Fluoroscopy Imaging

What is Fluoroscopy Imaging?

Fluoroscopy is a type of medical imaging test that shows a continuous x-ray image on a monitor, much like an X-ray movie. During a fluoroscopy procedure, an x-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined. The beam is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail.

Referring a Patient

A completed Diagnostic Imaging requisition form must be completed by a physician for patients to be referred for Fluoroscopy at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. 

Please ensure the requisition form includes the referring physician’s information and signature, patient information and patient’s clinical history.

To obtain a copy of the Diagnostic Imaging requisition form, visit the referral and consent forms page. Physician offices can fax a patient’s Diagnostic Imaging requisition form to 905-883-2043.

How do I receive my appointment date and time?

Someone from Mackenzie Health’s Patient Scheduling Office will call you (3-5 days after they receive your completed referral) with your:

• Appointment date and time
• Arrival time
• Associated preparation instructions for the test

If you receive a voicemail from the Patient Scheduling Office, please call 905-883-1212 ext. 2004 from Richmond Hill or 905-883-4554 ext. 2004 from Vaughan to complete the pre-registration process.

You can also log in to MyChart to view appointment dates/times, confirm your upcoming appointments and complete the pre-registration process through eCheck-In.

Online convenience with MyChart

What will I have online access to?
If you sign up for MyChart, you will have online access to:

• Check in online 7 days prior to your next appointment using our eCheck-In* service
• View past and upcoming appointments
• View preparation instructions for upcoming appointments
• Complete pre-visit questionnaires*
• Cancel appointments*
• Update your demographics at any time (includes address, phone number, family physician, and more)
• View lab and test results
• View and share Diagnostic images including X-rays, ultrasounds, CTs, MRI and more
• Clinical notes on your care and treatment
• Track your health*
• Access your list of conditions or medical concerns diagnosed at Mackenzie Health as well as your prescribed medications and known allergies

*Available for select clinics

You can register for MyChart when scheduling an appointment or you can self-sign up online at mychart.mackenziehealth.ca.

How do I prepare for Fluoroscopy Imaging?

Patients will receive a reminder notification a few days prior to your scheduled appointment. Please ensure you confirm or cancel through the automated system.

At the time of booking, patients will be advised by the Patient Scheduling Office on their arrival time.

• A reminder, Mackenzie Health is a scent-free environment

Please follow any preparations provided at the point of scheduling.

• Bring your valid health card
• Patients are advised to not wear any jewellery or other metal objects.
• Wear loose-fitted, comfortable clothing.

A Fluoroscopy test may range from 30 to 60 minutes and is dependent on the type of test you will be receiving and emergency requests.

Can I have Fluoroscopy Imaging if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Patients are advised to contact their referring physician if you are pregnant. Please also notify the technologist if there is any chance of pregnancy before the exam takes place, as an embryo is sensitive to radiation, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.

X-ray procedures can be performed while pregnant; however, in some cases precautions may be taken to protect you and your baby. Your exam may be rescheduled. You may breastfeed immediately after x-ray.

What are the benefits and risks of fluoroscopy imaging?

Fluoroscopy, as an imaging tool which enables physicians to look at many body systems, including the skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems. The test will be used by referring physicians to help determine a diagnosis and treatment.

There is always a small chance of bleeding or infection any time we break the skin. The risk is extremely small because we are not near any major blood vessels and we perform the procedure under sterile conditions.

How much radiation am I getting and is it dangerous?

Any amount of radiation can cause harm, however we keep radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable by using the least amount of radiation needed to get a high quality image. Lead shielding will be provided if you are in child bearing age or upon request as long as it will not obstruct the area of interest. 

What do I do when I arrive at the hospital?

• Patients may park in the Visitors parking lot (North of the hospital) and enter through the D-wing, Emergency Department entrance. Click here for more information on parking services.

• During peak hours, parking can take longer than expected. Please allow yourself extra time to accommodate this. Alternate options are to take public transit or get dropped off by a family member or friend.
• Check in at Patient Registration located in C-Wing Level 2 (between the C-wing, main lobby and D-wing Emergency entrance) using our self-serve kiosks.

Map to Patient Registration:

How do I reschedule my appointment?

Please provide 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. You can cancel your appointments online using MyChart but will need to reschedule by calling the patient scheduling office at 905-883-1212 ext. 2004 from Richmond Hill or 905 832 4554 ext. 2004 From Vaughan.

Are you looking for a CD copy of your images?

Mackenzie Health has partnered with PocketHealth to give patients online access to view and share their images from our hospital and other participating organizations at a reduced fee.  This includes x-rays, ultrasounds, CTs, MRIs and other diagnostic imaging.

Log in to your MyChart account to access this and additional features including eCheck-In, lab and test results, preparation instructions for upcoming appointments and more!

What are the benefits to accessing my images online?

By accessing your images online, you can:

• Save on time, no need to visit the hospital to obtain a CD
• Save money on parking and reduced fees
• Share your images online directly with your requesting physician
• View images from our and other participating hospitals and x-ray clinics

To learn more, please visit the MyChart FAQs section of our website.

How do I sign up?

Log in to your MyChart Account, visit the Test Results page and follow the link to our partner site, PocketHealth.  From there, you can access your images in 3 easy steps:

1. Enter your patient information, including name, date of birth and health card number
2. Consent to the terms and conditions of the services being provided
3. Complete a secure payment of $5

Can I come to the hospital and pick up my images in person?

You can request a CD copy of your health records from Health Information Services at Mackenzie Health for a small fee. Please visit our Health Information Services page for more information.