Diagnostic Imaging Referrals

Keep the booking details handy.

If the imaging centre needs more information before booking, contact the clinic promptly and keep the referral available. A quick clarification can prevent a routine administrative question from delaying the assessment.

Prepare for the imaging appointment

When booking, tell the imaging provider about mobility needs, pregnancy, implanted devices, claustrophobia, language needs, or any instruction you do not understand. These factors may affect the appointment or preparation. Bring the referral, identification, and any previous imaging report requested. If the test is for an injury, consider wearing clothing that makes the affected area easier to examine without causing you discomfort.

After imaging, keep the date and location in your notes. The result may take time to be reviewed and does not replace a follow-up plan with the clinician who ordered it. Contact HealthSmart Medical Clinic if your symptoms change significantly while you are waiting or if the expected follow-up has not happened.

Diagnostic imaging referrals may be considered when a clinician needs more information about a symptom, injury, or ongoing health concern. A referral does not replace the clinical conversation that comes first. At HealthSmart Medical Clinic in Stouffville, the process begins with a planned, non-emergency assessment of your concern, health history, and any available results. From there, the clinician can discuss whether imaging is an appropriate next step.

Explain the concern in detail

Before the appointment, note when the symptom or injury began, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects daily activities. Bring reports from previous imaging, hospital visits, physiotherapy, specialists, or another clinic if you have them. Tell the clinician about medication, allergies, pregnancy, chronic conditions, prior surgeries, implanted devices, and any past difficulty with imaging procedures. These details can be relevant to the discussion and the type of referral that may be considered.

For pain or injury, explain location, severity, movement limitations, numbness, swelling, weakness, fever, or changes since the original event. For another type of concern, describe the symptoms plainly and include any result that has already been reviewed. You do not need to decide which scan you need before the visit. The clinician will consider the clinical question and explain the possible next steps.

Understand what happens after a referral

If imaging is appropriate, the clinician can provide a referral and explain the process for booking or attending the examination. Ask where the test can be completed, whether preparation is required, what documents to bring, and how results will be sent. Some imaging involves a wait or an outside provider, so it is helpful to understand who will contact you and when you should follow up.

Tell the clinic about travel, work, mobility, transportation, claustrophobia, accessibility needs, or a deadline that may make scheduling difficult. These practical details may help you plan the appointment. Keep a copy of the referral and write down any booking number or date. If your symptoms change meaningfully while waiting, contact the clinic so the plan can be reviewed.

Results need a follow-up plan

Imaging results should be considered with your symptoms and examination, not treated as a stand-alone answer. Ask whether you need to book a follow-up appointment, how the clinic will communicate results, and what to do if you have not heard within the expected timeframe. Bring reports to future appointments when care is shared with another provider.

This service is for planned, non-emergency assessment. Severe injury, sudden weakness, symptoms of stroke, severe chest pain, serious breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, or another immediate emergency requires urgent assessment. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For a non-emergency concern that may need more investigation, a clinic assessment provides an appropriate place to begin.

Keep the referral organized

Before leaving, confirm the reason for the referral, booking instructions, preparation, and the follow-up plan. Clear information helps imaging become a useful part of care rather than another unexplained appointment.