How to get a referral for a private MRI scan
Some private MRI scans at New Horizons Imaging can be booked by self-referral. Others — including every scan for a patient under 18 — need a referral from a registered healthcare professional.
This guide explains who needs a referral, who can provide it, what your referral should include and what happens next.
The answer depends on your scan and age.
Emergency symptoms such as a suspected stroke are not suitable for routine private MRI booking. Call 999 or attend A&E.
Getting the correct referral doesn't need to be complicated.
Where a referral is required, it should come from a registered healthcare professional who has assessed the patient and can provide the clinical information needed for the MRI examination.
Why under-18s always need a referral
Under UK clinical governance standards, we cannot accept self-referrals or parental requests for patients under the age of 18.
All paediatric scans must be requested by a registered healthcare professional — for example a GP, consultant, specialist physiotherapist or advanced nurse practitioner — who has evaluated the patient and remains responsible for their care.
This is not a barrier we put in the way of families; it ensures a clinician has considered whether MRI is the right test, which area should be scanned and who will act on the results.
We are registered to provide paediatric MRI and welcome younger patients once a referral is in place.
Who can provide an MRI referral?
Any registered healthcare professional who has assessed the patient and is responsible for their care can request a private MRI. The most common routes include:
Your GP
NHS or private. Ask for a signed private MRI request letter. Some NHS practices charge an admin fee for private letters, so it is worth asking when you book the appointment.
A consultant or specialist
If you or your child are already under a hospital consultant — orthopaedics, neurology, paediatrics, sports medicine and so on — they can refer directly.
A physiotherapist
HCPC-registered physiotherapists who are treating the patient can request an MRI, which is often the quickest route for sports and musculoskeletal injuries.
An advanced nurse practitioner
Advanced nurse practitioners and other registered non-medical referrers can request a scan when they have assessed the patient. If you are unsure whether your clinician qualifies, ask us.
How to ask for an MRI referral
Most clinicians are happy to provide a private MRI request when they agree a scan would be useful. A few things make the process quicker:
- Book an appointment See the clinician who knows the problem — your GP, physio or consultant — and explain you would like a private MRI so you are not waiting for an NHS slot.
- Describe the symptoms Explain where the pain or problem is, how long it has been present, what makes it better or worse and any previous injuries or imaging.
- Ask for a signed letter Request a “private MRI request” or “referral letter” naming the area to be scanned and the clinical question. A printed or PDF copy is fine.
- Send it to us Upload the referral when you book online, or email it to info@nhimaging.co.uk if you would like our team to check it before you book.
What should the referral letter include?
A clear referral helps the clinical team confirm that the correct examination has been requested.
Missing something? Don't worry — our clinical team will contact you or your clinician if anything needs clarifying before the scan is confirmed.
Booking your MRI with a referral
- Book online Choose the scan named on your referral and select an appointment time. If you are unsure which option matches, contact us first.
- Upload the referral On the patient details page, select “Yes, I have a referral letter to upload” and attach the letter. For patients under 18 this step is required.
- Clinical review & confirmation Our clinical team checks the referral and safety questionnaire, then confirms your appointment. Your report is sent to the referring clinician.
Referral questions we are often asked
Can I request a scan for my child myself?
No. For patients under 18 the request must come from a registered healthcare professional who has assessed them. A parent or guardian can make the booking and attend the appointment, but the referral letter must be from the clinician.
Does the referral have to come from an NHS GP?
No. Any registered healthcare professional responsible for the patient's care can refer — a private GP, consultant, HCPC-registered physiotherapist or advanced nurse practitioner are all acceptable.
My GP charges for private letters. Is there another way?
Some NHS practices charge an admin fee for private referral letters. If you are already seeing a physiotherapist or consultant they can usually refer instead, and private GP services including online consultations can also provide a referral. Contact our team if you would like to talk through the options.
How recent does the referral need to be?
The referral should relate to the current problem and be recent enough that the clinical question is still relevant. If your letter is more than a few months old, or your symptoms have changed, contact us before booking and we will advise.
