How to Order a Bone Scan
A bone scan is a diagnostic procedure performed to look for abnormalities in your bones and joints. Specifically, it is used to reveal problems such as cellulitis or other infection, arthritis, tumors, or displacement of a prosthetic device, which sometimes occurs with artificial hip or knee replacement. Also known as bone scintigraphy, this procedure involves a special camera that captures a reflected image of bone generated from energy produced from an injected radioactive isotope. Since this procedure is a form of nuclear medicine involving exposure to radiation, there are certain protocols to follow to order a bone scan.
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Instructions
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Guidelines to Ordering a Bone Scan
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Consult with your physician as to who is allowed to order the scan. Regulations vary between imaging facilities, and even between states. Generally, however, only a physician can order a bone scan, much like a prescription.
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Call your insurance company. Many insurance providers require preapproval for certain procedures, including bone scans. If this applies to you, then your insurance company probably will assign an authorization number for the procedure. Write this number down, and keep it in a safe place. You might need to reference this number when you schedule the appointment for the bone scan, at the time the procedure is done, and later for insurance billing and reimbursement.
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Be aware that even if your doctor orders a bone scan for you, it probably will be up to you to make the appointment with the imaging facility. Since the procedure can take several hours from the time the radioactive isotope is injected until the images can be taken, you should plan your day accordingly. Note that in some cases, you might be permitted to leave the hospital or facility after receiving the injection and return at a designated time for imaging to take place.
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Ask your physician to provide you with a copy of his written order for the bone scan. Typically, the imaging facility must receive the physician's order prior to scheduling the procedure, since it requires a clinical technician to inject you with radioactive material. However, some states also require the patient to bring a copy of the order at the time of the procedure. If this is mandatory in your state and you show up for the bone scan without a copy of your doctor's order, you might be turned away.
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Expect that the facility might use your physician's office as the primary point of contact after accepting an order for a bone scan. This means that a delay or change in your appointment might be communicated to your doctor instead of to you. So, keep in touch with your physician's office to stay informed.
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Tips & Warnings
Inform your doctor of any special circumstances as soon as you learn that he wants to order a bone scan. For example, tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or suspect that you might be pregnant.
