Quick version
It is possible to have an MRI scan (MRI) without a referral from primary care or regional healthcare through a private healthcare provider. You book the scan privately and pay for it yourself.
A medical consultation is always carried out before the scan. After this assessment, we, as a private healthcare provider, issue a formal referral to the X-ray unit, and the scan is carried out according to medical guidelines.
A MRI scan may be medically justified in the event of long-term or recurring problems, such as back or joint pain, suspected nerve or sports injuries, or if follow-up is needed. The results can be used as a basis for continued care, both privately and within public healthcare.
In recent years, more and more private healthcare providers have begun to offer MRI examinations as an alternative to public healthcare. The market has grown rapidly, and in line with increased accessibility, prices have also gradually fallen. For many, this means shorter waiting times and greater opportunity to take the initiative for their own examination.
Today, it is possible to carry out an MRI examination without a referral from primary care or regional healthcare by turning to a private provider. This means that you take the initiative for the examination yourself and pay for the private one.
At the same time, it is important to compare different healthcare providers. In many cases, the examination itself is performed by the same X-ray specialist, even if the medical responsibility and booking are handled by different providers. However, this makes it easier for you as a customer and patient to compare prices, arrangements and medical service before and after the examination.
Can you get an MRI scan without a referral?
Yes, it is possible to have an MRI scan without a referral from a health center or specialist clinic in public healthcare. In this context, "without a referral" means that you as a patient do not need a referral issued by primary care or regional care. With us, you can choose optional examinations online based on your needs and book an MRI scan privately after a medical consultation.
As a private healthcare provider, we always make a medical assessment before the examination. After consulting with you as a customer, we issue the formal referral to the X-ray unit. The examination is therefore carried out according to medical guidelines, even though the initiative and cost are private.
Then an MRI is medically justified
An MRI may be medically justified when you have symptoms or complaints where more advanced imaging diagnostics are needed to understand the underlying cause. This is especially true for long-term or recurring complaints that have not improved despite time, rehabilitation or previous assessments.
In this case, carrying out an MRI on a private initiative can be a way to move forward in the investigation, get clear answers and create a better basis for decisions for continued treatment, training or follow-up.
An MRI without a referral from primary care may be relevant in the following cases, for example:
- Long-term pain in the back, neck or joints.
- Suspected herniated disc or nerve damage.
- Sports injuries or overuse problems.
- Suspected meniscus, ligament or tendon injuries.
- Follow-up of previously known findings.
How to order an MRI privately
1. You book an MRI examination online
You do not need a referral from primary care or regional healthcare. The examination is paid for privately and booked directly on the website.
2. Medical consultation
Before the examination, you will review your symptoms and your questions with a licensed physician to ensure that an MRI examination is the right method for you.
3. We issue the referral
After the consultation, we, as a private healthcare provider, write the formal referral and send it to the X-ray unit.
4. Examination and specialist review
The examination is carried out according to medical protocols and the images are always reviewed by a specialist in radiology.
5. Response and further guidance
You will receive a written statement that can be used as a basis for continued care, treatment or follow-up – both privately and within public healthcare.