How It Works
Complete Our Online Form
Tell us your symptoms, which scan you need, and your medical history. Takes 5–10 minutes from any device.
Doctor Reviews Your Case
A GMC-registered UK doctor assesses your symptoms and issues your scan referral letter directly to your email.
Book Your Scan
Use your referral letter to book directly with any private imaging centre or hospital in the UK — same day in most cases.
Scan Types We Cover
MRI Scan
Magnetic resonance imaging for soft tissue, joints, spine, brain, and organs. Most private MRI providers require a referral letter to book — even for self-pay patients.
Referral needed at most providersCT Scan
Computerised tomography for detailed cross-sectional imaging of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, and head. A clinical referral letter is required — CT scans use ionising radiation and cannot be self-referred.
Referral always requiredUltrasound
Sound wave imaging for abdominal organs, pelvic assessment, musculoskeletal issues, and vascular studies. Often requested for bowel, liver, kidney, and gynaecological concerns.
Referral recommendedX-Ray
Radiographic imaging for fractures, bone conditions, chest assessments, and joint problems. Like CT scans, X-rays use ionising radiation and require a clinical referral before private clinics will proceed.
Referral always requiredDEXA Scan
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for bone density measurement and osteoporosis assessment. Commonly requested for post-menopausal women, those on long-term steroids, or with fracture history.
Referral requiredMammogram
Breast X-ray imaging for the investigation of lumps, pain, or changes in the breast. Private mammogram providers typically require a clinical referral letter before accepting bookings.
Referral required⚠️ CT scans, X-rays, DEXA scans and mammograms use ionising radiation. UK regulations require a clinical referral before these scans can be performed — our doctors assess your case and provide the referral where clinically appropriate.
Why Do Private Imaging Centres Require a Referral Letter?
Clinical Safety
A doctor's referral ensures the scan is clinically appropriate for your symptoms. For radiation-based scans (CT, X-ray), UK regulations require clinical justification before the scan can proceed.
Insurance Claims
Most private medical insurance policies require a valid GP or consultant referral letter before they will authorise and pay for a scan. Without one, your insurer may refuse to cover the cost.
Better Scan Reporting
The referral gives the radiologist clinical context — your symptoms, history, and what they're looking for. This leads to a more accurate, relevant report rather than a generic image interpretation.
Hospital Policy
Major providers including Spire Healthcare explicitly state that a referral letter from a GP or consultant is required before any diagnostic investigation can be booked. FastDoc referrals satisfy this requirement.
at some trusts in 2025/26
private MRI with referral
diagnostic waiting list
What Your Referral Letter Includes
Every referral letter includes:
Patient details — name, date of birth, and contact information
Clinical reason for the scan — your symptoms and the doctor's assessment
Specific scan type requested — MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, DEXA or mammogram
Body area to be scanned — e.g. lumbar spine, right knee, abdomen
Relevant medical history and any contraindications noted
Doctor's full credentials — name, GMC number, and signature
Official PDF format — accepted by all major private imaging centres and insurers
Trusted by Thousands Across the UK
Holly Rudorf
GB • Verified buyer
Absolutely Speechless
The consultant was professional, knowledgeable and very efficient. The whole service was smooth, well-organised and easy to use. I'd definitely recommend FastDoc.
Sab
GB • Verified buyer
Highly Recommended
I had been going back and forth with my local GP practice. This service was amazing and completely understood my needs.
swinkie
GB • 9 reviews
Very Simple
Very simple, easy process. Staff were great, especially Craig and the doctor's letter was exactly what I asked for. Excellent service.
Common Reasons Patients Need a Scan Referral
Back or Neck Pain
MRI lumbar or cervical spine
Joint or Knee Pain
MRI or X-ray knee, hip, shoulder
Headaches or Migraines
MRI brain / head
Chest or Lung Concerns
CT or X-ray chest
Abdominal Issues
Ultrasound or CT abdomen
Sports Injuries
MRI for ligament & tendon injuries
Heart Concerns
Echocardiogram or cardiac MRI
Bone Density
DEXA scan for osteoporosis
Not sure which scan type you need? Our doctors will advise based on your symptoms.
Accepted By Major Private Imaging Providers
FastDoc referral letters are accepted by any private imaging centre that accepts GP or consultant referrals.
