Chattanooga Imaging - Hixson in Chattanooga: Outpatient Radiology in the Hixson Corridor
Chattanooga Imaging - Hixson is a freestanding diagnostic imaging center in Hixson that performs CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, and mammography without requiring hospital affiliation or admission. It operates as an independent facility aimed at patients seeking scheduled imaging with shorter appointment windows and convenient access from North Shore and Hixson residential areas.
What Chattanooga Imaging - Hixson Actually Is
Chattanooga Imaging - Hixson is a non-hospital outpatient radiology practice. Unlike hospital-based radiology departments, it has no emergency services and focuses on appointment-driven diagnostic work. The facility is staffed by radiologists who interpret imaging and can generate reports for referring physicians within 24 hours. It accepts most insurance plans and self-pay patients, and does not require a referral in all cases, though many insurers prefer one. The practice serves patients from Hixson, East Brainerd, and surrounding North Shore communities who want imaging without navigating a hospital campus.
Services and Pricing
Chattanooga Imaging - Hixson offers five main modalities:
Chest and musculoskeletal X-rays typically cost $75 to $150 out of pocket on a self-pay basis; insurance usually covers these at 80 percent after a deductible. CT scans (head, chest, abdomen, pelvis, or extremity) range from $400 to $900 self-pay, with insurance coinsurance ranging from 10 to 20 percent after deductible. MRI scans (brain, spine, joint, or extremity) cost $800 to $1,500 self-pay; MRI premiums are higher because scan time exceeds 30 minutes per study. Ultrasound (abdominal, vascular, or obstetric) runs $200 to $400 self-pay. Mammography and breast ultrasound start at $150 for routine screening and $250 for diagnostic studies with additional views.
Verify current pricing by phone before scheduling, as self-pay rates can change and insurance out-of-pocket amounts depend on individual plan design. The facility offers discounts for uninsured patients who pay in full at time of service.
How Chattanooga Imaging Compares to Other Chattanooga Radiology Options
Chattanooga Imaging - Hixson competes mainly with hospital-based radiology departments at Erlanger Health System and Parkridge Health System, and with other independent imaging centers like HealthSouth Diagnostic Imaging in Hixson. Hospital radiology typically requires a referral and appointment scheduling through the hospital; wait times range from same-day to 2 weeks depending on urgency and imaging type. Hospital fees are usually higher for self-pay patients because they include facility overhead. Parkridge and Erlanger often route routine imaging through their central scheduling system, which can add a day or two to booking.
Chattanooga Imaging - Hixson often provides same-week or next-day appointment availability for non-urgent studies like routine X-ray and ultrasound. MRI and CT may require 3 to 5 business days. The independent center does not require hospital system affiliation and can accommodate patients whose insurance includes higher out-of-pocket costs at hospital facilities. HealthSouth Diagnostic Imaging in Hixson is another independent option; both centers compete on convenience and shorter wait times rather than price. Choose Chattanooga Imaging - Hixson if you want fast scheduling and prefer an independent facility; choose hospital radiology if your insurance requires it or if imaging is urgent and requires hospital-level follow-up care.
Who This Place Suits and Who It Does Not Suit
Chattanooga Imaging - Hixson suits patients with non-urgent imaging needs (routine X-rays, screening mammography, follow-up CT or MRI), those who live or work in North Shore or Hixson and want to avoid downtown hospital campuses, and patients whose insurance plan does not restrict imaging to hospital systems. It also works well for uninsured patients seeking discounted self-pay pricing.
It does not suit emergency patients (go to an ER instead), patients whose imaging is part of acute hospital care (inpatient imaging or imaging that will lead to same-day intervention), or patients whose insurance plan requires imaging at a specific hospital system. It also does not offer interventional radiology (biopsies, injections, drainage procedures), though radiologists can refer you to a hospital interventional team if imaging reveals a finding requiring biopsy or drain placement.
What Your First Visit Involves
Call ahead to schedule an appointment or use the online scheduling portal. You will be asked for your insurance card and photo ID at check-in. If you are uninsured and paying out of pocket, ask for the self-pay discount rate and confirm it applies before services. Arrive 10 minutes early to complete paperwork. A technologist will position you for your scan, explain what to expect, and answer questions about contrast (if needed for CT or MRI). Exams usually take 15 to 45 minutes depending on type. You will receive a summary sheet at checkout with your radiologist's preliminary findings. Your referring physician (or you, if there is no referral) will receive the full written report via secure fax or electronic medical record within 24 hours.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Chattanooga Imaging - Hixson is located in the Hixson area east of downtown. Parking is free and on-site. Hours are typically Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with limited Saturday availability; confirm current weekend hours by phone because they can vary seasonally. The facility is accessible and wheelchair-friendly. No appointment is required for walk-ins, though they are accommodated based on availability and may wait longer than scheduled patients.
Chattanooga Imaging - Hixson fills a specific niche in Chattanooga radiology: fast appointment booking, independent operation, and North Shore convenience for routine outpatient imaging. It works best for patients who want imaging without hospital overhead and complexity.
