FAQ

Hawaii Radiologic Associates has three convenient locations – the Ponahawai Clinic and East Women’s Imaging Center in Hilo, and the HRA West Clinic in Kona. Please refer to the Contact Us page for a list for location addresses, office hours, and other information.

We provide a wide array of diagnostic imaging exams and procedures, including 3D Mammography, MRI, Breast MRI, CT, X-ray, fluoroscopy, Ultrasound, Interventional Radiology and Angiography.

You can schedule an appointment by calling or visiting any of our three locations during business hours (hours vary depending on the location). Please refer to our Contact Us page for each location’s hours of operation, services provided and contact information.

Your pre-exam preparation will depend on the type of exam you have scheduled. You will receive detailed prep information about this when you schedule your appointment.

When you come in for a procedure (scheduled or walk-in) at any of our locations, we require that you bring your ID and insurance card(s) with you to your exam. Without them payment for the exam will be collected at the time of service, or the procedure will need to be rescheduled for a later date.

After the procedure is performed, our billing company will file a courtesy claim on your behalf with your insurance provider. The claim is processed and a bill for any patient portion due will be sent to you. Payments can be made at any location (must bring a copy of your bill) or online using the link below. Payments can also be mailed to the address specified on the bill you receive. If you have additional questions about this process or about a bill you have received, please call our billing office, MBMS at 833-699-0099.

Online credit card payments: https://www.patientnotebook.com/246583

** Please note: Copayments for exams will start being collected at the time of service in the near future. **

A radiologist is a medical doctor who has chosen to specialize in the field of imaging for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. After completing an internship, a radiologist undergoes an additional four or more years of specialized training in medical imaging. The most important task of a radiologist is to interpret the data from your procedure and combine that information with the clinical information from your doctor. We commonly refer to this process as a “reading or interpreting.” The goal of the reading is to provide your physician with a clearer picture of what is happening inside your body. The radiologist evaluates the images and provides a report of the findings to your physician(s).

Yes. All interpreting radiologists are board-certified by the American Board of Radiology, which means they have completed their radiology residency. In addition, many of the radiologists have subspecialties like nuclear medicine, musculoskeletal imaging, body imaging, women’s imaging, etc.

Your primary contact will probably be with one of our technologists who will perform your exam. Some exams require the direct supervision of a radiologist, while others are performed completely by the technologist and reviewed afterwards by our radiologist. Your physician often prefers that you discuss your results with them.

Many of the radiologists sub-specialize in one or two areas of imaging. This means that in addition to their completion of their radiology residency, they have completed additional training, or fellowship, in a specific body part or disease type. Subspecialty training gives the radiologists a greater breadth and depth of knowledge that benefits our patients.

The value of imaging is incomplete until your referring physician receives a report describing your exam. We make it a priority to provide your results promptly to your referring physician. This assures your efficient and timely care. Routine reports are usually delivered the same day or next day, and the radiologist will call or fax your physician with results of your exam when necessary.

Your physician will receive a copy of your exam report and will discuss the results with you. Your physician can provide you with a copy of your exam report. HRA will retain original exams and reports. In any legal matters, your attorney may obtain copies of your medical records directly from HRA with your written authorization.

You may obtain a copy of your medical record by contacting the center where your exam was performed. See our Contact Us page if you are unsure.

In order for HRA to disclose protected health information (PHI) to any individual and/or entity outside of normal treatment, payment, or health-care operations as defined by federal guidelines, a signed HIPAA Authorization Release form must be received from the patient or legal guardian.

With your written authorization, exams and reports, including mammograms, may be sent to your new provider. Your new provider’s office can do this for you with your written authorization. You may also pick up your exams and reports, by filling out a release form at that time. You may have your studies permanently transferred to another facility or into your own custody. In either case, you will need to sign a release authorization.

Generally, no. Your results are forwarded to your physicians within 1 to 2 days. It is very important for your physician to compare our conclusions with his or her clinical findings in order to present you with a complete diagnosis.

Yes. We respect the desire of patients to seek second opinions of their care. Simply call the Medical Records department at the location where your exam was performed with the name and contact information of the physician. See our Contact Us page if you are unsure.

We maintain the images and reports from your exam(s) in accordance with state laws (in most cases, for a minimum of five to seven years).

Under the Uniform Health Care Information Act, you may request in writing to see, copy, and/or correct your reports and imaging. Written parental consent is required for the release of non-pregnancy related information of a minor child. We will not disclose your records to others unless you direct us in writing to do so or unless the law authorizes or compels us to do so. Depending on the nature of the request, copy charges and a waiting period may be applicable.

Your diagnostic imaging study will be carefully reviewed by a board-certified radiologist. A report will be forwarded to your health-care provider. Your physician or health-care provider will discuss the results and your options with you. Significant findings are generally phoned or faxed to your physician so that treatment planning with the patient may begin as soon as possible. Some referring physicians request to see the films as part of their treatment planning with the patient. HRA will provide the images for you to take to your physician.

It is important to consult with your health-care provider after any examination or procedure. These results will be compared with your overall health status, which only your physician or practitioner can assess for you.