In an AHP context, diagnostic scans are most commonly used for musculoskeletal (MSK) purposes. While MSK issues can normally be diagnosed through physical examination and assessment by an AHP, sometimes scans are required.

Common uses for scans within AHP and MSK contexts include:

A pre-scan consultation from one of our medical team over the phone or via email.
A written referral by our medical team, using the information from your consultation.
An MRI scan at your chosen scanning centre.
A written report on your scan by a consultant radiologist.
Access to copies of your scan images, which are downloadable, as required.
A post-scan consultation with one of our medical team if there are any adverse findings in your scan.

MRI Scans

Safe and non-invasive
Best suited to imaging soft tissues, and body parts with higher proportions of water, e.g. tendons, muscles, ligaments, fat, swelling
Use high-strength magnetic fields and radio-frequency waves to create images
Useful for scanning large areas
Take longer to complete

Ultrasound Scans

Safe and non-invasive
Suitable for targeted imaging of certain body parts
Can be used to capture images of body parts while they are in motion
Use high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off bodily tissues. These echoes are used to generate images
Quick to use, and often cheaper for patients

CT Scans

Uses radiation in the form of X-rays all around the body. The CT scanner's detectors measure how much of the ray passes through bodily tissues, to compile images
Faster than an MRI scan, and better at viewing bone than an ultrasound scan
Must be medically justified due to the radiation exposure involved in the scan

The modality you should select for your patient depends on their symptoms, the body part being scanned, and whether the images need to be captured while the body is in motion, at rest, or within an urgent timeframe.

Don't worry if you're not completely certain of your modality or body part choice. Our expert GP's and radiologists review every referral to ensure your patient receives the most suitable scan for their needs.

While we believe medical imaging should be accessible, it is important to us that the scans we provide are medically justified. This is why Scan.com has a robust clinical due diligence procedure. Our team of clinicians, led by consultant radiologist Dr Khalid Latief (BMSc, MBChB, FRCP, FRCR), are here to review every referral. They'll ensure the selected scan will provide the required outcomes for the patient, recommend alternatives where necessary, and deliver the highest levels of patient care throughout. They can also assist in interpreting radiologist's reports, and can provide recommendations for onward care as required.

MRI scans are recommended for:

Scanning larger areas, consisting of different types of tissues. For example, a scan of the entire hand or foot, in order to assess the soft tissues, bones, joints and connective tissues all in one scan
Deep tissue scans, to provide clearer images of tissue composition and health. For example, MRI is particularly useful for assessing fluid around joint tears, and abnormalities/growths nearer the bones
Detecting inflammation, tumours, degeneration, abnormal growth, fluid, herniations

MRI scans are not recommended for:

Dynamic scans (while the body is in motion), as the clarity of MRI images depends on the patient lying very still for the entire process
People who have metal within their body, such as certain medical implants or shrapnel
People who suffer with claustrophobia, though we do offer open and upright MRI scans to suit these patients

Ultrasound scans are recommended for:

Providing high-resolution images of one body part at a time, instead of larger areas
Capturing images of the body part while it is in motion (dynamic scans), to see whether structures are catching or pinching. This can help diagnose conditions such as bursitis
Imaging soft tissues under the skin, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues, to look for tears, growths, tumours, fluid or calcifications
Scanning the exact site of pain

Ultrasound scans are not recommended for:

Deep tissue scans
Bone scans
Cartilage scans

CT Scans are recommended for:

Scanning the bones in detail and assessing complex fractures
Locating and assessing tumours. This includes tumours of the bones and joints in a musculoskeletal context
Assessing spinal trauma
Finding blood clots, aneurysms and problems with blood flow
Scanning large areas of the body very quickly, compared to an MRI scan. CT is therefore suitable for patients who cannot comfortably lie still for the duration of an MRI scan, or patients in urgent care settings

CT scans are not recommended for:

Patients who are pregnant, due to the risks of exposing a developing baby to the radiation used in CT scanning
Patients who don't have any specific symptoms, as this would involve unnecessary radiation exposure
Patients who have kidney problems, due to the use of iodine-based contrast agents
Capturing detailed images of the soft tissues - an MRI would be more suitable in this case

There are occasions where a physical examination is not comprehensive enough to identify or rule out certain disorders or abnormalities. Common conditions which can show up in scan results include:

Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow
Rotator cuff tendinopathy, bursitis, tears
Osteoarthritis
Hamstring injuries
Wrist and hand tendinopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome
Lumps and their composition, such as tumours and cysts
Tissue damage
Fractures

Our expert clinicians assess every referral we receive. Based on the notes you provide, they will let you and your patient know if they feel a different scan may be better suited in each circumstance.

Once you've placed a referral via your link, there are three further steps that take place:

Your patient will be notified of the referral. They'll complete their booking, by selecting a conveniently located scanning centre from our 150+ partner sites, and making payment.
Our expert clinical team will review each individual referral, to make sure your patient receives the most suitable scan for their needs.
Your patient will have their scan at their selected centre, and their imaging report will be emailed to you and them, for viewing and downloading.

Scan.com offers your patients the freedom to choose a scanning centre at a convenient location near them, and compare a range of prices. The price they’ll pay depends on the location and individual scanning centre, and whether a contrast agent is required. MRI scans start from £305, ultrasound from £180, and CT from £360.

All imaging reports are generated by experienced radiologists, and are available to view online. The report will usually be emailed to you within 7 working days after your patient’s scan.

For the purposes of written content, Scan.com use these terms interchangeably. While we built our reputation through providing accessible diagnostic imaging, we offer a range of scans and imaging applications, which can be used in a variety of contexts. All scans are reported on by an experienced radiologist, and the results can feed into a range of patient pathways, from diagnostics to treatment and preventative measures

Refer your patients for imaging in less than 5 minutes

Who are Scan.com?

What is the referral portal?

Benefits For clinicians

Frictionless access to diagnostic imaging all in one place

Quick and easy referrals and fast digital results

Referral vetting and verification carried out by our experienced clinical team

Reduces admin and puts patients in control, while maintaining clinician visibility via status tracking and email updates

Benefits For patients

Free to choose a convenient scanning centre and compare prices

No waiting lists, no hidden fees, no GP visits

1-1 pre-scan consultation call with a Scan.com clinician

Online access to results

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