Learn About SimonMed Imaging and Diagnostic Services

Understanding SimonMed Imaging and What They Offer

SimonMed Imaging is a healthcare company that operates imaging centers across the United States. As of 2024, SimonMed operates more than 200 imaging centers in over 30 states, making it one of the larger imaging networks in the country. The company provides diagnostic imaging services, which means they take pictures and scans of the inside of your body to help doctors understand what might be causing health problems.

The types of imaging services SimonMed provides include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasounds, nuclear medicine imaging, and mammograms. Each of these services uses different technology to create images of different parts of your body. X-rays use radiation to create two-dimensional pictures and are often used for bones and chest imaging. CT scans create detailed three-dimensional images by taking many X-ray pictures from different angles. MRI scans use magnetic fields instead of radiation to create very detailed images, particularly useful for soft tissue like the brain, heart, and joints.

SimonMed Imaging centers are staffed with radiologic technologists who operate the imaging equipment and radiologists who are doctors specialized in reading and interpreting medical images. When you go to a SimonMed location for imaging, a technologist will position you and operate the machine, then a radiologist will review your images and create a report that gets sent to your referring physician.

The company has grown significantly over the past decade through expansion and partnerships with healthcare systems. SimonMed is owned by Viasat Inc., though it operates as an independent imaging services company. Understanding what SimonMed does helps you know what to expect if your doctor refers you to one of their centers for diagnostic imaging.

Practical Takeaway: If your doctor mentions referring you to SimonMed Imaging, know that you'll be visiting a specialized medical facility designed to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body to help with diagnosis.

How SimonMed Imaging Centers Are Located and Accessed

Finding a SimonMed Imaging center near you starts with understanding their nationwide network. SimonMed operates imaging centers in states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and others. Most major metropolitan areas have at least one SimonMed location, and many regions have multiple centers.

To locate a nearby center, you can visit the SimonMed Imaging website and use their location finder tool. This tool typically allows you to search by city, state, or ZIP code and shows you the addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation for nearby facilities. Many centers are open on weekdays and some offer weekend hours. Hours typically range from early morning to evening, with many locations open from 7 AM to 6 PM or similar schedules.

Getting to a SimonMed center usually requires a referral from your doctor. Your physician will send an order or prescription for the imaging study you need. You then contact the SimonMed center to schedule an appointment. Most centers try to schedule appointments within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how urgent your doctor indicates the imaging is and how busy the center is. In emergencies, imaging may be available the same day.

When calling to schedule, you should have your insurance information available. SimonMed works with most major insurance plans, and the scheduling staff can often verify your coverage over the phone. Some patients may be asked to pay a copay or coinsurance amount, which varies based on their insurance plan. For uninsured patients, SimonMed typically offers discounted self-pay rates, and you can discuss payment options when scheduling.

Practical Takeaway: Start by asking your doctor for a referral and the specific imaging procedure you need, then contact your nearest SimonMed location to schedule an appointment while having your insurance information ready.

What to Expect During Your SimonMed Imaging Appointment

Understanding what happens during an imaging appointment helps reduce anxiety and ensures you're properly prepared. When you arrive at a SimonMed center, you'll check in at the front desk similar to any medical office visit. You'll likely fill out forms with your medical history, current medications, and symptoms. This information helps the radiologist understand the context of your imaging and can affect how the study is performed.

Before the actual imaging, you may be asked screening questions. For MRI scans, this is especially important because the strong magnetic field can interact with metal objects. You'll be asked about metal implants like pacemakers, metal joints, or metal fragments from accidents. For CT scans with contrast or certain other procedures, you may be asked about allergies, kidney function, or whether you're pregnant. These questions ensure the procedure is safe for you.

During the imaging procedure itself, a technologist will guide you. You'll typically be asked to wear a gown or remove certain clothing, and you'll be positioned on a table or standing frame depending on what body part is being imaged. The technologist will explain what's going to happen and may ask you to hold still or hold your breath for short periods. Different imaging types take different amounts of time—an X-ray might take just minutes, while an MRI scan could take 30 to 60 minutes.

After your images are taken, you don't typically get results immediately. The radiologist reviews your images, which might take from a few hours to a day or two. Your doctor's office receives the radiology report and contacts you with results. In urgent situations, results may be available the same day. You can often request copies of your images on a CD, which you can take with you or have sent to other doctors if needed.

Practical Takeaway: Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, bring your insurance card and photo ID, and wear comfortable clothing that's easy to remove if needed, as some procedures require a gown.

Insurance, Payment, and Cost Considerations for SimonMed Services

Understanding how payment works at SimonMed Imaging helps you prepare financially for your imaging appointment. SimonMed works with most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and many others. The specific cost you pay depends on your insurance coverage and what your plan requires you to pay out of pocket.

Most insurance plans require some form of patient responsibility. This might be a copay, which is a fixed amount like $50, or coinsurance, which is a percentage of the total cost like 20 percent. Some plans have deductibles that must be met before insurance covers imaging costs. When you schedule your appointment, SimonMed's scheduling team can often tell you your expected out-of-pocket cost by verifying your insurance coverage over the phone. This gives you a chance to budget for the expense.

For patients without insurance, SimonMed offers self-pay rates that are typically discounted from the full price. These rates vary depending on the type of imaging but are generally lower than what insurance companies negotiate. For example, a self-pay X-ray might cost $75 to $150, while a self-pay CT scan could range from $400 to $800, though these are general estimates and actual prices vary by location and complexity. SimonMed may offer payment plans for larger bills, allowing you to pay over time rather than all at once.

It's important to understand that your total imaging cost includes both the facility fee (for using the equipment and facility) and the radiologist fee (for the doctor reading your images). Sometimes these are billed together and sometimes separately. Before your appointment, don't hesitate to ask SimonMed for a detailed cost estimate. You can also contact your insurance company directly to understand your specific coverage and out-of-pocket costs.

Practical Takeaway: Call SimonMed when scheduling to get a cost estimate based on your insurance, and if you're uninsured, ask about self-pay rates and payment plan options to understand your total financial responsibility.

Types of Imaging Services Available at SimonMed

SimonMed Imaging offers a range of diagnostic imaging services, each with specific purposes and technology. Understanding the different types helps you know what to expect if your doctor orders one particular service.

X-ray Services: X-rays are the most common and quickest imaging service. They use radiation to create two-dimensional