Choose the right scan first time
Your symptoms and clinical needs are reviewed before a type of medical imaging and body area are selected, reducing the risk of booking an unsuitable examination.
Doctor-led pre-scan consultation
Get the right scan for your medical concerns
Different symptoms can require different types of medical imaging, and it is not always obvious whether MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray or another type of medical imaging is the most appropriate starting point.
During a telephone consultation, an experienced doctor will discuss your symptoms, concerns, medical history and requirements. They will consider whether imaging is appropriate, identify the most suitable scan and body area, and prepare the clinical referral where needed.
Why speak to a doctor first?
Clear guidance before you commit to a scan
Our doctor-led pathway is designed to help you make an informed decision, avoid guessing and reach the most appropriate examination first time.
Avoid unnecessary imaging and radiation
A clinical review can help avoid duplicate or unsuitable scans and, where another type of medical imaging is appropriate, unnecessary exposure to ionising radiation from CT or X-ray imaging.
Receive the referral you need
When imaging is clinically appropriate, the doctor prepares the referral information required by the chosen diagnostic centre.
Access suitable centres nationwide
Once the scan is confirmed, we help you compare appropriate partner centres based on location, availability and indicative cost.
Move from advice to appointment
PrivateScans coordinates the next steps after your consultation, helping you progress from clinical guidance to a confirmed scan appointment.
No scan payment upfront
You pay only £25 for the consultation. The scan price is confirmed and paid separately after the appropriate examination and centre have been identified.
How it works
From uncertainty to the right scan
Book online
Choose a convenient telephone consultation and pay the £25 consultation fee.
Speak to a doctor
Discuss your symptoms, concerns, history and what you hope the scan will investigate.
Confirm the right scan
The doctor considers whether imaging is appropriate and recommends the most suitable type of medical imaging and body area.
Compare scan options
We help identify suitable centres, indicative prices and appointment availability near you.
Attend your scan
Your booking is coordinated and your report, images and follow-up support are provided after the examination.
This service may be right for you if…
- You have symptoms or concerns but do not know which scan type to choose.
- You have been advised to arrange imaging but the type of medical imaging or body area is unclear.
- You want clinical guidance before paying for a scan.
- You are considering more than one scan and want to avoid unnecessary scans.
Already know exactly what you need?
- Use our scan search to select your location, scan type and body area.
- Compare nearby partner centres, indicative prices and availability.
- Your doctor-led assessment remains part of the booking pathway before the referral is finalised.
Book your pre-scan consultation
Choose a suitable appointment below. An experienced doctor will review your concerns and guide you towards the most appropriate next step.
Due today£25
Frequently asked questions
Pre-scan consultation questions
Do I need to know which scan I need before booking?
No. This pathway is specifically for patients who are unsure. The doctor will review your symptoms and concerns and advise whether imaging is appropriate and which type of medical imaging and body area should be considered.
Does the consultation guarantee that I will need a scan?
No. The doctor may advise that imaging is not the most appropriate next step, or that a different assessment should be arranged first. The purpose is to provide clinically appropriate guidance rather than automatically issue a scan referral.
Can the consultation help me avoid unnecessary radiation?
Yes, where clinically appropriate. CT and X-ray examinations use ionising radiation, while MRI and ultrasound do not. The most suitable scan depends on your symptoms and the clinical question, so the doctor will consider the benefits and limitations of each option.
What happens after the consultation?
If a scan is appropriate, the referral is prepared and PrivateScans helps you identify suitable centres based on scan type, location, availability and price. The scan is paid for only after the arrangements are confirmed.
Is the £25 consultation fee part of the scan price?
The £25 fee is paid when booking the doctor consultation. The scan cost is separate and depends on the examination and centre selected. No scan payment is taken before the appropriate scan and booking arrangements are confirmed.
Important: PrivateScans is not an emergency service. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency, or NHS 111 when you need urgent medical help and are unsure what to do.