Patient Guide
Can Telehealth Providers Order MRI and Diagnostic Imaging?
Yes — in most U.S. states, licensed telehealth providers have the same ordering authority as in-person doctors. Here's everything you need to know.
Get Telehealth Imaging Order — $40The Legal Basis for Telehealth Imaging Orders
Telehealth providers practice under the same state medical licensing laws as in-person providers. In the vast majority of U.S. states, a licensed MD, DO, or other qualifying provider can legally order diagnostic imaging via telehealth when:
The provider is licensed in the patient's state
A valid provider-patient relationship is established
The provider performs a clinical evaluation (phone or video)
The order is medically appropriate based on the evaluation
The provider documents the clinical indication
The order complies with state telehealth practice standards
What Telehealth Providers Can Order
Brain, spine, joint, abdomen, pelvis, vascular
Head, chest, abdomen/pelvis, sinuses, angiography
Abdominal, pelvic, thyroid, vascular/Doppler
Chest, extremities, spine, pelvis
12-lead cardiac evaluation
Blood panels, metabolic, thyroid, hormone
Screening and diagnostic
Oncology and metabolic evaluation
All orders subject to provider clinical judgment and medical appropriateness. Orders are not guaranteed.
How a Telehealth Imaging Consultation Works
Submit your intake form
Describe your symptoms, medical history, prior imaging, and the type of imaging you're requesting. Be thorough — this information forms the basis of the provider's clinical assessment.
Provider reviews your case
A licensed medical provider reviews your submitted history and symptoms and independently determines whether imaging is medically appropriate.
Order issued or declined
If medically appropriate, your order is issued within 1 business day. If not appropriate based on the clinical assessment, you'll be advised on alternative steps.
Use at your chosen facility
Present your order at any accredited imaging facility that accepts it. Confirm facility acceptance before scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your Telehealth Imaging Order
$40 virtual provider review by a licensed medical provider. Available in 30 approved states and DC.
Start Consultation — $40Related Resources
Disclaimer: Telehealth ordering authority varies by state. Diagnostic Orders Direct is available in 30 approved states and DC — not available in Texas or California. Orders are issued only when medically appropriate per provider judgment. Not an emergency service.