Diagnostic Orders Direct

Not for emergencies. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke symptoms, major trauma, or any urgent or life-threatening symptom. DOD is not an emergency service.

Patient Guide

Need an Online Doctor for an Imaging Order?

If you need an MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, X-ray, EKG, or lab work but don't have a provider order, a virtual provider review may be an option. Diagnostic Orders Direct (DOD) offers $40 telehealth consultations with licensed providers who can evaluate your request and issue an order when medically appropriate.

Important: Orders are not guaranteed. DOD is not an imaging center, laboratory, or emergency service. Facility acceptance varies. Available in supported states only.

Start Virtual Consult — $40 Check State Availability

Quick Answer

An online doctor can issue an imaging or lab order through a telehealth consultation when the request is medically appropriate. Diagnostic Orders Direct provides licensed provider reviews for $40 in supported states. The provider reviews your symptoms, history, and requested exam before deciding whether to issue an order. Orders are not guaranteed, and facility acceptance varies by location.

Why Patients Look for an Online Doctor for Imaging

Imaging centers, labs, and diagnostic facilities typically require a provider order before scheduling. Patients often encounter this requirement when they:

Don't have a primary care doctor
Recently moved and haven't established care
Face long wait times for a PCP appointment
Were told by a specialist they need imaging first
Were discharged from urgent care without an order
Want imaging before choosing a specialist
Prefer to pay cash and avoid insurance delays
Had imaging previously and need a follow-up order

DOD was designed for exactly these situations — when a patient needs a provider order and doesn't have easy access to one through traditional care channels.

What Types of Orders Can DOD Provide?

When medically appropriate, DOD providers may issue orders for:

MRIBrain, spine (lumbar, cervical, thoracic), knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, ankle, and moreLearn more CT ScanHead, chest, abdomen, pelvis, sinuses — with or without contrastLearn more UltrasoundAbdominal, pelvic, thyroid, vascular (DVT/Doppler), breast, scrotalLearn more X-RayChest, extremities, spine, pelvis, sinusesLearn more EKG12-lead electrocardiogram for cardiac rhythm evaluationLearn more Lab WorkBlood panels, metabolic, thyroid, hormone, lipids, eGFR/creatinine, and moreLearn more

Orders issued only when medically appropriate. Not all requests are approved. Facility acceptance varies.

How DOD's Virtual Provider Review Works

1

Submit Your Request

Complete an online intake form describing your symptoms, relevant medical history, any prior imaging or lab work, and the specific test you're requesting.

2

Telehealth Consultation

Schedule a brief virtual visit with a licensed provider in a supported state. You'll discuss your symptoms, history, and the reason for the requested imaging or lab.

3

Clinical Review

Your provider reviews your clinical presentation and determines whether the requested study is medically appropriate. They may ask follow-up questions or request that you see an in-person provider instead.

4

Order Issued (If Approved)

If the order is approved, you receive it via secure email. Present the order to your chosen imaging center or lab. Facility acceptance varies — confirm with your facility before scheduling.

What the Provider Evaluates

DOD providers are not rubber-stamping order requests. Before issuing an order, your provider reviews:

Your reported symptoms and timeline
Relevant medical history and prior diagnoses
Any prior imaging, labs, or test results
The specific exam and body area requested
Contrast considerations (for MRI/CT)
Medications and known allergies
Red flags that may require in-person evaluation
Your chosen imaging facility or lab
Where results should be sent

When DOD Is NOT the Right Option

Do not use DOD — call 911 or go to the ER immediately — for:

  • ✕Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
  • ✕Severe shortness of breath
  • ✕Stroke symptoms (face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech)
  • ✕Severe head injury or major trauma
  • ✕New bowel or bladder changes with back pain
  • ✕Saddle area numbness
  • ✕Rapidly progressive weakness or paralysis
  • ✕Severe allergic reaction
  • ✕Any symptom you feel is urgent or life-threatening

Important Limitations

DOD is not an imaging center, radiology facility, laboratory, or emergency service.
DOD does not perform imaging or laboratory tests.
DOD does not interpret imaging results or pathology.
An imaging or lab order is not guaranteed — issuance depends on clinical judgment.
Facility acceptance varies — not all imaging centers or labs accept all provider orders.
Outside imaging, lab, and facility fees are separate from the $40 DOD consultation fee.
DOD is not a replacement for ongoing primary or specialty care.
Available in supported states only. Texas and California are not currently served.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides and Services

Why Imaging Centers Require a Provider OrderWhat a Valid Imaging Order Must IncludeImaging Order vs. Referral vs. PrescriptionCan Telehealth Help With an Imaging Referral?Can Telehealth Providers Order Imaging?No Primary Care Doctor? Imaging Order OptionsMRI Education GuideState Availability

Ready to Request a Virtual Provider Review?

$40 virtual consultation. Orders issued only when medically appropriate. Available in supported states. Not for emergencies.

Start Your Consult — $40

Not for emergencies. Orders not guaranteed. Facility acceptance varies.

Educational content only. DOD is not an imaging center, laboratory, radiology facility, or emergency service. All clinical decisions should be made by qualified licensed healthcare providers. DOD does not diagnose, treat, or interpret imaging or lab results.

Last Updated: May 2026Author: DOD Editorial Team

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