For Patients
Everything you need before, during, and after your exam.
Prep sheets, forms, the portal, and answers to the most common questions we hear. If you can't find what you need, call us at 949-367-1010.
Patient Portal
Reports, visit history, and billing — 24/7.
New-Patient Forms
Digital intake from any device. 5 minutes.
Upload Documents
Order, insurance card, ID — send it all at once.
Prep Instructions
Downloadable prep sheets for every modality.
Insurance & Billing
See what's covered. Pay your bill online.
Frequently Asked
Patient Questions
Still have a question? Call 949-367-1010 or email support@cvimaging.net.
- Your report and images are sent directly to your ordering physician, who will contact you. If you need a personal copy for yourself, contact our medical records team at medicalrecords@cvimaging.net or call 949-367-1010.
- Prep varies by modality — the scheduling team will tell you exactly what to do when you book. See the prep section below for the specifics for each exam type.
- Photo ID, your insurance card, your physician's order (unless you're cash-paying for one of our self-schedule exams), and any prior imaging on disc if you have it. For MRI contrast or CT contrast exams, bring a complete medication list.
- X-Ray is by appointment but we can usually accommodate same-day requests Monday–Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM. MRI, CT, Ultrasound, and DEXA are scheduled — but STAT slots are held daily. For DVT, PE, or torsion, call us and come in immediately.
- Yes — parking is free at both locations. Mission Viejo has reserved patient parking directly in front of the suite (check in at Suite 180 first). Newport Beach uses the building's shared lot.
- Our MRI machines are closed-bore (tube-style) but open at both ends, and most anxious patients do just fine. If you think you'll need a sedative, that's handled through your primary care or referring physician — ask them to prescribe one before your appointment. If you do take a sedative, you'll need someone to drive you and should arrive early. Let us know when you schedule so we can allow extra time.
- Yes. Per ACR guidelines, less than 0.04% of MRI gadolinium or CT iodinated contrast passes into breast milk, and there's no real risk to the baby. You may choose to stop breastfeeding for 24 hours — it's entirely your choice.
- Yes. Shellfish allergy does NOT cause a reaction to CT contrast dye. This is a long-standing myth. If you've had a prior reaction to CT contrast specifically, tell us when scheduling — you may need a prep kit (steroids and antihistamines) the day before.
- We ask for at least 24 hours' notice to avoid a fee. Missed appointments carry: $50 for X-Ray or DEXA, $75 for CT or Ultrasound, $100 for MRI.
- Call 949-367-1010, submit the online scheduling form, or ask your physician's office to send your order by email (scheduling@cvimaging.net) or fax (949-367-1011). Most MRI, CT, and Ultrasound appointments are available within 1–3 business days, with same-day and STAT slots held daily.
- We're in-network with most major PPOs including Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UHC Choice Plus, Humana PPO (CA), Medicare, Tricare, and select HMOs (Optum/Monarch and UCMG only). We don't accept Kaiser, most other HMOs, CalOptima, or Enhanced Care PPO plans. Our Authorizations team will verify before your appointment — always ask for a copy of your insurance card.
- Yes for most exams — MRI, CT, X-Ray, Ultrasound, and DEXA billed to insurance all require a written order. Three exams can be self-scheduled cash-pay without an order: CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring, CT Full Body Scan, and DEXA Body Fat Analysis. Tricare patients require pre-authorization for all exams.
- For insurance, your cost depends on plan, deductible, and coinsurance — we'll verify before your visit. For self-pay we publish our cash prices: MRI from $665.50, CT from $467.50, Ultrasound from $379.50, DEXA from $242. Good Faith Estimates are available on request by emailing billing@cvimaging.net or calling (949) 215-3304.
- Your report and images are sent directly to your ordering physician, who will contact you. If you need a personal copy, contact medicalrecords@cvimaging.net or call 949-367-1010.
- We ask for at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Missed appointments without notice carry a no-show fee: $50 for X-Ray or DEXA, $75 for CT or Ultrasound, $100 for MRI.
Prep Library
Detailed prep for every exam, in one place
One-page checklists with everything you need: what to eat, what to skip, what to wear, what to bring.
Before Your MRI — Tell Us If Any Apply
MRI safety screening
Incorrect screening can cause serious injury. Call 949-367-1010 before your appointment if any of the following apply:
- • Pacemaker or defibrillator
- • Spinal cord / deep brain / vagal nerve stimulator
- • Any metal in your body (from surgery or injury)
- • Eyes exposed to metal fragments (welding, grinding)
- • Hearing aids (are they removable?)
- • Prior reaction to MRI contrast (Gadolinium)
- • Claustrophobia (sedation is arranged through your own physician)
- • Pregnant or possibly pregnant
Patients with defibrillators cannot be scanned at CVI (no on-site cardiac team). Pacemaker patients may be scanned with device clearance — we'll call you back to coordinate.
Cancellation Policy
Please give us 24 hours' notice
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please call 949-367-1010 at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid a no-show fee. These fees are charged as a lost-business-opportunity per CMS guidelines.
- X-Ray or DEXA$50
- CT or Ultrasound$75
- MRI$100