Do’s & Don’ts

PATIENT PRE-APPOINTMENT DO’S AND DON’TS

Carefully read the Do’s and Don’ts for your exam below to help ensure a smooth and timely experience with us. If your exam is not listed, or you have any questions, call our office at (805) 604-9500 or email info@palmsimaging.com.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to allow for registration.

Inform our office immediately if you think you may be pregnant.

MAMMOGRAPHY

• Do inform our office of any previous mammograms you have had and where we may retrieve copies of the results.
• Do wear a two-piece outfit for easy changing of upper garments.
• Don’t wear lotion, deodorant, or perfume on your breasts or underarms if possible.

MRI / MRA

• Do inform our office at least 24 hours before your appointment if you:
  • Are claustrophobic, or feel uncomfortable in enclosed spaces;
  • Have a pacemaker, brain aneurysm clip, artificial heart valve or vascular stent(s), nerve stimulator, metal fragment in the eyes, or metallic imprints.
• Do arrange to have a friend or family member drive you to and from your appointment if you are receiving sedation for your scan.
• Do wear comfortable clothing without metal clips, buttons, or decorations.
• Do take any medicines as prescribed.
• Don’t wear jewelry to your appointment.

CT WITH CONTRAST OR CTA

• Do inform our office at least 24 hours before your exam if you:
  • Are over 65 years old.
  • Have a history of renal disease.
  • Have diabetes.
  • Have hypertension.
  • Have severe allergies.
• Do wear comfortable clothing.
• Do take any medicines as prescribed.
• Don’t eat or drink anything except water during the four hours before your appointment.

PET/CT

• Do take any medicines as prescribed as long as they can be taken without food.
• Do inform our office at least 24 hours before your exam if you:
  • Have diabetes.
  • Are taking a prescribed oral medication.
  • Need to reschedule or cancel your appointment. NOTE: Failure to do so within 24 hours may result in a $200 dose fee. Please call for details.
• Do wear comfortable clothes.
• Don’t eat or drink anything during the six hours before your appointment. This includes chewing gum, chewing tobacco, hard candy, and mints. If necessary, you may drink water.
• Don’t exercise during the 24 hours before your appointment.

ABDOMEN ULTRASOUND

• Do take any medicines as described.
• Don’t eat or drink during the eight hours before your appointment.

PELVIS OR KIDNEY ULTRASOUND

• Do drink eight ounces of water every 15 minutes for a total of one hour before your appointment. (Should be a total of four 8 oz. glasses.)
• Don’t empty your bladder for two hours before your appointment. This exam requires a full bladder.

ALL OTHER EXAMS

If you are unsure of the Do’s and Don’ts of your exam, please call our office at (805) 604-9500 for assistance.