Preparing for Your Exam

Review our services to learn more about your imaging exam. If you are pre-scheduled for your exam, our SSM Health registration team will contact you prior to your exam date to go over all preparation details. In addition, our frequently asked questions (FAQs) answer the most common questions we hear.

Before Your Exam

Save time the day of your appointment by completing any required screening forms applicable to your exam. This will expedite your visit on the day of your procedure, so you can complete your exam quickly and get back to your day.

Be sure to follow the instructions provided by your physician and health care team prior to your exam.

There are a few things to be mindful of on the day of your exam, including:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early (refer to any specific instructions from your physician)
• Bring your valid insurance card
• Unless instructed otherwise by your physician or specifically contacted by an SSM Health Imaging nurse, take your regular medications and eat and drink as usual
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, metal-free clothing (you may need to change into a hospital gown for certain exams)
• Depending on the type of exam, you may be asked to remove metal objects, including:
  • dentures and other removable dental pieces
  • hearing aids
  • jewelry
  • eyeglasses
  • bobby pins
• Inform your physician or imaging technologist if you:
  • are taking any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications or supplements
  • are pregnant
  • are currently ill or are recovering from a recent illness
  • have a medical condition
  • have a known allergy to any medications or contrast material
  • have recently had another exam, such as those involving barium or contrast

After Your Exam  

The results of your exam usually are provided to your physician the next day. At SSM Health, we take care to make sure that your imaging results are discussed with you by your physician, who has the resources to run additional tests and put a treatment plan in action if needed. Call us today with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment at a location near you.