Scheduling and Preparation

Scheduling
A signed order from your physician is required for any test that he or she feels would aid in diagnosing your condition or evaluating various treatments. We ask that your physician call us for a free consultation to decide whether a PET/CT scan would be helpful in your case. Should your physician then order a PET/CT scan, we will need the following:

Medical history
Copies of previous relevant diagnostic studies (e.g., CT's, MRI's)
Written order/letter of medical necessity from your physician
Insurance information

We offer flexible scheduling at our five PET/CT locations and are willing to work to accommodate your specific needs. Our five PET/CT locations are:

New England PET Imaging System in Methuen, MA is a fixed PET/CT facility located on the grounds of Holy Family Hospital. Please call (978) 689-4738 for more information.
New England PET of Greater Lowell, is a fixed PET/CT facility located at The Cancer Center of Lowell General Hospital. Please call (978) 458-9872 for more information.
New England PET at Elliot Hospital is a mobile PET/CT facility in Manchester, NH. Please call (603) 663-2370 for more information.
Massachusetts Mobile PET, P.C., at Anna Jaques Hospital is a mobile PET/CT facility in Newburyport, MA. Please call (888) 560-4738 for more information.
Massachusetts Mobile PET, P.C., at Merrimack Valley Hospital is a mobile PET/CT facility in Haverhill, MA. Please call (888) 560-4738 for more information.

Preparation
Please be prepared to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment and allow 2-3 hours for completion of the PET/CT examination. You must fast for 4 hours prior to a scan. You MAY DRINK WATER, but no other type of liquid is allowed. Flavored water is NOT allowed. Please do not chew gum! If you are an insulin dependent diabetic, you must check with the PET/CT center office staff for specific instructions prior to a scan.

For more information on preparing for your scan, click here to download our patient brochure “About Your PET/CT Scan” which will help to explain more about preparing for your PET/CT scan.

ATTENTION: Children cannot go into the exam room with you. If you have small children who are unable to say alone in the waiting room, please bring someone to watch them. We cannot be responsible for children left unattended.