What happens next?
If you have been referred for a scan with OMR, your doctor or specialist will send a referral card to us either in paper form or electronically. Alternatively, if you have the referral card to hand, please forward it to our practice manager through the contact details provided and the referral will be forwarded to the appropriate location.
Once we receive the referral, our booking staff will contact you to arrange an appointment at your convenience. Evening appointments are available. If you have health insurance, you should contact your provider in advance of your scan and ask for a pre-authorisation code.
If you have any questions at any time, our practice manager will be happy to assist.
The OMR practice manager can be contacted on:
- Free Phone: 0800 170 1245
- Email: omrpracticemanager@gmail.com
What if I need an injection?
If you have been referred for an injection to help your symptoms, your doctor may have asked for you to have an ultrasound, fluoroscopy (x-ray) or CT guided injection which offer much greater precision and accuracy compared to non guided (blind) injections. The diagnostic examination part of the study will be carried out before your injection during the same appointment where applicable.
Most procedures are carried out quickly and are made relatively painless by the use of local anaesthetic. In most cases you can return to work immediately should you wish, although a short period of rest so that you can recover from the injection is advised. It is prudent not to drive on the day of your injection. Some procedures preclude driving and we will ask you to be accompanied by a family member or friend to drive you home.
Many injections involve the use of cortisone (also called steroid or corticosteroid), mixed with local anaesthetic. The local anaesthetic numbs the joint or area injected for several hours and changes in your symptoms provide useful information for your referring doctor. Cortisone takes longer to work and you may not notice benefits for a week or 10 days.
You may be asked to complete a pain diary which is a record of symptoms after the injection that helps the referring doctor assess the response to the procedure and determine the next steps in your management.
Are there any potential side effects?
In the short term, you may notice some side effects. These are usually mild and can include facial flushing and feelings of warmth, less commonly hiccups, visual effects and mood swings. If they occur, they generally last less than 3 days but individual differences occur.
Occasionally, corticosteroids can cause the pain to get worse for 2 – 3 days, this is called Steroid Flare. Diabetics may find that their blood sugar goes up for a few days.
Patients on blood thinning medication need to let us know in advance as there may be an increased risk of bruising.