What if I book without a referral and one is needed?
Our clinical team reviews every booking before the scan is confirmed. If a referral is required and none has been provided, we will contact you to arrange one before your appointment goes ahead, and no scan will take place without it.
Can New Horizons Imaging arrange a referral for me?
Not at the moment — the referral must come from a clinician who has assessed the patient. Our team can explain what to ask your GP, physio or consultant for, and we are exploring a private GP consultation pathway for the future.
Got your referral? You're ready to book.
Book online and upload your referral letter during the booking process, or speak to our team if you would like us to check it first or help you choose the correct scan.
Advanced MRI scans.
Clear answers.
Without the wait.
We make private MRI scanning simple, fast and accessible — with transparent pricing, convenient appointments and patient-first care from start to finish.
Modern imaging, made easier for patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine, delivering detailed images of organs, soft tissues and joints without radiation exposure.
Fast appointments
Avoid lengthy NHS delays with same-day or next-day appointment options where available.
Clear results
Receive clear clinical reporting designed to help you understand the next step.
Patient-first care
A relaxed private setting with a friendly team focused on comfort, clarity and confidence.
Clear MRI pricing before you book
Choose a Whole Body MRI, select dedicated body-area scans, or combine both. Your final price is calculated during the booking process before you confirm.
Built around the new booking process
The online booking tool lets you select your scan type, body areas and reporting options, then shows your total before you continue.
Self-referral or referral letter
Some MRI scans can be booked by self-referral, while others may require a referral letter. The booking journey will guide you through the correct route.
Whole Body MRI + Spine Overview
A wider MRI screening option covering key internal body regions, with a spine overview included. You can book this on its own or add dedicated body-area scans if you have a specific area of concern.
- Whole Body MRI + Spine Overview£1,500
- Whole Body MRI£1,200
Whole Body MRI does not include detailed joint scans such as knees, hips, shoulders or elbows. It also does not include a dedicated diagnostic spine MRI.
Dedicated body-area scans
Choose up to 4 dedicated body-area scan packages. This is ideal for a specific symptom, injury, joint, body region or area of concern.
Full Spine: £700 and counts as one standalone selection package.
Full Spine option
If you need the cervical spine, thoracic spine and lumbar spine scanned together, choose the Full Spine option rather than selecting the three separate spine areas.
Reporting upgrades
Standard reporting is included. Some dedicated body-area scans can be upgraded for faster turnaround or sports reporting.
Example booking totals
One targeted scan
1 dedicated body area with standard reporting included.
Two targeted scans
2 dedicated body areas with standard reporting included.
Full Spine package
Cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine together as one package.
Whole Body + 2 areas
Whole Body MRI plus 2 additional dedicated body-area scans.
Examples of dedicated body-area scans
The booking tool includes searchable body-area options. Availability may depend on whether you are self-referring or booking with a referral letter.
Head, neck, upper body, arms and chest
- Brain
- Brain MRA
- Brain Venogram
- Internal Auditory Meatus / IAMs
- Sinuses
- Orbits
- Soft Tissue Neck
- TMJ / Jaw joints
- Brachial Plexus
- Sternum
- Chest Wall
- Pectoral Muscle
- Shoulder
- Humerus / Upper Arm
- Elbow
- Radius / Ulna
- Wrist
- Hand
Spine, abdomen, pelvis and specialist scans
- Full Spine
- Cervical Spine
- Thoracic Spine
- Lumbar Spine
- Sacroiliac Joints
- Sacrum
- Coccyx
- Abdomen
- MRCP
- Bowel
- Small Bowel
- Rectum
- Renal / Kidneys
- Gynae Pelvis
- Prostate
- Scrotum
Pelvis, hips, legs, ankles and feet
- Pelvis
- Hip
- Femur / Thigh
- Knee
- Patella
- Tibia / Fibula
- Ankle
- Foot
- Toes
- Hamstring
- Calf
Ready to check your MRI options?
Start your booking to choose your referral route, select your scans and review your final price before confirming.
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