Not for emergencies. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER for urgent or life-threatening symptoms. DOD is not an emergency service.
Can Telehealth Help With an Imaging Referral?
If you need imaging — MRI, CT, ultrasound, or X-ray — and don't have a provider order, a telehealth consultation is often a practical option. Here is what to know about telehealth imaging referrals, how they differ from traditional referrals, and when a virtual provider review may be appropriate.
Note: DOD provides virtual provider reviews — not referral letters. The result, if approved, is a formal diagnostic order. Orders are not guaranteed. Available in supported states only. Facility acceptance varies.
Quick Answer
A telehealth provider can issue a diagnostic imaging order (MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, etc.) when the request is medically appropriate. This is functionally equivalent to an imaging referral for most outpatient facilities. Diagnostic Orders Direct provides $40 virtual provider reviews in 30 supported U.S. states. Orders are not guaranteed, and facility acceptance varies.
Referral vs. Order vs. Prescription: What Imaging Centers Actually Need
Patients often search for an "imaging referral" when what they actually need is a provider order. Understanding the terminology helps avoid confusion when talking to scheduling staff at imaging centers.
| Term | What It Means | What Imaging Centers Need |
|---|---|---|
| Referral | Direction from one provider to a specialist or facility. May or may not include an order. | A referral letter alone is usually not enough — most facilities need a formal order. |
| Diagnostic Order | A formal written request specifying the exam, body area, clinical indication, and ordering provider information. | Yes — this is what most imaging centers and labs require. |
| Prescription | Typically used for medications. Sometimes used informally to mean an imaging order. | Depends on context — a formal diagnostic order is more appropriate. |
DOD provides a formal diagnostic order — not a referral letter — when medically appropriate. Most outpatient imaging centers accept this type of order.
How a Telehealth Imaging Order Works
A telehealth provider can evaluate your request, review your symptoms and history, and issue a diagnostic order if it is clinically appropriate. DOD's process:
Does the Imaging Center Accept Telehealth Orders?
Most outpatient imaging centers accept orders from licensed telehealth providers in the same way they accept orders from in-person providers. The key is that the order contains all required information:
DOD orders include all standard provider order information. However, some facilities have specific format requirements. Patients should confirm with their chosen facility before scheduling. DOD can fax or securely email orders to facilities when appropriate.
Who Is a Telehealth Imaging Review Best For?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Ready for a Virtual Provider Review?
$40 telehealth consultation. Licensed providers. Orders issued only when medically appropriate. Available in supported states.
Start Your Consult — $40Not for emergencies. Orders not guaranteed. Not available in TX or CA.
DOD is not an imaging center, laboratory, radiology facility, or emergency service. DOD does not interpret imaging results. All clinical decisions are made by licensed providers. Facility acceptance varies.