CT vs. MRI: Which one do I need?

svirko said:Hey everyone!

I was wondering if anyone could point me toward the quickest way to get an ankle CT or MRI done—ideally using my Medicare coverage. I'm currently living over in Columbus, Ohio.
Thanks in advance for the help,

Svirko

I’d suggest checking out Mayo Clinic; they just brought in two brand-new diagnostic machines for both CT scans and MRIs.
All you really need is a standard referral from your primary care doctor, though you'll want to make sure it's signed off by a specialist—like an orthopedist or a surgeon. If you have your coverage set up to waive the co-pay, you won't owe anything—but if not, expect to pay somewhere around $40, depending on which specific scan you end up needing.
The number to call for an appointment is 01 3712 266.

Last year, when I needed a CT scan at Mayo Clinic, the wait was about 10 to 15 days. Honestly, for that kind of imaging, that doesn't seem too bad. It might be worth giving them a quick ring just to check their current schedule. If you can't snag an appointment at those two hospitals within the month, I’d say go ahead and call every single hospital across Washington, D.C. and the District of Columbia.