Frequently Asked Questions

A physician's order is required for PET-CT scans. Requirements for CT scans may vary — please call us at (305) 455-3000 to confirm what is needed for your specific exam.

Simply call us at (305) 455-3000 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) and our staff will schedule your appointment and walk you through any preparation instructions.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in, paperwork, and any pre-exam preparation.

Please call us as soon as possible at (305) 455-3000 to cancel or reschedule. For PET-CT scans, early notice is especially important as radiotracer materials are specially ordered for each patient.

The entire process — including preparation, waiting for the radiotracer to distribute, and the scan itself — typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours. The actual scanning portion is approximately 20–30 minutes.

Yes, PET scans use a small amount of radioactive tracer (radiopharmaceutical). The radiation dose is very low and considered safe. The tracer is naturally eliminated from your body within a few hours. Our facility follows all ACR safety standards for radiation protection.

No. You must fast for at least 6 hours before a PET-CT scan. You may drink plain water. The day before, follow a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet and avoid exercise. See our Preparations page for the full list of instructions.

Yes. Diabetic patients require special preparation instructions for PET-CT scans. Please call us at (305) 455-3000 before your appointment so we can give you personalized guidance based on your medication and blood sugar levels.

Most CT scans take between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the area being scanned and whether contrast material is used. The scanning itself is usually just a few minutes.

Contrast material (oral or IV) helps highlight certain structures in the images for a more accurate diagnosis. Whether you need it depends on the type of CT scan ordered by your physician. Your doctor's order will specify this — and our staff will confirm when you schedule.

If your CT scan involves IV contrast, you may need to temporarily stop taking Metformin (Glucophage) on the day of your exam and for 48 hours after. Please contact us before your appointment for specific guidance, and inform your prescribing doctor as well.

CT scanners are open, donut-shaped machines — much shorter and more open than MRI machines. Most patients find them comfortable. If you have concerns, please let us know when you call to schedule and we will do everything we can to make you comfortable.

We strive to have your results ready within 48 hours. A written radiology report will be sent directly to your referring physician. You can also access your results through our Patient Login portal.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers, snaps, or underwire. You may be asked to change into a gown. Leave jewelry and valuables at home.

We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and many more. Visit our Accepted Insurances page or call us at (305) 455-3000 to verify your specific plan.

Yes, free parking is available at our Miami facility. If you need directions or have questions about accessibility, please call us at (305) 455-3000.

Yes. In addition to local Miami patients, we regularly serve patients from Central America and internationally. Please call us at (305) 455-3000 to discuss arrangements for your visit.

ACR Accreditation means that National PET Scan Dade LLC has met nationally recognized standards for image quality, patient safety, staff qualifications, and operational excellence established by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

ACR Accreditation demonstrates a commitment to providing high-quality diagnostic imaging services. It assures patients and referring physicians that our imaging equipment, technologists, physicians, and quality control processes are evaluated against rigorous national standards.

Patients benefit from:

• • High-quality imaging and diagnostic accuracy
• • Enhanced patient safety protocols
• • Strict equipment quality standards
• • Qualified and experienced imaging professionals
• • Ongoing quality assurance and performance monitoring

Our accreditation reflects our commitment to excellence in advanced diagnostic imaging services, including PET/CT and CT imaging.

ACR Accreditation is periodically reviewed and renewed to ensure facilities continue to meet evolving standards for quality, safety, and clinical performance.

Referring providers can trust that an ACR-accredited facility maintains high standards in imaging quality, reporting accuracy, patient care, and operational consistency.

Yes. The accreditation process includes detailed evaluations of imaging equipment performance, image quality, safety protocols, and quality control procedures.

Yes. As an owner-operated Independent Diagnostic Testing Facility (IDTF), we are focused on delivering personalized patient care, operational excellence, and strong physician relationships while maintaining nationally recognized quality standards.