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?

Please allow three (3) to five (5) business days for a completed requisition form to be reviewed and processed by Mackenzie Health.

A representative from Mackenzie Health Patient Scheduling Office will call the patient to advise:

• Appointment date and time
• Arrival time
• Associated preparations 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.

Online convenience with MyChart

Through MyChart, patients have online access:

• Appointment calendars and details
• Update your patient demographic at any time and e-check in seven days prior to your next appointment
• Receive post-appointment clinical notes and test results

Patients can register for MyChart when scheduling an appointment or can sign up online at mackenziehealth.ca/mychart.

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.

How can I obtain a copy of my test images?

Test results will typically be sent to your referring physician within five (5) business days. Registrants of MyChart, can access the text portion of their Fluoroscopy report under the Test Results section on MyChart.

Images of your Fluoroscopy test are available upon request by calling 905-883-1212 ext. 2200 from Richmond Hill or 905-883-1212 ext. 2200 from Vaughan and will be provided on a CD for $10. Health Information Services will advise when your CD and report can be picked up from Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, B-wing, Level 1, Room 1926. Health Information Services is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you would like to pick up a CD on behalf of another person, please bring an authorizing letter, signed by the person.