How can we help?

Yes — diagnostic imaging exams require a valid medical referral. There are two dedicated routes: for preventive exams (imaging check-up) you do not need to bring a referral, because the indication is taken on by CRMA's medical team at the prior assessment; for interventional radiology, booking is by phone and preceded by an assessment by the medical team. Learn more under Prevention and Interventional Radiology.

Through the online form, by phone (+351 289 892 100 — national landline call charge), by email (clinica@crmalgarve.pt) or in person at our reception, in Faro.

No. The request is not binding — CRMA's team will contact you during working hours to confirm the date, time and any preparation needed. Your booking is only final after this confirmation.

Yes — you can cancel or reschedule at no cost. We only ask that you let us know as far in advance as possible: the slot you free up can make all the difference to another patient waiting for an exam.

Prices are not listed on the website — they are given when your booking is confirmed, depending on the exam, the insurer or subsystem covering it and any preparation needed.

The exam is determined by your doctor, who issues the referral. If you have questions after receiving the referral, we can help you clarify the practical aspects of the exam, but the clinical indication always rests with the referring doctor.

Most exams are scheduled quickly. Even so, some services may have longer waiting times — in that case you can ask to be placed on a waiting list and we will contact you as soon as a slot becomes available.

We work with the SNS (convention) and with the country's main health insurers and subsystems — ADSE, Multicare, Médis, AdvanceCare and others. See the full list of agreements or contact us to confirm case by case.

As a rule, your medical referral and the insurer or subsystem card. Some agreements require additional documents — this depends on the insurer or subsystem, and we let you know when your booking is confirmed.

The amount depends on the terms of your insurer or subsystem and your plan, and also on the exam. It is communicated when your booking is confirmed, with no surprises on the day of the exam.

It depends on the exam. For example, for a CT scan with contrast the fasting period is 4 hours; many exams require no fasting at all. The specific instruction is on your exam's page and is always confirmed when you book.

As a rule, keep taking all your regular medication, including metformin, unless your doctor advises otherwise. If in doubt, speak to us when you book.

Comfortable clothing that is easy to take off and put on, preferably with no metal parts (zips, metal buttons). Bring your referral, the card of the insurer or subsystem covering the exam, and your previous examinations.

Yes, whenever possible. Bringing previous studies (reports and/or images) helps the radiologist make comparisons. You can bring them on CD, in digital format or on paper.

For some exams, yes — for example, when oral contrast or hydration has to be done at the clinic, you may need to arrive 30 to 60 minutes early. The exact instruction is given when your booking is confirmed and is on each exam's page.

Yes. CT (computed tomography) and CAT (computed axial tomography) refer to the same exam — 'CAT scan' is the older term and 'CT scan' is the current one. At CRMA you may see both: the exam is exactly the same.

A CT scan uses X-rays. At CRMA, protocols are adjusted to use the lowest dose needed for diagnostic quality, on a recent 128-slice scanner. The exam is carried out when the clinical benefit justifies the exposure.

No. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves — it does not use ionising radiation (X-rays).

Let us know when you book. Each case is assessed individually by the radiologist — depending on the clinical context, an exam without contrast, pre-medication or another modality may be chosen.

Many people with mild claustrophobia have the exam with support from our team — and for several exams the head can stay outside the tunnel. If you feel very anxious, contact the clinic before the day of the exam so we can find the most suitable solution together.

Always tell us if pregnancy is confirmed or possible. Ultrasound is considered safe. MRI does not use ionising radiation and may be performed at any stage of pregnancy when the doctor considers the information necessary — in the first trimester, as a precaution, the indication is weighed case by case. For exams using X-rays (X-ray, CT, mammography), whether to proceed is assessed case by case by the radiologist, according to the clinical benefit.

Yes. Current recommendations (ACR/ESUR/EMA) indicate that breastfeeding may continue as normal, both after contrast (CT) and after a Group II macrocyclic gadolinium agent (MRI), with no need to interrupt it.

Informed consent is a legal and ethical requirement. It ensures that you understand the aims, benefits and risks of an exam that uses ionising radiation (such as X-ray or CT) before you have it. Our team is happy to answer any questions.

It is a form that collects information essential to your safety before the exam — implants and medical devices, allergies, pregnancy, illnesses and medication. It allows the team to prepare the exam safely and without delays.

Preferably before the day of the exam, online. If you can't, reception will help you fill it in when you arrive.

Because MRI uses a strong magnetic field: devices such as pacemakers, neurostimulators, clips or metal fragments can contraindicate the exam or require special care. That is why the questions about implants are mandatory before any MRI.

Because it is reviewed for each exam, for safety: information such as medical history, allergies, medication or other conditions can change over time and affect the exam. Confirming it ensures your safety and the quality of the procedure.

The timeframe varies with the type of exam and is given to you at the end of the exam.

The report, produced by a radiologist, is made available as a PDF (by email or printed) and the images on CD and on CRMA's imaging platform (imagiologia.abneves.pt), to take to your doctor. Your platform access details are given to you when you register.

With your written authorisation, we can send the report directly to the referring doctor.

Yes, with your authorisation.

At Rua Dona Teresa Ramalho Ortigão, 31A R/c, in Faro. See the map, directions and parking on the contact page.

Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 19:00, and Saturday from 08:00 to 13:00.

Yes — we assist in Portuguese, English and French.

Booking, collecting results and administrative services are at door 28 of Rua Dona Teresa Ramalho Ortigão. Exams take place at door 31A, R/C, on the same street.

Yes. We always confirm identity for reasons of security and protection of your health data — this is what safeguards the confidentiality of clinical information.

As a rule, priority service does not apply to pre-booked exams: these are seen at the booked time or in order of arrival. There are, however, exceptions linked to clinical assessment and the patient's state of health.

There is paid public parking on the nearby streets and free parking at Largo de São Francisco, about 200 metres away (2–3 minutes on foot).