Guide
Provider Orders for RadiologyAssist
How to get a provider order for RadiologyAssist or other cash-pay imaging centers—without a primary care doctor.
Get Your Order NowNot Affiliated with RadiologyAssist
Diagnostic Orders Direct is not affiliated with RadiologyAssist, any imaging center, or any other marketplace. We provide independent provider orders that work at any facility that accepts them.
The Situation
You found RadiologyAssist (or another cash-pay imaging marketplace) and discovered low imaging prices. You browsed services, selected a test, and added it to your cart. Then you hit a scheduling requirement:
"We need a current provider order before you can complete your booking."
If you don't have a primary care doctor or your doctor is unavailable, this can feel like a dead end. But it's actually solvable—and fast.
Why RadiologyAssist (and Other Facilities) Require Orders
Even though RadiologyAssist is a direct-to-consumer marketplace for self-pay imaging, the imaging centers on the platform still require provider orders. Here's why:
Medical Liability
The facility needs documentation that a licensed provider reviewed your symptoms and determined imaging was appropriate.
Safety Documentation
For certain tests (contrast CT, MRI with specific protocols), the provider confirms safety considerations have been assessed.
Imaging Protocol
The order specifies which body region and which imaging protocol should be performed, guiding the radiologist and technologist.
Industry Standard
This is universal across imaging. There is no imaging center—cash-pay or insurance-based—that bypasses the provider order requirement.
The Solution: Telehealth Provider Order
You can obtain a provider order from a telehealth provider without a prior relationship, without a referral, and without an in-person visit. Here's how:
Schedule a Telehealth Consultation
Book a brief phone or video appointment (15–20 minutes) with a licensed provider. Most services have same-day or next-day availability.
Describe Your Symptoms
Tell the provider which imaging test you're considering (MRI, CT, ultrasound, etc.) and why you think you need it. Be honest about your symptoms.
Provider Clinical Evaluation
The provider asks follow-up questions to assess whether the imaging is medically appropriate for your presentation.
Receive Your Order
If the provider agrees imaging is appropriate, they issue a professional order within 1 business day. You receive it digitally.
Use Your Order at RadiologyAssist
Return to RadiologyAssist (or any imaging facility) and complete your booking by uploading or presenting your provider order.
Will RadiologyAssist Accept My Telehealth Order?
Yes. RadiologyAssist partner facilities accept orders from any licensed provider. The legitimacy of the order depends on:
- The provider is licensed in your state
- The order is signed and dated by the provider
- The order specifies the imaging type and body region
- The order includes the provider's credentials and contact information
- The order is current (typically valid for 30–90 days)
There is no distinction between a "telehealth order" and a "traditional office order." An order is an order. The imaging facility evaluates the order's clinical appropriateness—not its origin.
Pricing Transparency
Here's the complete cost breakdown:
Telehealth Provider Order
One-time consultation fee
$40
RadiologyAssist Facility Fee
Varies by imaging type, location, and facility
$200–$800+
Total
Complete cost for order + imaging
$240–$840+
RadiologyAssist's value proposition is price transparency and direct scheduling at self-pay rates. Our role is to bridge the provider-order gap so you can complete your booking.
What to Expect from the Provider Consultation
The telehealth provider will take a clinical history to ensure imaging is appropriate. This is normal and necessary. They may ask:
- • When did your symptoms start?
- • What does the pain/concern feel like? (sharp, dull, intermittent, constant)
- • Have you had any prior imaging or tests?
- • Do you have any relevant medical history? (surgery, injury, chronic conditions)
- • Why do you think you need this specific imaging type?
- • Have you taken any medications or treatments so far?
Orders Are Not Automatic
The provider may determine that a different imaging type is more appropriate, or that imaging isn't the right next step. This clinical judgment protects your health and is why the provider review exists.
Timeline: How Fast Can You Get Your Order?
Total time from now to scheduled imaging: 1–2 business days (depending on your availability and RadiologyAssist facility schedules).
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your RadiologyAssist Provider Order
Complete your RadiologyAssist booking by getting your provider order from a licensed telehealth provider. Fast, transparent, and independent.
Schedule Provider ConsultationMedical Disclaimer
This guide is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Orders are issued only when a provider determines imaging is medically appropriate. Diagnostic Orders Direct is not affiliated with RadiologyAssist, any imaging facility, or marketplace. We provide independent provider orders that work at any facility that accepts them. Your order may not be accepted at all locations—confirm acceptance before your consultation if you have a specific facility in mind.