– Bring a copy of the order for the procedure from your referring physician, your insurance card, and photo identification.
– Bring a copy of any outside CT or MRI studies with you if they were not performed at Premier Radiology.
– Drink plenty of clear liquids but no solid food for 4 hours before the procedure. Prior to discograms you should not drink or eat for 4 hours before the procedure.
– These procedures are generally not performed during pregnancy because of the potential risk of embryo/fetal injury from x-ray exposure. Advise the technologist if you are, or may be, pregnant.
– Discontinue Coumadin (Warfarin), Plavix (Clopidogrel), Ticlid (Ticlopidine), and Pletal (Cilostazol) with permission from the prescribing physician for 5 days prior to the procedure. If you take Coumadin (warfarin), a Prothrombin time (PT) and INR will be obtained here at the clinic before the procedure. Other prescribed medications should be continued.
– Discontinue low-molecular weight heparin therapy with Lovenox (Enoxaparin), Fragmin (Dalteparin), Normiflo (Ardeparin), or Orgaran (Danapararoid) with permission from the prescribing physician for 24 hours prior to the procedure. Other prescribed medications should be continued.
– Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.