From "Do I need a referral?" to "What do I do next?"
You're curious what it's like to get a full-body MRI at TrueScan?
This guide walks you through exactly what to expect, step by step.
Step 1: Booking your scan
First myth to bust: You don't need a referral.
You can just book online or give us a call at 727-256-0095.
We accept HSA/FSA cards, and if you'd prefer to split the cost into monthly payments, we also work with Affirm to offer interest-free financing.
You can use your HSA/FSA card when booking on our website. If you'd like to schedule with Affirm, give us a call.
Step 2: Forms (they matter)
Once you're scheduled, you'll get an email to log into your patient portal and complete your forms.
Here's what you'll fill out:
- Medical intake – Why you're coming in, your health history, lifestyle, and symptoms
- MRI safety form – So we know what's in your body (metal, implants, secret robot parts)
- Informed consent – Standard medical stuff: benefits, risks, limitations
- Notice of privacy policy – Also very standard
- Appropriateness review – Just a quick checkbox saying "Yes, I'm cool with your medical team reviewing my information for safety"
Total time: 10–20 minutes.
Step 3: Prep instructions
The day before your appointment, you'll receive an email with instructions for your scan.
Here's the short version:
Remove anything that might contain metal particles – even if it looks innocent:
- Makeup or mascara
- Hair products, hair accessories, magnetic artificial eyelashes, hair extensions or wigs
- All body piercings and jewelry
- Transdermal skin patches (e.g. birth control patch, nicotine patch)
If you've ever had an injury where metal may have entered your eyes, let us know immediately – an orbital X-ray may be required.
Step 4: Day of your appointment
There are four things to know before walking in:
- Fast for 4 hoursNo food or drinks (for best image quality). A little water is okay.
- Arrive 15 minutes earlySo we can get you checked in.
- ClothingWear anything you'd like. You'll change into MRI-safe scrubs in your private room.
- TransportationIf you're prescribed a sedative, make sure someone else drives. Otherwise, we have plenty of parking around our building.
What if I'm claustrophobic?
You're not alone. Many of our patients are – and we've built our process with that in mind.
- Wide-bore MRI: 70 cm opening (vs. the traditional 60 cm). It makes a big difference.
- Extra space: Your head will be outside the scanner for more than half the time.
- Entertainment: Watch Netflix, YouTube, or 100+ live TV channels with our advanced entertainment system during your scan.
Still anxious? No problem. We can prescribe you a mild sedative, like Alprazolam, to take before your scan. Just let us know in the MRI safety form.
Step 5: Your scan
Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by our friendly Patient Care Coordinator (shoutout to Gregg!). We just need your ID to check you in.
From there:
- You'll head to a private changing room. We'll give you MRI-safe scrubs and socks.
(Fun fact: even underwear can have metallic threads – so we ask that you go without.) - Our experienced MRI technologist(s) will guide you onto the scanner table. You'll lie flat on your back for 60 minutes.
- You'll be able to communicate with the tech through a two-way intercom the whole time. Feeling off? There's a panic squeeze ball that stops the scan immediately.
- Relax and start watching your entertainment selection. 60 minutes later, you're done!
Step 6: Radiology interpretation
Our board-certified radiologists (based right here in Tampa Bay) review your scan and your medical history.

Dr. Glenn Call, MD
TrueScan Neuroradiologist
As a board-certified neuroradiologist, Dr. Call has practiced for 30+ years interpreting complex cases. Dr. Call has held long-standing clinical roles at leading institutions, including Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, St. Anthony's Hospital, UCF College of Medicine, and USF College of Medicine, where he has been a trusted expert in neurological and full-body imaging. View Dr. Call's physician profile here.
Your PDF report will contain:
- A detailed analysis of each organ and any associated findings
- A summary of key results
- A "next appointments" section outlining any recommended follow-up
Take a look at this sample report.
Step 7: Your results
You'll get an email when your results are ready. Just click the link, sign in to your portal, and view your radiology report and scan images.
Results are almost always ready within 48 hours (even though we promise them within 7 days).
You'll also get a CD with your images mailed to you. Just in case you want to bring it to your next appointment… or frame it next to your vinyl collection.
Step 8: Physician consultation
When your results are ready, you can schedule your 1-on-1 video consultation with a physician on our medical team.
You'll meet with either Dr. Janice Summers MD, a double-board-certified family practice physician with 30+ years of experience, or Dr. Robert Lazzara MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon with 30+ years of clinical expertise.
They'll walk you through your results, explain what they mean, and help you figure out exactly what to do next.
Specialist referral network
Found something that needs a closer look?
We've got your back.
We've built a referral network of top-tier specialists across Tampa Bay – from orthopedic surgeons to neurologists to functional medicine doctors.
So if you need a follow-up, we'll help direct you on who you should see.
We believe what happens after the scan is just as important as the scan itself.
When to come back
In your report, we'll include a recommendation on how often to repeat your scan.
Most people are advised to come back every 12 to 18 months – enough time for meaningful changes to show up, but early enough to stay ahead of any life-threatening surprises.
It's like an annual physical… except we can actually see inside your entire body.
TL;DR
- No referral needed. Book online or call us.
- Fill out your forms (they're quick).
- Follow the prep instructions. Fast for 4 hours. Arrive 15 minutes early.
- Wide-bore MRI. 60 minutes. Watch Netflix.
- Results in 48 hours. Talk to a real doctor.
- We help you find the right specialist if needed.
- Come back in 12-18 months to monitor your health.




