You’re staring at a doctor’s referral for an MRI or a CT scan. It’s stressful. Usually, the first thing people do is look at the hospital’s imaging department, but then they see the bill. Or the wait time. That’s exactly why American Health Imaging Marietta GA stays so busy. It is tucked away off Roswell Road, and honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might drive right past the brick exterior. But for people in Cobb County, this place has become a go-to alternative to the massive hospital systems like Wellstar.
It isn't just about the cost, though that's a huge part of it. Choosing an outpatient center is often a strategic move. When you go to a hospital for an MRI, you’re competing with emergency room traumas and admitted patients. At an outpatient spot like American Health Imaging (AHI), you are the priority. There’s no ambulance backing up to the door to bump your 2:00 PM appointment to 5:00 PM.
Why People Choose American Health Imaging Marietta GA Over Hospitals
Let’s talk money because, frankly, healthcare is expensive. Most people don't realize that "facility fees" are a real thing. Hospitals tack these onto your bill just for the privilege of walking through their doors. American Health Imaging Marietta GA is an independent outpatient facility, so those fees usually don't exist there. If you have a high-deductible plan, we’re talking about the difference between a $2,500 bill and a $600 bill for the exact same images.
It’s wild. Same magnets, same radio waves, totally different price tag.
The Marietta location specifically serves a huge chunk of the North Atlanta suburbs. Because it’s right near the 120 Loop and I-75, it pulls patients from East Cobb, Kennesaw, and even Smyrna. They offer a full suite of services. We are talking MRI (including those High-Field Open MRIs for the claustrophobic folks), CT scans, Ultrasound, and X-ray.
The Claustrophobia Factor
If the idea of sliding into a narrow tube makes your heart race, you aren't alone. It’s one of the biggest complaints in diagnostic imaging. AHI Marietta uses High-Field Open MRI technology. This isn't those old, weak "open" MRIs from the 90s that produced grainy pictures. These are high-quality machines that keep the sides open so you don't feel like you're in a coffin.
You can actually breathe.
The technicians there also tend to be pretty used to nervous patients. They’ll give you headphones, talk you through the "clunks" and "beeps," and keep it moving. It’s a specialized environment. In a hospital, the tech might be rushed. Here, their whole day is built around making sure you stay still enough for a clean shot the first time.
Scheduling and the "Pre-Auth" Headache
Nobody likes the paperwork. One of the biggest hurdles with any imaging in Georgia is the insurance pre-authorization. Your doctor says you need a scan, but your insurance company says, "Are you sure?"
AHI has a dedicated team that handles this. They basically act as the middleman between your doctor’s office and the insurance provider. It’s worth noting, however, that you should still call your insurance yourself. Mistakes happen. Ask them specifically: "Is American Health Imaging in Marietta an in-network provider for my specific plan?"
Most major plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare are usually covered, but verify. Don't just take a website's word for it.
What about the results?
This is where the anxiety kicks in. You finish the scan, you've got the gel from the ultrasound on your skin or you're shaking off the contrast dye from the CT, and you want to know what’s going on.
- The images are digital.
- A board-certified radiologist reads them.
- Your doctor usually gets the report within 24 to 48 hours.
Sometimes it's faster. If your doctor uses a specific portal, they might see the images almost instantly. But the formal "read" takes a bit of time because a human being has to look at every slice of that scan to find the pathology.
Getting to the Marietta Location
Location matters when you’re fasting for a scan or feeling lousy. The Marietta office is at 711 Canton Rd NE, Suite 100, Marietta, GA 30060.
It’s right in that medical corridor near the heart of the city. Parking is free and right out front. If you’ve ever tried to park at a downtown hospital, you know that free parking is basically a luxury. You walk in, check in at the desk, and usually, the waiting room isn't a three-hour ordeal.
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Technical Depth: MRI vs. CT at AHI
Most people get these confused. If you’re sent to American Health Imaging Marietta GA for an MRI, they are looking at soft tissue. Think ligaments, tendons, brain matter, or spinal discs. It uses magnets. No radiation.
A CT scan, on the other hand, is basically a fancy 3D X-ray. It’s much faster—usually under 10 minutes. It’s great for bones, lungs, and looking for things like kidney stones or appendicitis. AHI uses multi-slice CT technology, which is the industry standard for catching small details without keeping you on the table for an hour.
The Contrast Question
Sometimes they’ll want to inject you with "contrast." For an MRI, it’s Gadolinium. For a CT, it’s iodine-based. It makes the blood vessels or tumors "light up" on the screen.
If you have kidney issues, tell them. They’ll likely need a blood test (Creatinine) before they can give you contrast to make sure your kidneys can flush it out. It’s a safety thing. They don't skip this step.
Quality and Accreditation
Is an independent clinic as good as a hospital? Usually, yes. AHI facilities are typically accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This is the gold standard. It means their machines are calibrated correctly, their techs are licensed, and their radiologists know their stuff.
Don't feel like you're getting "discount" science just because the building is smaller. The technology is often identical to what’s sitting in a multi-billion dollar hospital tower.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you have an appointment coming up at American Health Imaging Marietta GA, don't just show up and hope for the best. Being prepared saves you time and stress.
Check your orders. Make sure your doctor actually sent the referral over. Call AHI a day before to confirm they have the paperwork in hand.
Dress for the occasion. If you're getting an MRI, wear clothes with zero metal. No zippers, no underwire bras, no "athleisure" with metallic fibers. It saves you from having to change into a thin hospital gown.
Arrival time. Get there 15 minutes early. There is always a clipboard. There are always forms.
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Request a CD or Portal Access. Before you leave, ask how you can access your images. Sometimes they can burn a CD right there, or they’ll give you a login for a patient portal. This is vital if you are seeing a specialist later who needs to see the actual pictures, not just the typed report.
Ask about the cash price. If you don't have insurance or have a massive deductible, ask for the "self-pay" rate. Often, the cash price is significantly lower than what they bill insurance. It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s a standard practice in the industry.
By choosing an outpatient setting in Marietta, you're usually choosing a faster, cheaper, and less chaotic experience than the traditional hospital route. Just stay on top of your insurance and make sure you've got your "why" ready for the technician so they can focus on the right area of your body.