Diagnostic Imaging
Simple, easy-to-understand guides about MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, and lab tests — including why a provider order may be needed and what to expect at your appointment.
Diagnostic Orders Direct is not an imaging center, laboratory, or radiology facility and does not interpret imaging studies. This education center is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Not for emergencies. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke-like symptoms, major trauma, bowel or bladder changes with back pain, saddle numbness, progressive weakness, or any urgent symptom. DOD is not an emergency service.
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What is diagnostic imaging?
Diagnostic imaging means using special equipment to take pictures of the inside of your body. Common types include MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasound, X-rays, mammograms, PET/CT scans, and DEXA scans. Each type works differently and may be used for different reasons, as decided by a licensed provider.
Why do imaging centers require a provider order?
Most imaging centers, outpatient radiology facilities, independent labs, and diagnostic testing centers require a valid provider order before scheduling any diagnostic study. Provider orders document medical justification, the specific exam requested, patient identifying information, and the clinical indication. This requirement exists for liability, safety, insurance, and quality-of-care reasons. See: Why Imaging Centers Require a Provider Order.
What does Diagnostic Orders Direct do?
Diagnostic Orders Direct provides $40 virtual provider reviews for diagnostic imaging, EKG, and laboratory order requests when medically appropriate. A licensed medical provider reviews the patient's submitted history, symptoms, and request. If the provider determines the study is medically appropriate, an order is issued. DOD is available in supported states. Orders are not guaranteed. Facility acceptance varies.
What does DOD not do?
DOD does not perform imaging, operate imaging equipment, interpret imaging results, provide radiology reports, provide diagnosis, provide emergency care, provide primary care, or guarantee that any order will be issued or accepted by a facility. DOD is not an imaging center, laboratory, emergency service, or replacement for ongoing care.
Diagnostic Imaging Types
Click on any imaging type below to learn what it is, why it is used, and what to expect at your appointment.
Additional Imaging Services
More specific imaging types — click any link to learn what the scan is, what to expect, and how to get an order.
Brain MRI
Neurological and cranial evaluation
Lumbar Spine MRI
Lower back, discs, nerve roots
Cervical Spine MRI
Neck, cervical discs, spinal cord
Knee MRI
Ligaments, meniscus, cartilage
Shoulder MRI
Rotator cuff, labrum, tendons
CT Head
Brain, skull, sinuses
CT Chest
Lungs, mediastinum, vessels
Abdominal Ultrasound
Liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen
Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid gland and nodule evaluation
Provider Orders, Referrals, and Scheduling
Educational guides explaining how provider orders work, why facilities require them, and what patients should know about scheduling diagnostic imaging.
Contrast and Lab Preparation
Education on contrast agents, renal function considerations, and pre-imaging lab orders.
Patient Pathways
Guides for patients navigating specific situations — no PCP, no insurance, insurance denial, second opinion needs, and self-pay imaging.
State Availability
DOD provides virtual diagnostic order consultations for eligible patients in supported states. Patients must be physically located in a supported state during the virtual visit. See state availability for the current list of supported states.
View all supported statesWhat Diagnostic Orders Direct Is — and Is Not
DOD IS:
- A $40 virtual provider review service for diagnostic order requests
- Available in supported U.S. states
- Staffed by licensed medical providers who independently review order requests
- A focused service for the provider-order step of the imaging workflow
- An educational resource for patients navigating diagnostic imaging
DOD IS NOT:
- An imaging center, radiology facility, or laboratory
- An emergency service — call 911 for urgent symptoms
- A primary care replacement or ongoing care provider
- A service that interprets imaging results or provides diagnoses
- A guarantee that an order will be issued or accepted by a facility
- Available in Texas or California
Need a Provider Review Before Scheduling Imaging?
A licensed provider reviews your diagnostic order request for $40. Orders are issued only when medically appropriate. Facility acceptance varies. Imaging, lab, radiology, contrast, and facility fees are separate.
Start Virtual Consult — $40Orders not guaranteed. Not for emergencies. Facility acceptance varies.
This education center is provided by Diagnostic Orders Direct for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. DOD is not an imaging center, laboratory, radiology facility, or emergency service. All clinical decisions should be made by qualified licensed healthcare providers based on individual patient circumstances. Last updated May 2026.