FAQs

Novello Imaging is conveniently located in Copper Ridge. Our address is:
NOVELLO IMAGING CENTER (BLDG F)
4290 COPPER RIDGE DR, SUITE 100
TRAVERSE CITY, MI 49684

There are three ways to schedule a patient.  

1. By phone – call 231-714-4306.

2. Providers can refer a patient by faxing an order to Novello Imaging at 231-714-0077. Once a fax is received, a team member will reach out to the patient directly to schedule the exam.

3. Request through our online portal. Contact us at 231.714.4306 or at info@novelloimaging.org to register for access to the portal.

Novello accepts most insurances. The list of in-network insurances is listed here:

• Medicare and Medicaid
• RR Medicare
• BCBS of Michigan
• Blue Care Network
• BCBS Advantage
• Priority Health
• Priority Advantage
• Aetna
• Aetna Better health
• Cigna
• Humana Choice Care
• Mclaren Health plan (commercial and Medicaid)
• Meridian

Please call if you have questions regarding other insurance plans. If you do not see your insurance listed, please call 231.714.4306.  We are continuously adding new insurances. 

(List up to date as of 1/9/22.)

Novello Imaging provides Xray, Ultrasound, CT, and MRI services.  Please call 231.714.4306 if you have any questions regarding a specific imaging procedure.  Or visit our pricing sheet on our website novelloimaging.org, which outlines the most common exams done at Novello.  It is important to remember that Novello Imaging is an outpatient centered facility and does not handle emergent imaging matters.

Novello Imaging can assist with the pre-authorization service. Please contact us at 231-714-4306 to register for the service. For Novello to obtain the pre-authorization, Novello staff will need a recent progress note, demographics page, and patients’ insurance information faxed to 231-714-0077.

Once Novello receives a provider requisition for an exam, a team member at Novello will reach out to the patient directly with the patient’s telephone number listed on the requisition.  A Novello team member will inform the referring provider office of the date of the patient’s appointment.

Radiologist reports are to be created within 2 business days of the exam being performed.  It is important to keep in mind that not having the patient’s prior imaging, if the radiologist requires it, may slow down the final report process.  Novello Imaging recommends the patient bring their prior imaging to their appointment, so staff can have those ready for the radiologist.

Once the report is generated, it is automatically faxed to the number listed for the provider on the order. The provider may also check the provider portal, located on our website novelloimaging.org, to view the images. 

Once the report is generated, it is automatically faxed to the number listed for the provider on the order. Providers may register to view the images and access reports through Novello’s portal located on our website.  Please call 231-714-4306 or email us at info@novelloimaging.org to register for this portal. 

Please call Novello Imaging at 231-714-4306 and a team member will connect you with a radiologist. 

Before the patient leaves Novello, the technologist will speak with the Radiologist and will attempt to contact the ordering provider to determine the next steps for the patient.

For other providers related to the patient’s care, they can access the patient’s images and report via a program through Novello’s Rapid Results portal on the website novelloimaging.org.  after entering patient detail, the requesting provider will be emailed a link that will direct them to the patient’s imaging.  If the requesting provider is not set up with Rapid Results, then the provider may register for this portal by calling 231-714-4306 or emailing us at info@novelloimaging.org.

For any questions, please contact Novello Imaging directly at 231-714-4306 or send an email to info@novelloimaging.org .

We are located at 4290 Copper Ridge Dr. Suite 100. Traverse City, MI 49684. Our building is near the back of the Copper Ridge complex. We are in building F. You will see a parking area on the front/west side of the building. Enter through the main entrance, under the awning. You will take the elevator to level 1 and take a right off the elevator, we are at the end of the hall.

Novello Imaging strives to be able to schedule a patient for an exam within 24 hours, but there may be some exceptions. In addition to our dedication to efficient scheduling, we also accept patient walk-ins with a provider’s referral.

Yes! Our team includes American Board of Radiology certified radiologists. Board certification is the best measure of the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to provide quality patient care. Find the certification status of a radiologist or medical physicist who is currently or previously has been certified by the ABR.

