Scheduling Multiple Exams
Use this guide to correctly schedule patients with multiple exams on the same day in Merge RIS (not necessary for eRAD scheduling). Follow location-specific preferences and observe proper spacing between exams to ensure accuracy and patient safety.
General Rule (All WR Locations - Except Arlington)
- Preferred Order When Scheduling Multiple Exams:
- General Ultrasound (Sono)
- DEXA/Bone Density
- Mammogram (Screening or Diagnostic)
- Breast Ultrasound
- This order helps reduce conflicts related to contrast, fasting, and room availability.
Special Rule - Arlington Only
- Exam Order: Does not matter
- Scheduling Rule: Exams must be scheduled back-to-back
- No gaps between exams
- Do not schedule other patients between them
Barium & Fasting Rules Recap
- DEXA must not follow a barium exam within 7 days
- Ultrasound (Abdomen or Pelvis) must be done before a barium exam - not after.
Best Practices
- Always confirm if contrast, fasting, or prep is involved when booking multiple exams.
- When in doubt, consult your team lead or radiologist scheduling guide.
Modality-Specific Spacing Rules
Modality | Back-to-Back Allowed? | Gap After This Exam Before Another Modality | Notes |
| Ultrasound (Sono) | With another Ultrasound only | 1 hour | Don't schedule other modalities within 1 hour after ultrasound |
| DEXA/Bone Density | No | 30 minutes | Don't schedule other modalities within 30 minutes after DEXA |
| Screening Mammogram | No | 30 minutes | Don't schedule other modalities within 30 minutes after Screening |
| Diagnostic Mammogram | No | 1.5 hours | |
| MRI | With another MRI only | 1 hour |
|
| CT (No Barium) | With another CT only | No gap needed | Ct exams can be scheduled back-to-back |
| CT with Barium | No | Varies by types |
|
EDITED: 06/16/2025