What Is a Scan Referral Letter and Do You Need One?
A scan referral letter is an official medical document written by a UK-registered doctor that requests a specific type of imaging investigation on your behalf. It provides the imaging centre with clinical context — your symptoms, relevant history, and what the scan needs to assess — so the radiologist can produce the most accurate report possible.
Whether you need a referral depends on the scan type. CT scans, X-rays, DEXA scans and mammograms always require a clinical referral — UK regulations require justification for any procedure involving ionising radiation. MRI scans and ultrasounds are non-ionising, but most major private providers — including Spire Healthcare — explicitly require a referral letter before confirming any booking.
If you're using private medical insurance, a valid GP or consultant referral is typically required by insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality before they will authorise and pay for a scan. Booking without one may result in your insurer refusing to cover the cost.
FastDoc's referral letters are issued by GMC-registered doctors and meet all requirements for private healthcare. You'll receive your letter by email as a PDF — ready to use with your chosen imaging centre.
The FastDoc Promise
GMC-Registered Doctors
Every referral signed by a qualified UK doctor with full GMC registration
Accepted Nationwide
Valid at Spire, Nuffield, BMI, HCA, Alliance Medical and independent imaging centres
Same Day Delivery
Receive your referral letter by email same day if ordered before 8pm
Refund Guarantee
Full refund if our doctor determines a referral isn't clinically appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral letter for a private MRI scan?
Most private MRI providers require a referral letter before confirming your booking. Spire Healthcare, for example, states that a referral letter from a GP or consultant is required before any diagnostic investigation. While a small number of providers offer self-referral MRI, having a FastDoc referral letter ensures you can book with any provider, strengthens your insurance claim, and gives the radiologist clinical context for a more accurate report.
Do I need a referral for a CT scan or X-ray?
Yes — always. CT scans and X-rays use ionising radiation, and UK regulations (the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017) require clinical justification before these scans can be performed. A doctor must assess whether the scan is appropriate for your symptoms. No private imaging centre in the UK will perform a CT scan or X-ray without a valid clinical referral.
Will my private health insurance accept a FastDoc referral?
Yes. FastDoc referrals are issued by GMC-registered doctors and meet the standard requirements for private medical insurance claims. Most insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality require a GP or consultant referral before authorising diagnostic scans. Always obtain pre-authorisation from your insurer before booking your scan, and confirm your policy's outpatient limits, as some insurers may require a referral from your own GP specifically.
How long will I wait for a private scan with a FastDoc referral?
Once you have your referral letter, most private imaging centres can offer appointments within 24–72 hours. This compares to NHS wait times of 6–18 weeks at some trusts. Same-day appointments are sometimes available if there are cancellations. Contact your chosen imaging centre directly with your referral letter to book.
How quickly will I receive my FastDoc referral letter?
Same day if you order before 8pm on the Standard service (£44.95). Our Premium service (£59.95) puts you at the top of the queue for fastest processing. Once a GMC-registered doctor has reviewed your case and issued the referral, it is sent directly to your email as a PDF — ready to use immediately.
Which scan types do you cover?
FastDoc referral letters can be issued for MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasound scans, X-rays, DEXA (bone density) scans, and mammograms. If you are unsure which scan type you need, describe your symptoms in the form and our doctor will advise.
What if the doctor doesn't think I need a scan?
If our GMC-registered doctor reviews your case and determines that a referral is not clinically appropriate, you will receive a full refund and an explanation. We will not issue referrals that are not medically justified — clinical safety comes first. In some cases, the doctor may recommend a different scan type or specialist instead.
Can I use a FastDoc referral for an NHS scan?
No. FastDoc referrals are for private healthcare only. NHS diagnostic scans must be requested through your NHS GP or a hospital specialist via NHS pathways. FastDoc helps you access private imaging faster, without waiting for an NHS GP appointment.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. All information you provide is encrypted, securely stored, and only accessed by the doctor reviewing your case. FastDoc is fully GDPR compliant and never shares your information with third parties without your explicit consent.
Other Specialist Referrals We Offer
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Learn more →Get Your Scan Referral Letter Today
Same day delivery if ordered before 8pm for £44.95. Choose Premium service at checkout (£59.95) for top of the queue processing. No GP appointment needed.
Get Your Referral Now — From £44.95