparation. For X-rays, you typically need no preparation — just wear comfortable clothing without metal buttons or zippers if possible. For ultrasounds, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for a few hours beforehand, especially for abdominal ultrasounds. Your confirmation email will include specific instructions for your scan type.

For CT scans and MRIs, preparation is more detailed. You may need to fast, avoid certain medications, or arrive early to change into a hospital gown. MRI appointments require you to remove all metal objects and tell the technician if you have any metal implants. Read your confirmation email carefully, and call the radiology department if you have questions about what to do before your appointment.

What to expect on the day of your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to check in at the front desk. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and any paperwork the hospital sent you. Tell the staff if you've had any recent surgeries, are pregnant, or have any metal implants — this information affects which imaging is safe for you.

A technician will take you to the imaging room and explain what will happen during the scan. Most radiology appointments take 15 to 45 minutes depending on the type of imaging. After the scan, you can usually leave right away. A radiologist will review your images and send a report to your doctor, who will contact you with results — this typically takes one to three business days.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment, log back into the Northwell patient portal and select your scheduled appointment. Most appointments can be rescheduled or canceled online up to 24 hours before the appointment time. If you cancel or reschedule less than 24 hours before, call the radiology department directly — the number is on your confirmation email.

If you miss an appointment without canceling, the department may charge a no-show fee or require you to reschedule with a phone call instead of online. If something unexpected comes up, contact the hospital as soon as possible rather than simply not showing up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an urgent or same-day radiology appointment online?

Same-day appointments are rarely available through online scheduling because urgent imaging usually requires a phone call to confirm with the radiologist and technician. Call Lenox Hill's main line or the radiology department directly if you need imaging within 24 hours. They can often fit in urgent cases between scheduled appointments.

What if my insurance requires pre-authorization for my imaging?

Some insurance plans require the hospital to get approval before certain imaging types. When you schedule, Lenox Hill will check whether your plan needs pre-authorization. If it does, the scheduling staff will handle the request, but it may add a few days to your appointment availability. The hospital will contact you if there's a delay.

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

You should have a doctor's order or referral, but you can schedule without one. If you don't have a written order, the radiology department will contact your doctor to confirm the imaging is medically necessary before your appointment. Having the order ready speeds up the process.

Which Lenox Hill location should I choose for my radiology appointment?

Lenox Hill has multiple locations in Manhattan. When you schedule online, the system shows available appointments at all locations. Choose the one closest to you or most convenient for your schedule. If you're unsure which location your doctor prefers, call the radiology department to ask.

How long does it take to get my radiology results?

A radiologist reviews your images and sends a report to your doctor within one to three business days. Your doctor will contact you with the results. If you don't hear from your doctor within a week, call their office to ask about the results — sometimes reports are delayed in the mail or email system.