What Is An Appointment And Why Is It Necessary?

• Appointment is a process whereby you will be scheduled a date and time for a radiological examination to be performed.
• The patient needs to present himself on the appointed day and time having followed all prior instructions.
• Some examinations require an appointment for the following reasons:

o So that examinations can be carried out in a timely and systematic manner.

o To enable better utilisation of available facilities.

o To monitor the progress of a disease (eg. mammography screening which requires re-examination every 6 to12 months).

o So that you can prepare for the examination (For example: you may have to fast 4 – 6 hours prior to the examination).

What Are The Examinations That Require An Appointment?

• Radiology examinations that require an appointment are usually special examinations. Examples of special examinations that require an appointment are:

o Mammography

o Ultrasound

o CT Scan (Computed Tomography Scan)

o MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

o Angiography

o Fluoroscopy (barium study and hysterosalpingography)

• General x-rays do not require an appointment and in most cases are performed on a walk-in basis.

How Can I Get An Appointment And Where?

• If the doctor finds that you have to undergo a special X-ray examination, he will complete the Request Form for Radiology Examination. You need to bring this form to the Department of Diagnostic Imaging.
• When the radiographer at the counter receives the form he will check the form.
• If the form is complete, the appropriate date and time will be given. If a given date is not suitable, you can request for a more suitable date that is available.
• The radiographer will explain briefly about the examination and preparation required. You may ask questions if you need further clarification.
• The request form will be returned to you together with instructions for preparation for the examination. You must bring the request form on the day of examination.
• Please ensure you follow all instructions given to you.

Why Is My Appointment Waiting Time Long?

• If there are many requests for special examinations, your appointment date may be lfar because the slots are full.
• The late date may also be because of the need for a certain time period before re-examination, such as every 6 months.
• However, emergency and urgent cases will be done as soon as possible.

Why Does Every Appointment Need To Follow A Given Time?

• Some hospitals provide a staggered appointment system.
• In a staggered appointment system, the appointment is given according to specific date and time.
• Be sure to follow the given appointment time. You are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes earlier for registration and other matters.
• Advantages of a staggered appointment system;

o Examination can be performed systematically according to the given time.

o Environment at the examination waiting area will be more comfortable as there will be no overcrowding.

o Short waiting time if the patient arrives according to the appointed time.

o Able to provide a better quality of care to patients.

o Shortage of seats and parking bays can be reduced.

• If you need to change your appointment date, please call the hospital to get a new date.
• The hospital will contact you if your appointment date needs to be changed. For this reason, you need to provide personal details and mobile phone numbers during scheduling of your appointment.