Booking private imaging in Hong Kong: referral, when the report is ready, handing images to your doctor
Private imaging is generally booked with a hospital radiology department or an imaging centre by phone or online; some tests (especially CT, MRI, PET, or those needing contrast) generally need a doctor's referral or request, so confirm with the institution before booking. Turnaround, and whether same-day, evening or Sunday slots exist, differ by institution and may not be listed online, so ask the institution doing the test. Images can be given to your doctor on a disc or USB, or shared via eHealth.
How to book, and is a referral needed?
Book private imaging with a hospital's radiology department or an imaging centre (by phone or online). Some tests — especially CT, MRI, PET, or those needing contrast injection — generally need a doctor's referral or request form; before booking, confirm with the institution whether your test needs a referral and what to bring.
If a doctor is referring you, ask which test and what they want to learn; to check a doctor's registration, see how to check a doctor's registration.
When is the report ready, and are there same-day, evening or Sunday slots?
Turnaround, whether a same-day report is available, and evening or Sunday sessions differ between hospitals and imaging centres, and are not always listed online; the most accurate course is to ask the institution you plan to use directly about the booking lead time, turnaround and how you will be notified.
How are the images handed to my doctor?
After the test, images are usually handed over on a disc or USB drive, with some institutions also giving an online link; before you go, confirm the receiving doctor or clinic can read your format. How image discs and pathology material are handed over is in bringing previous tests to a new doctor.
For radiology images, some private institutions already upload records to eHealth for sharing (eHealth website, October 2026); the Health Bureau suggests that when choosing a private institution for radiology, you first ask whether it can deposit the records into your eHealth account (Health Bureau, April 2025). To register, see registering for eHealth.
How much does it cost?
Private fees for each imaging test are in MRI fee comparison, CT scan fees, ultrasound fee comparison, PET-CT fees, X-ray fees and mammography fees. Whether a quote includes the report, the doctor's fee and so on — ask when booking.
Frequently asked questions
Does private imaging always need a doctor's referral?
Some tests (especially CT, MRI, PET, or those needing contrast) generally need a doctor's referral or request; confirm with the institution whether your test needs one before booking.
Which place does it same-day, with a same-day report?
Same-day testing and same-day reporting arrangements differ by institution and are not always listed online; ask the institution you plan to use about the lead time and turnaround.