North Houston Imaging Center

My experience at North Houston Imaging Center was mixed, however they get one star because they’re simply not professional.
My chiropractor in the Heights referred me to them, I assume simply because they’re nearby. I tried to pull them up on the internet but apparently they do not have a website. In addition, they do not have an email address posted anywhere – I prefer to schedule appointments via email rather than wait on a phone. With no email available, I had to call at which point I was told, «We don’t do appointments, just walk in.» What kind of system is that? I just so happened to get lucky when I came in at 5PM and no one was in the waiting room.
They told me X-​rays are $ 35 and then proceeded to take them though they did not indicate how many they were taking. I originally thought it would only be 2 – one of my hip and one of my lower back but they took a total of 5. Then as I was leaving I mentioned to the lady at the front desk that my insurance should cover 90% and I should cover 10% so I should only pay about $ 15. She responded saying, «Oh, I don’t know what your insurance will get charged for this, it’s $ 35 if you pay for them.» It’s a little shady that they charge a different price for cash customers vs. insurance but it’s worse that they don’t have the capability to run your insurance and tell you exactly what you’ll owe like a normal doctor’s office. I left thinking that I would be able to look at the x-​rays with my chiropractor at the next appointment I had with her.
When I discussed with my chiropractor, she only had a print out of notes from the doctor that looked at X-​rays. I didn’t ask her at the time if we could look at them, but a couple weeks later I decided I wanted a copy for my own records so I called North Houston Imaging and asked if they could email them to me.
The lady on the phone responded, «We don’t email x-​rays»
Me: «So can I come by and pick up a copy of the set»
Lady: «Sure but that’s 25 dollars. You can get a copy from your doctor.»
Me: «My chiropractor only had a text print out, I never saw any actual x-​rays, did you send them to her.»
Lady: «We only send the report unless the doctor requests the x-​rays.»
Me: «So you never sent her the x-​rays. Fine, can I pick up the originals from you guys then.»
Lady: «You can but that’s 10 dollars.»
Me: «I’ve already paid you take the x-​rays and now you’re telling me that if I want the actual records I need to pay you again?»
Lady: «Sir, I’m just doing my job, thank you for calling.»
At this point she hung up on me and I was furious enough that I took to Unilocal – I don’t generally write negative reviews but this experience was bad enough that it warranted one. I will be following up with them and demanding they turn over the medical records as they belong to me, not them, since I’ve already paid them for their services.

After using North Houston Imaging on two occasions, it seems like I need to speak up on their behalf. The first time i experienced this business, was when experiencing (for the first time ever) a large insurance deductible and would have to pay out of pocket for the CT scan needed. After calling around, the insurance company recommended NHIC. After much research, I find that the charges for this type of service are often connected to the zip code. It becomes a different process when you are self-​paying and, until this year, I would have perhaps not experienced this location. So none of my experience is tied to the interaction between the NHIC and the insurance companies or requirements for approval. but strictly from the viewpoint of a cost conscious consumer in pain.
My second visit was two weeks ago for an MRI and x-​ray series. I was given an accurate estimate on the phone, given a quick appointment, seen on time and met by very friendly and efficient office staff and technicians. The results were sent in a timely manner, the following day as promised, and one of the top orthopedic surgeons in the city and in the world of sports medicine, had no problem with the imaging.
These two visits were over a year apart and were very similar. It was a busy waiting room full of patients who did not seem to understand what was needed from them (id cards, SS cards, or even doctors requests for specific tests). All I can say is that my dealings were just fine and I tell EVERYONE I speak to who needs one of these tests to… not get put off by the location… take your patience along, just in case… and you will be very pleased by the quality and value given at a significant savings. I spent $ 400 for what was being quoted in 3 other offices at $ 650.

I have taken my friend twice to have services performed at this imaging center. The first day, her appointment was scheduled for 1:00. We were there for 3 ½ hours for a 30 minute procedure. Today, she was scheduled for 1:30. The office called after we were already on the way to reschedule her for 3:30. The person doing her procedure didn’t even show up until 4:30. It is now 5:00 and we are still here. Another lady in the waiting room came from Rosenburg. When she went to the window to check in, they told her they could not do her procedure even though she had an appointment. Stay away unless you really enjoy waiting.

After an hour of waiting they slide their door open and give me documents to sign. I waited for 3 hours to get an MRI which I paid 400 bucks for. I waited because I had already paid. Oh their reason for the long wait… A surprise inspection. Yet other people were being attended. Never coming back.