| Do I have to pay for parking at the main hospital? No. Please bring your parking ticket with you and we will validate it at the Radiology reception desk so you will not have to pay unpon leaving the parking deck. [TOP]  |
| I'm deaf. Do you have an interpreter who can assist me? Yes. Please write down that you are deaf and would like an interpreter to assist you. Give your note to the radiology receptionist helping you who will attempt to make those arrangements. [TOP] |
| Shuttle service to off-site facilities? Yes, there is shuttle service from the main hospital to our off-site facilities and back. Please refer to the following web site for a list of stops and pick-up/drop-off times. [TOP] |
| Where do I need to check-in prior to my exam? If your study will be performed at the Univesity of Virginia Hospital, you will need to park in the parking garage and walk over to the main lobby. Once in the lobby, turn to your left and walk past the burgundy colored EAST elevators. Turn left into the hallway and Radiology Reception will be the first door on your right. Walk up to the desk and a receptionist will help you. Please make sure to bring your parking ticket so that we can validate it for you. If you are having a study at another facility, please refer to our Maps and Directions section for instructions. [TOP] |
| Are x-rays safe? The x-ray technician that takes your films will give you the lowest dose possible of radiation to achieve quality images. In addition, new equipment and techniques are constantly being developed to decrease the total amount of radiation received by the patient. For example, modern mammography equipment, operated by trained technologists, delivers 1/40th the amount of radiation used 20 years ago. [TOP] |
| How is an x-ray image produced? An x-ray image, or radiograph, is produced when a small amount of radiation passes through a body part and is recorded on film, video or computer to produce a black-and-white anatomiacl image. Areas that are difficult for x-rays to penetrate, such as bone, appear white on the x-ray film. Areas that the x-rays penetrate easily, such as the lungs or other areas filled with air, appear black. Soft tissue, vessels and organs appear as various shades of gray on an x-ray image, depending upon their composition and density. [TOP] |
| Are all x-ray studies the same? No. Actually there are 7 different divisions within Radiology that all use a different technology to look inside of our bodies. Some use radiation, while others don't. For a detailed description of each division, click on this link...Radiology by Modality. [TOP] |
| Can I check out my films? Yes. You may check out your films for a period of 30 days. You will be asked to sign a release form. Should you like to arrange for films to be mailed to you or to your physicians office, please call our Film Library at (434) 243-6700. [TOP] |
| Can I have copies made of my films? If so, what is the charge? Yes. We will make copies of your films at a charge of $3.00 per sheet. Please call the Film Library at (434) 243-6700 for instructions. [TOP] |
| Who will read my films? Your films will be officially read by a board-certified Radiologist. You can be assured that your films will be read by some of the best Radiologists in the country. Since our department is organized by body part, your films will be read by a Radiologist who specializes in that particular area. [TOP] |
| Can I check out my films? Yes. You may check out your films for a period of 30 days. You will be asked to sign a release form. Should you like to arrange for films to be mailed to you or to your physicians office, please call our Film Library at (434) 243-6700. [TOP] |
| Will a physician perform my study or will I only be seen by a technologist? That will depend on the type of study you are having. Generally, all studies that require contrast be administered or is a procedure, will be assisted and/or performed by a Radiologist. Any plain film i.e. x-ray of your arm or leg, will be performed by a Registered Technologist. Please refer to the "Information on Radiology Exams" for more specific information on your particular exam. [TOP] |
| When and how will my physician receive my x-ray report? It is the department's policy to read all films the same day they are done. Once read, a final report will either be faxed or mailed to your referring physician. [TOP] |
| Can I wear my jewelry during my x-ray study? It is preferred that you not wear any jewelry during an exam that administers radiation. Since ultrasounds do not administer any radiation, you may wear jewelry during that study. [TOP] |
| Can I eat before my procedure? That depends on the type of procedure you are having. Please refer to the "Information on Radiology Exams" for specific information. [TOP] |
| If I have dentures, will I be asked to take them out prior to my study? If you are having an MRI, please come prepared to take your dentures out. Other types of exams may not require that. Please refer to the "Information on Radiology Exams" section for more specific information. [TOP] |
| I'm claustrophobic. What should I do if I'm having an MRI or CT? Please tell your Primary Care Physician about this condition. He/she may choose to give you a prescription to help calm you prior to the study. Please refer to "Information on Radiology Exams" for more specific information. [TOP] |
| Where would I send a complimentary or letter of concern? You may send your letter to the physician or technologist that performed your study, or you may send your letter to the Chairman of our department. If you wish to send your letter to the Chairman, please address it to the following: [TOP] Michael Dake, M.D., Chair University of Virginia Health System Department of Radiology Box 800170 Charlottesville, VA 22908-0170 |