Computerized Tomography (CT): Computed tomography is commonly referred to as a CT scan. CT uses X-rays to produce pictures or images of inside the body. The CT machine moves an X-ray around the patient to produce multiple detailed images at different angles. CT provides greater detail of soft tissue such as organs or blood vessels than a traditional X-ray. 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI uses high-powered magnets and radio waves to produce images of organs and structures inside the body. The MRI scanner is shaped like a building block with a very large hole in the middle where the patient lies on a table during the exam. The picture quality is at its best in the center of the magnet. This is why the part of your body that your doctor needs examined is always placed in the center. The information collected by the MRI scanner is sent to a computer and translated into images.

X-Ray: An X-ray machine uses a small dose of radiation to produce images of structures inside the body. The X-rays pass through the area of the body being examined and are translated into images captured on the other side of the body.

Ultrasound: An ultrasound, also called a sonogram, uses sound waves to produce images of soft tissues inside the body. Sound waves move through the body and based on the frequency, the signals are translated into images on a computer.

Novello Imaging takes every patient’s privacy very seriously.  All records are stored in password protected servers with software designed for our radiology practice.  You may view our HIPAA Privacy Policy in the office at registration or contact us anytime for a copy.

You may view our HIPAA Privacy Policy here.

Our patient and compassionate staff works with patients that have unique needs. For patients who are uncomfortable in small or tight spaces, we offer a Wide Bore MRI that is spacious and comfortable. Our technologists take their time to ensure patient comfort throughout the process.

Novello Imaging is committed to both quality, and your safety.  Our machines are fully accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR sets very high standards to ensure that patients get a high quality exam using the lowest possible amount of radiation.  As a result, we are actively involved in understanding and weighing the benefits and risk of our imaging procedures.

Generally, radiation doses from imaging exams are relatively small and the clinical benefit of an exam far outweighs the risks. The descriptions below outline some common imaging procedures and the radiation risks associated with them.

MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging does NOT use radiation to image patients. There is no radiation involved in this study.
Ultrasound – Ultrasound does NOT use radiation to image patients. There is no radiation risk involved in this study.​​​​​​​
X-ray – A mild dose of radiation is used to perform this study.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
CT – A Computed Tomography scan requires more radiation than an x-ray, however, it also provides a more detailed picture. The clinical benefit for diagnosis may outweigh the radiation risk; patients and their referring physician should consider the risks and benefits before proceeding with a CT study. Total radiation exposure varies greatly by procedure.

Novello Imaging participates in rigorous programs and has taken multiple steps to ensure our patients receive only the necessary amounts of radiation needed to achieve a quality image to properly diagnose a patient. These steps include:

• All our radiologists and technologists are board-certified and have extensive training on techniques that minimize radiation exposure for patients.
• Our radiologists use the ACR Appropriateness Criteria so that the most appropriate imaging exam is prescribed in order to avoid unnecessary exposure. Recommending procedures that don’t use radiation when better for a specific condition.
• Our radiologists are actively involved in the ACR and the American Board of Radiology so that they can monitor new trends for radiation dosing and implement new standards and guidelines quickly when needed.

Some organs behave and look differently with food and liquid in them.  This makes evaluating certain organs difficult to evaluate. Fasting greatly improves the quality of certain exams.

The fluid helps the signal travel to the pelvic organs in order to see them more clearly.

This will depend on the body part you are having scanned. The part of interest has to be placed in the middle of the scanner. The good news is that our scanners are designed to be claustrophobic friendly. They are not as long and narrow as what you may have experienced in the past and require much less of your body to be in the machine during your scan.

The weight limit for equipment we use varies. Some of our machines can only accommodate patients up to 350 pounds while others may accommodate larger patients. Our MRI equipment accommodates up to 600 pounds. It is best to discuss this with the team member scheduling your appointment.

No. We offer walk-in X-Ray services at our facility. We will just need an order from your provider in order to complete the test.

Unfortunately, we are not able to supervise your children during your imaging study. We believe that in order to best serve you, we need 100% of our attention on you. Therefore, we encourage you to make childcare arrangements or to bring a responsible person with you to supervise your children.

