Patient FAQs
Operations
What are your business hours?
High Desert Imaging is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can visit our contact us page for information and directions.
Where is High Desert Imaging located?
HDI is located in the northwest corner of A+ Total Care building at 976 Mountain City Highway, Suite 100 in Elko, Nevada. When visiting us, you’ll enter through the main entrance off Mountain City Highway (in front of the electronic sign) that leads into the lobby and receptionist area we share with A Plus Total Care. Learn more about what to expect from your visit to HDI.
Is HDI affiliated with the local hospital or A Plus Total Care?
No, High Desert Imaging is independently owned and operated and unaffiliated with Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital and A Plus Total Care. HDI is owned by a group of radiologic physicians belonging to Tahoe Carson Radiology, a trusted name in medical imaging for more than forty years among medical professionals and care centers throughout Nevada.
Where are your radiologists reading from?
HDI radiologists live throughout Northern Nevada in Carson City, Reno and Lake Tahoe. In addition to reading studies for High Desert Imaging in Elko, our physicians service the hospitals in Battle Mountain, Hawthorne, Yerington and Carson City.
Services & Appointments
What types of studies does HDI offer?
We perform most diagnostic imaging studies. Our services include MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Mammography, DEXA (Bone Densitometry) and X-Ray. We can also perform preventative health screenings for carotid artery and Peripheral Vascular Disease and lung and breast cancer.
How do I make an appointment with HDI?
There are a number of ways you can make an appointment with us. Please be aware though that a doctor’s referral is required for all exam services we offer. See our Making Your Appointment page for details.
What procedures do I need to get a doctor’s referral for?
Federal regulations require us to obtain a doctor’s order for any study provided by High Desert Imaging, including mammograms. You must obtain an exam order from your physician or have them send us your order directly before making your appointment.
Why do you need my prior images before you can see me?
To maintain the quality HDI is committed to, our radiology physicians require the images from previous exams you’ve had in order to compare those results with the results of studies we would be performing. This helps our radiologists identify any changes between the two separate studies to better determine the condition and treatment of your specific health concern.
How long in advanced do you need my medical release form to obtain prior images?
To ensure we have your prior studies before your exam with HDI, it is best to send us your medical release form as early as possible. We will need time to obtain your prior images from your physician or the imaging center that performed your study and will normally receive them within three days, but response time can be longer if your exam took place outside of Nevada.
What do I bring with me to my appointment?
Read our Your Visit to HDI page for information on items you should bring with you to your appointment along with what to expect during your visit.
How can you help me with claustrophobia for an MRI exam?
There are many MRI exams where we can place the patient in feet-first. Patients who are claustrophobic may choose to listen to music, have us place a cool cloth over their eyes or administer scented lavender aroma tabs to help calm breathing during the procedure. Your physician can also prescribe a sedative for you to take the day of your exam if desired. Learn more about preparing for your MRI.
How long will it take to receive my exam results?
You’ll receive results from your HDI exam within 24 hours but will typically have a response within 2 hours.
Can I receive copies of my exam report?
You can receive copies of your results to be picked up at our office by calling us at 775-621-5800.
Can I send my study results to more than one physician?
Yes, you can receive a copy of your exam report to provide to other physicians, or we can send results directly to your doctor upon receiving their medical release request for your results.
Authorizations & Payments
Do HDI services have any hidden radiology fees?
No, we do not have hidden radiology fees. Fees for all HDI services include our radiologist’s interpretation. You and your insurance provider (if an insurance claim is made) will always receive an itemized statement of each service billed for your procedure so there are no surprises. View our Payment and Insurance page for more information.
What insurance plans do you take?
We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. For a list of insurance carriers and payment methods we currently accept, visit our Payment and Insurance page.
What insurance plans will need prior authorization from my doctor, and for which studies?
Cigna, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna and United Healthcare are some of the main health plans that will require pre-authorizations from your doctor. Contact your insurance carrier for more information or call HDI at 775.621.5800 and we’ll do our best to address your questions.
Who gets prior authorizations from my insurance?
The office of your referring physician where your medical records are kept will need to get prior authorizations from your insurance for your HDI procedure.
What will I owe at the time of service?
You may have an estimated portion due at the time of service. For self-pay patients, payment must be made at the time of service unless other payment arrangements have previously been arranged. A 25% discount is applied to all services provided to self-pay customers. View our Payment and Insurance page for more information.
What will my portion be after insurance pays?
Because deductibles and coverage varies among health plans and third-party payers, it’s best to direct questions about any unpaid amounts you would be responsible for to your insurance provider. We can give you the price for a procedure you are interested in so you may share this information with your insurance representative.
If you still have questions about HDI services and policies, use our online contact form or call us at 775.621.5800.