Choosing a Private Scan: What Patients Should Know
Understand how private diagnostic scans work, what to ask before booking and what clinical support should be included.
Read the guidePrivateScans Health Hub
Clear answers about scans and your health
Explore practical guides to medical imaging, symptoms, scan preparation, costs and results. Our aim is to help you ask informed questions and understand the next steps with a healthcare professional.
Helpful information, without the jargon
Whether you are learning about an MRI, wondering how to prepare for a CT, or trying to understand a report, start with a guide below. Health information can help you prepare for a conversation with a clinician, but it cannot diagnose symptoms or replace individual medical advice.
Start here
Not sure which scan may be right for you?
Different scans answer different clinical questions. A GP consultation can help you discuss your symptoms, understand the options and avoid unnecessary imaging.
At PrivateScans, the initial consultation costs £25. If you proceed with a scan, the £25 is deducted from the total scan price.
Explore your options →Clinical support included
PrivateScans scan prices include the pre-scan GP consultation, referral where clinically appropriate, consultant radiologist’s report, digital images and report, post-scan GP consultation and Patient Care Team support.
Appointments within 1–3 days.
Results returned within 3 days of your scan.
How Much Does a Private MRI Scan Cost?
Learn what affects private MRI scan prices, what to check in a quote and what is included in the PrivateScans service.
Read the guideCT Scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis: What to Expect
Find out what an abdomen and pelvis CT can show, how to prepare and what to ask about contrast and results.
Read the guideLower Back Pain in Women: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Explore common causes of lower back pain in women, warning signs that need urgent attention and when imaging may be considered.
Read the guidePrivate MRI vs NHS MRI: Understanding Your Options
Compare how NHS and private MRI pathways differ, including referral, cost, appointment flexibility and follow-up.
Read the guideDo You Need to Fast Before an MRI Scan?
MRI preparation varies by scan. Learn when fasting may be needed, what to tell the team and how to prepare safely.
Read the guideMRI Results: How Long They Take and What Happens Next
Understand how MRI images are reported, what a radiology report contains and how to discuss your results and next steps.
Read the guideWhat Does a Lesion on a Brain MRI Mean?
Learn what the word lesion means on a brain MRI report, why it is not a diagnosis by itself and what questions to ask your clinician.
Read the guideFull-Body MRI Scans: Benefits, Limits and Questions to Ask
Understand what a full-body MRI may examine, its limitations, possible incidental findings and why suitability should be discussed with a clinician.
Read the guideCT Scans Explained: Uses, Preparation, Risks and Results
A patient-friendly guide to CT scans, including how they work, when contrast is used, preparation and what happens after the scan.
Read the guideMRI Scans Explained: What They Show and What to Expect
Learn how MRI works, what it can examine, how to prepare and what happens when your report is ready.
Read the guideX-Rays Explained: Uses, Safety and What to Expect
Find out how X-rays work, when they are used, how to prepare and what happens after the images are taken.
Read the guideUltrasound Scans Explained: Uses, Preparation and Results
Understand how ultrasound works, what it can examine, why preparation varies and how results are reported.
Read the guidePrivate X-Ray Costs: What Affects the Price?
Explore private X-ray pricing, what to ask before booking and when a different type of scan may be more suitable.
Read the guidePrivate Heart Scans: Understanding Echocardiograms
Learn what an echocardiogram shows, when it may be used, how the test works and what to ask about results.
Read the guide1.5T vs 3T MRI Scanners: What Is the Difference?
Understand MRI field strength, how 1.5T and 3T scanners differ and why the best option depends on the examination.
Read the guideOsteoporosis: Early Signs, Risk Factors and Bone Density Scans
Learn about osteoporosis risk factors, why it often has no early symptoms and how a DEXA scan measures bone density.
Read the guideWhat Is the Best Scan for Knee Pain?
Compare MRI, X-ray and ultrasound for knee pain, what each scan can show and when imaging may be useful. Read this patient guide from PrivateScans.
Read the guideWhat Is the Best Scan for Joint Pain?
Learn how MRI, X-ray and ultrasound differ when investigating joint pain, and why the right test depends on symptoms and clinical assessment.
Read the guideMRI Claustrophobia: How to Feel More Comfortable During Your Scan
Worried about feeling enclosed during an MRI? Learn what to expect, practical ways to manage anxiety and what to discuss with your imaging team.
Read the guideCT Scan Radiation: Risks, Safety and What You Need to Know
Understand CT scan radiation, how clinicians weigh benefits and risks, and what to tell your imaging team before a CT examination.
Read the guideMRI With Contrast: Why It Is Used and What to Expect
Find out why some MRI scans use contrast, how it is given, possible side effects and what to tell your imaging team beforehand.
Read the guideCT Scan With Contrast: Preparation, Procedure and Safety
Learn why contrast is used in CT scans, how it is given, what it feels like and which health details to share before your appointment.
Read the guideCT vs MRI Brain Scan: What Is the Difference?
Compare CT and MRI brain scans, what each can show, how they differ and why a clinician chooses the right examination for the situation.
Read the guideWhat Is the Best Scan for Shoulder Pain?
Compare X-ray, ultrasound and MRI for shoulder pain, including what each test can show and when imaging may be helpful.
Read the guideDEXA Scan for Osteoporosis: What It Measures and What to Expect
Understand how a DEXA scan measures bone mineral density, who may be offered one and how results help assess osteoporosis and fracture risk.
Read the guideWhat Does an Echocardiogram Show? Understanding Your Results
Learn what an echocardiogram can show about heart structure, valves and pumping function, what happens during the test and how results are explained.
Read the guideAre MRI Scans Safe? Implants, Metal and Other Checks
Understand MRI safety checks, why implants and metal matter, what to tell the radiographer and how to prepare for your scan.
Read the guideWhat Happens If Your MRI Scan Finds Something Unexpected?
Learn what incidental findings on an MRI report mean, why they are not always serious and how clinicians decide whether follow-up is needed.
Read the guideProstate MRI: What It Can Show and When It May Be Recommended
Understand how prostate MRI is used in assessment, how it relates to PSA testing and biopsy, and what to ask before arranging a scan.
Read the guideCan You Get a Private MRI Without an NHS Referral?
Find out how private MRI referrals and clinical assessment work, what to ask before booking and how private results may be shared with your NHS team.
Read the guideNo guides match that search. Try a different term or choose another category.
Need help deciding which scan may be suitable?
Start with a £25 GP consultation to discuss your symptoms and options. If you proceed with a scan, the £25 is deducted from the total scan cost. The scan price includes your pre-scan GP consultation, referral where clinically appropriate, consultant radiologist’s report, digital access to your images and report, post-scan GP consultation and Patient Care Team support.
PrivateScans offers appointments within 1–3 days, with results returned within 3 days of your scan.
Explore scan optionsHealth Hub articles are for general information and are not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment or advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek urgent medical care.