It is common for patients to feel anxious before a medical imaging exam. This stress — often referred to as “scanxiety” — can occur before, during or after a scan. Whether related to the procedure itself or to uncertainty about the results, scanxiety is a very real and valid experience.
According to Radiologyinfo.org, scanxiety can affect anyone, regardless of the type of imaging being performed. Even routine scans can trigger feelings of worry, fear or emotional vulnerability. The good news: health care providers can take simple but meaningful steps to reduce that anxiety.
At Fairfax Radiology Centers, we understand that while we perform more than a million studies a year, each one represents an important moment in a patient’s health journey. That is why we strive to deliver not only advanced, accurate imaging — but also an experience rooted in compassion, empathy and clear communication.
Common causes of scanxiety include:
- Fear of a diagnosis or unexpected results
- A prior negative medical experience
- Uncertainty about the process or timeline
- Claustrophobia or physical discomfort during the scan
FRC’s approach to easing scanxiety:
- Clear expectations: Patients are told what to expect, how long the scan will take and when they can anticipate receiving results.
- Attentive care: Our staff members listen without judgment and validate patients’ concerns.
- Comfort measures: Simple acts such as offering a blanket, explaining each step or providing noise-reduction tools can help patients feel more at ease.
- Prompt follow-up: Timely communication with referring physicians helps minimize patient stress during the waiting period.
We may do this every day, but we never forget that for our patients, this could be one of the most important days of their year.
Whether you are a patient preparing for an exam or a provider referring someone in your care, you can trust Fairfax Radiology to deliver imaging that reflects both clinical excellence and patient-centered care.
To learn more about what to expect during your visit to FRC, visit: https://www.fairfaxradiology.com/patients