Decision Guide
Can Diagnostic Orders Direct Help Me?
Diagnostic Orders Direct may be able to help if you need a licensed provider to review a diagnostic imaging, lab, or EKG order request — for example, when an imaging center requires an order, you have no primary care doctor, or you are paying cash. DOD cannot help with radiology interpretation, insurance appeals, or emergencies. Every request is a $40 provider review: if medically appropriate, a licensed provider may issue an order. Orders are not guaranteed, and testing costs are separate.
Situation-by-Situation Guide
An imaging center requires an MRI or CT order before scheduling
May be able to help. A $40 virtual provider review can result in an order — if medically appropriate.
What happens next: Start the review request, and confirm the facility accepts outside telehealth orders.
MRI order onlineI do not have a primary care doctor
May be able to help. DOD reviews imaging, lab, and EKG requests without requiring an established PCP.
What happens next: Submit an intake describing your symptoms and requested study.
Getting imaging without a PCPI am paying cash (self-pay) for imaging
May be able to help. No insurance is required for the $40 provider review. Testing costs are separate and billed by the facility.
What happens next: Request a review and confirm self-pay pricing with your chosen facility.
Self-pay imaging guideMy insurance denied or delayed prior authorization for imaging
Case by case. DOD does not handle insurance appeals or prior authorization. Some patients request a review for a self-pay path instead.
What happens next: Review your denial options, then consider a self-pay provider review if appropriate.
Insurance denied your MRI: next stepsI need imaging before a specialist appointment
May be able to help. A provider review may issue an order so results are ready for your specialist visit — if medically appropriate.
What happens next: Submit an intake with your symptoms and history.
Imaging before a specialist appointmentI want an outside/second-provider review of my imaging request
May be able to help. DOD provides an independent provider review of imaging order requests.
What happens next: Submit the study you are requesting with your history.
Second provider reviewI need a lab order (blood work, panels)
May be able to help. Licensed providers can review lab order requests when medically appropriate.
What happens next: Submit a lab order review request.
Lab order serviceI need someone to interpret an existing MRI or scan
Not a fit. DOD does not interpret imaging results or provide diagnostic conclusions.
What happens next: Contact the facility that performed the scan, or discuss results with a treating clinician.
Getting MRI results after an online orderI need emergency care
Not a fit. DOD is not an emergency service.
What happens next: If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
I want a specific test without a clinical reason
Case by case. You may request any study, but providers issue orders only when medically appropriate based on your history and symptoms.
What happens next: Submit an intake; the provider review determines appropriateness. Orders are not guaranteed.
How provider review worksI need a contrast study (MRI or CT with contrast)
Case by case. Contrast studies are reviewed case by case, including kidney-function and safety considerations.
What happens next: Include your relevant history in the intake.
MRI with vs without contrastI need an order accepted at a specific imaging facility
Case by case. Orders can be sent to the facility of your choice, but facility acceptance varies and DOD cannot guarantee acceptance.
What happens next: Confirm the facility accepts outside telehealth orders before paying for a review.
Facility acceptance guideTesting costs are separate: Imaging, laboratory, EKG, and other diagnostic testing costs are separate from the $40 provider review. The testing facility bills for the scan or test itself.
Facility acceptance: Facility acceptance varies. Patients should confirm that their chosen imaging center, laboratory, or diagnostic facility accepts external telehealth orders.
Diagnostic Orders Direct is not an emergency service. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency care.
If DOD May Be Able to Help
Submit an online intake describing your symptoms, history, and the study you are requesting. The intake/consultation process generally takes about 10 minutes to complete. Provider review is typically completed the same day or within one business day. If medically appropriate, a licensed provider may issue an order. Orders are not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the $40 fee mean I am buying an order?
No. The $40 covers the virtual provider review. If medically appropriate, a licensed provider may issue an order — orders are not guaranteed, and the provider independently decides based on your history and symptoms.
Is the cost of the MRI or lab test included?
No. Imaging, laboratory, EKG, and other diagnostic testing costs are separate from the $40 provider review and are billed by the testing facility.
What if my situation is not listed?
Contact DOD to describe your situation, or submit an intake — the provider review will determine whether an order can be issued. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Related Pages
Disclaimer: Diagnostic Orders Direct is not an imaging center, laboratory, radiology interpretation group, or emergency service, and is not a replacement for ongoing primary care or specialist care. If medically appropriate, a licensed provider may issue an order. Orders are not guaranteed. Imaging, laboratory, EKG, and other diagnostic testing costs are separate from the $40 provider review. The testing facility bills for the scan or test itself. Facility acceptance varies. Patients should confirm that their chosen imaging center, laboratory, or diagnostic facility accepts external telehealth orders. DOD serves patients in 36 U.S. states and Washington D.C. — not available in Texas or California.