Prime Imaging - Hixson in Chattanooga: Diagnostic Radiology for Outpatient and Referral-Based Patients

Prime Imaging in Hixson is an independent diagnostic radiology facility serving Chattanooga's northern suburbs with CT, X-ray, ultrasound, and mammography services for both self-referred and physician-referred patients. Unlike hospital-based radiology departments tied to emergency and inpatient workflows, Prime Imaging operates as a standalone imaging center where scheduled appointments form the backbone of operations, and turnaround on reports typically occurs within 24 hours. The practice sits between the larger imaging networks anchored by Erlanger Health System and Parkridge Health System and the occasional one-doctor shops; it offers the scheduling flexibility and focused care model of independent radiology without sacrificing equipment or credentialed radiologist oversight.

Services and Pricing

Prime Imaging provides conventional radiography (X-ray), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound including obstetric imaging, and mammography screening and diagnostic. The facility does not perform MRI or advanced interventional procedures; those typically route to hospital departments or specialty imaging centers.

Pricing at independent imaging centers like Prime Imaging varies substantially by payer. For self-pay patients without insurance, a basic chest X-ray ranges from $150 to $300; abdominal ultrasound typically costs $300 to $500; CT of the chest, abdomen, or pelvis runs $800 to $1,500 depending on whether contrast is used. Mammography screening mammography costs $200 to $400 for baseline or routine screening; diagnostic mammography with additional views or ultrasound can exceed $600. These figures fluctuate with equipment, technician staffing, and local market conditions; call ahead to confirm pricing for your specific study.

Insurance coverage depends on your plan's imaging network. Many Blue Cross, Anthem, Cigna, and Medicare plans include Prime Imaging in their contracted provider list, resulting in reduced member copays or coinsurance. Tricare and some Medicaid plans may not recognize independent centers, directing members instead to hospital departments; verify coverage before scheduling.

How Prime Imaging Compares to Other Chattanooga Radiologists and Imaging Centers

Erlanger Health System operates the largest hospital-based radiology network in Chattanooga, with imaging services embedded at Erlanger main campus, Erlanger North (Hixson area), and Erlanger East. Hospital-based imaging typically commands higher out-of-pocket costs for uninsured or high-deductible patients, but offers same-day or next-day urgent imaging (trauma, stroke protocol) and immediate access to interventional radiologists for biopsies or drain placement. Most Chattanooga residents in managed care plans have in-network access to Erlanger imaging at negotiated rates.

Parkridge Health System similarly maintains imaging departments at Parkridge Medical Center and several satellite clinics. Both hospital systems offer subspecialty radiologists (neuroradiology, breast imaging, body imaging) on staff; independent centers like Prime Imaging typically do not. Referral radiologists review studies when subspecialty expertise is needed, adding delay.

Memorial Health Care System operates smaller radiology departments oriented to urgent care and emergency patients. Imaging access is prioritized for admitted or emergency patients; outpatient scheduling may have longer wait times.

Choose hospital-based imaging (Erlanger or Parkridge) if you need urgent same-day imaging, interventional guidance, or MRI. Choose Prime Imaging if you have a non-emergent referral, prefer appointment scheduling without a hospital visit, carry insurance that honors independent-center contracts, or are self-pay and value straightforward facility pricing. Choose a smaller independent center only if you live closer and your insurer accepts them; most patients in central Chattanooga have easier access to hospital systems.

Who Prime Imaging Suits and Does Not Suit

Prime Imaging suits established patients with referrals from their primary care doctor, specialist, or urgent care provider. It works well for insured patients whose plans recognize independent imaging networks, saving them the hospital copay and streamlining the appointment process. Self-pay patients undergoing routine mammography, chest X-rays, or abdominal ultrasound often prefer independent centers because published cash rates are more transparent than hospital fee schedules.

Prime Imaging does not suit patients needing immediate or same-day imaging for acute injury, chest pain, or suspected stroke; go to an emergency department instead. It does not serve patients requiring MRI, image-guided biopsies, or interventional drainage. Medicaid patients in some Tennessee coverage groups and Tricare beneficiaries should verify coverage before scheduling, as some plans carve out hospital-only imaging networks.

What the First Visit Involves

Call ahead to schedule. Have your insurance card, photo ID, and any referral paperwork from your doctor ready. Bring a brief list of relevant medical history (prior surgeries, implants, allergies, pregnancy status for women of childbearing age). Arrive 10 minutes early to complete or update check-in forms. At the imaging station, a technician will explain the procedure, position you, and perform the study. For ultrasound and mammography, expect 15 to 30 minutes; for CT, typically 20 to 40 minutes depending on whether contrast is needed. A radiologist interprets the images; reports are delivered to your referring physician within 24 hours. Your doctor receives the official report; some centers offer patient copies on request.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Prime Imaging operates weekdays typically 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with limited Saturday morning hours. Verify specific hours before scheduling, as staffing for mammography or CT may vary by day. The Hixson location sits north of the Chattanooga city center near the convergence of Whitewater Avenue and Highway 153, with dedicated on-site parking. No public transportation serves the facility directly; personal vehicle or ride service is necessary.

Independent imaging centers in Chattanooga's northern suburbs reduce travel time for Hixson and North Shore residents and provide straightforward appointment scheduling without emergency-department congestion. Prime Imaging's combination of standard diagnostic capability, transparent self-pay pricing, and acceptance of most major insurance plans makes it a practical choice for outpatient referral imaging in the Chattanooga area.