• We will need a signed order(s) from your provider stating which exam is necessary and the diagnosis.
• Your insurance card and any co-payment due so that we may submit your insurance claim on your behalf.
• A photo ID – Please bring a valid form of photo identification such as a drivers license, military ID, etc.
• All related imaging studies performed elsewhere that relate to your visit. For example, prior MRI, x-ray, CT, or Ultrasound imaging studies. These films and reports allow our Radiologists to make comparisons that are necessary for the best interpretation of the new study.

There are many factors that can alter the time each exam takes. We take the time to go over thoroughly with each patient their history and reason for the test, along with time necessary to keep you comfortable while you are having your test. Each patient and exam is different, therefore we cannot give an exact time for every exam. We can assure you we will do our very best to get you in and out in a timely fashion.

While our imaging exams themselves cause no pain, having to lie still for the length of the procedure might cause some discomfort or pain, particularly in the case of a recent injury or procedure. Exams requiring contrast, will require the patient to have an IV placed. This may also be uncomfortable for some, however the IV is just for a short time, and will be removed as soon as the imaging is complete.

You will be instructed by our staff of any prep. that is required for your test when we call to schedule your test. Some tests require prep., while others do not. If you have
any questions regarding prep. instructions, please call our office 231.714.4306.

Comfortable, loose fitting clothes are best. If you can wear clothing without metal or buttons that is also helpful. Some exams may require you to change into a gown prior to your exam. We will provide you with a locked locker to secure your belongings while having your exam.

• Gadavist is a prescription medicine called a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA). Gadavist, like other GBCAs, is injected into your vein and used with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner.
• An MRI exam with a GBCA, including Gadavist, helps your doctor to see problems better than an MRI exam without a GBCA.
• Your doctor has reviewed your medical records and has determined that you would benefit from using a GBCA with your MRI exam.

• Gadavist contains a metal called gadolinium. Small amounts of gadolinium can stay in your body including the brain, bones, skin and other parts of your body for a long time (several months to years).
• It is not known how gadolinium may affect you, but so far, studies have not found harmful effects in patients with normal kidneys
• Rarely, patients have reported pains, tiredness, and skin, muscle or bone ailments for a long time, but these symptoms have not been directly linked to gadolinium.
• There are different GBCAs that can be used for your MRI exam. The amount of gadolinium that stays in the body is different for different gadolinium medicines. Gadolinium stays in the body more after Omniscan or Optimark than after Eovist, Magnevist, or MultiHance. Gadolinium stays in the body the least after Dotarem, Gadavist, or ProHance.
• People who get many doses of gadolinium medicines, women who are pregnant and young children may be at increased risk from gadolinium staying in the body. • Some people with kidney problems who get gadolinium medicines can develop a condition with severe thickening of the skin, muscles and other organs in the body (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis). Your healthcare provider should screen you to see how well your kidneys are working before you receive Gadavist.

Do not receive Gadavist if you have had a severe allergic reaction to Gadavist.

Before receiving Gadavist, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

• have had any MRI procedures in the past where you received a GBCA. Your healthcare provider may ask you for more information including the dates of these MRI procedures.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Gadavist can harm your unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the possible risks to an unborn baby if a GBCA such as Gadavist is received during pregnancy.
• have kidney problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure
• have had an allergic reaction to dyes (contrast agents) including GBCAs

• See “What is the most important information I should know about Gadavist?”
• Allergic reactions. Gadavist can cause allergic reactions that can sometimes be serious. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely for symptoms of an allergic reaction.
• The most common side effects of Gadavist include: headache, nausea, and dizziness. These are not all the possible side effects of Gadavist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. General information about the safe and effective use of Gadavist. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. You can ask your healthcare provider for information about Gadavist that is written for health professionals.

Active ingredient: gadobutrol Inactive ingredients: calcobutrol sodium, trometamol, hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment) and water for injection Manufactured for Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Manufactured in Germany © 2011, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. All rights reserved. For more information, go to www.gadavist.com or call 1-888-842-2937. This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.