Frequently asked questions

MRI is a painless exam without X-rays. On arrival you remove metal objects and lie comfortably on the table. The exam usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes depending on the area studied.

Yes. Swiss basic health insurance (LAMal) covers MRI when prescribed by a physician.

In some cases MRI is contraindicated. Pacemakers, cochlear implants, certain prostheses and metal fragments can pose a risk.

Images are available immediately after the exam. The radiologist's report is usually sent to your referring physician within 24 to 48 hours.

MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of soft tissue (brain, muscles, organs). CT uses X-rays.

A CT scan is a fast, painless exam using X-rays. You lie on a table that slides gently into the scanner. Image acquisition takes on average 5 to 15 minutes.

An iodine-based substance injected into a vein to improve visibility of organs, vessels and tissues during the scan.

In the vast majority of cases contrast is safe. Some people feel a passing warm sensation or metallic taste.

Side effects are usually mild: warm sensation, brief flushing or a metallic taste in the mouth.

Iodine allergy can be an issue since most contrast agents contain iodine. The radiologist can adapt the procedure, use an alternative product or plan premedication.

Yes. Swiss basic health insurance (LAMal) covers CT when prescribed by a physician.

Images are available immediately after the exam. The radiologist's report is sent to your referring physician within an average of 24 to 48 hours.

A targeted anti-inflammatory injection into the lumbar spine to relieve pain caused by a disc hernia, sciatica or osteoarthritis.

The infiltration is done on an outpatient basis. You lie on the CT table, the skin is disinfected and the needle is guided precisely using the images.

No. Lumbar infiltration is outpatient. After a short observation period (about 30 minutes) you can go home the same day.

Most often a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory, sometimes combined with a local anaesthetic.

Side effects are rare and usually mild: slight pain or redness at the injection site, brief warm sensation, headache.

Yes. Swiss basic health insurance (LAMal) covers lumbar infiltration when prescribed by a physician.

Epidural infiltration injects medication around the spinal nerves to ease sciatica or disc hernia. Facet infiltration targets the small lumbar joints (facets) directly.

Mammography is a fast exam, painless in most cases. You stand while the breast is positioned between two plates that compress it for a few seconds.

The Swiss national programme recommends screening mammography every 2 years for women aged 50 to 74.

A full mammogram lasts 10 to 15 minutes on average, with only a few seconds of compression per image.

If an abnormality is found, the radiologist may recommend additional exams (ultrasound, MRI or biopsy) to refine the diagnosis.

Yes. Mammography is covered by Swiss basic insurance (LAMal) when prescribed by a physician.

A dacryoscanner is a medical imaging exam that uses CT to visualise the tear ducts.

After local disinfection, a small flexible catheter is placed at the entry of the tear duct. Iodinated contrast is injected, then a fast CT scan is performed.

The exam is usually well tolerated. Patients may feel slight discomfort or tingling when the contrast is injected, but the procedure is not painful.

It is a short exam: setup and injection take a few minutes, and CT image acquisition lasts under 5 minutes.

Side effects are rare. Brief irritation, temporary tearing or tingling can occur.

No specific preparation is needed. Simply inform the team if you are allergic to iodine.

Yes. It is covered by Swiss basic insurance (LAMal) when prescribed by a specialist.

Images are available immediately. The radiologist's report is sent to your ophthalmologist or referring physician, usually within 24 to 48 hours.

Bone density measurement, also called DEXA, is an imaging exam that measures bone mineral density. It is the reference exam for screening osteoporosis.

You lie on an exam table while a detection arm passes slowly over your body. The exam is painless and lasts about 10 to 15 minutes.

No, the exam is completely painless. You remain still for a few minutes, with no injection or special preparation.

No specific preparation is needed. It is advised to avoid calcium supplements in the 24 hours before the exam.

Risks are minimal. The X-ray dose used is very low, well below that of a standard X-ray.

It is indicated mainly for post-menopausal women, men over 65, and anyone with osteoporosis risk factors.

Yes, when prescribed by a physician in the context of suspected or monitored osteoporosis.