No, you do not always need a referral from your own GP. Medicana Winchester accepts self-referrals for many conditions, particularly musculoskeletal (MSK) issues. Simply complete the request form on this page. Our in-house clinical team will review your request to ensure the scan is clinically justified and safe for you, acting as the referrer where appropriate.

We pride ourselves on speed. Once your scan is completed at our Winchester clinic, it is analysed by our expert Consultant Radiologists. We aim to send the full verified report to you (and your GP) via secure email within 24 to 48 hours. Digital copies of your images can also be provided upon request.

The ‘T’ stands for Tesla, the unit of magnetic strength. A 3T MRI scanner is twice as powerful as the standard 1.5T scanners found in many hospitals. This increased power allows us to capture exceptionally detailed images of the brain, spine, and joints, often resulting in a more accurate diagnosis and faster scan times for you.

Yes, we are recognised by most major insurers including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, and Vitality. When filling out the self-referral form, please select “Private Medical Insurance” and provide your membership number and pre-authorisation code. We can then assist in processing this directly with your insurer.

Yes, for safety and clinical reasons, we have strict age guidelines for self-referrals. Patients must be 12 years or older for an MRI scan and 18 years or older for an Ultrasound scan. If the patient is younger than these limits, please contact our team directly as a specialist referral may be required.

Not always. MRI uses strong magnets, so certain implants (like pacemakers, cochlear implants, or aneurysm clips) can be dangerous. That is why completing the Safety Questionnaire in the request form is mandatory. If you have joint replacements or standard surgical screws, these are usually safe, but you must declare them so our team can check compatibility.