We know that imaging appointments can raise questions. Here are answers to the questions we hear most often. If you need more information, our team is always happy to help.
⚡ Popular Questions
For most clinical services — including X-rays, CT scans, and diagnostic ultrasounds — a referral from your doctor or specialist is required before we can proceed. However, screening mammograms and self-referred obstetric ultrasounds (such as gender scans and 3D/4D pregnancy scans) can be booked directly. If you are unsure whether you need a referral, please call us on 015 880 2947/8 and our team will advise you.
You can book in four ways: call us on 015 880 2947/8, WhatsApp us on 072 469 8447, email reception@bexcelradiology.co.za, or complete the online booking form on our website. Please have your referral letter and medical aid card ready when booking.
Yes. WhatsApp us on 072 469 8447 and our reception team will assist you with booking, answer questions about your scan, and confirm your appointment. Please include your name, the type of scan you need, and your preferred date.
Walk-ins are accepted for routine X-rays. For all other services — including ultrasound, mammography, and CT scans — we recommend booking in advance to ensure availability and proper preparation. Please call ahead during peak periods.
Please contact our reception team on 015 880 2947/8 to confirm whether we are registered with your specific medical aid scheme and what your benefits cover. We recommend checking your benefits before your appointment.
Please bring your referral letter from your doctor (if applicable), your medical aid card and membership number, your South African ID or passport, and any previous relevant scan results or reports if available.
Yes. You may book on behalf of a family member or dependent. Please provide their full name, ID number or date of birth, and medical aid details at the time of booking. A parent or guardian must accompany minors to the appointment.
Fasting requirements depend on the type of scan. CT scans with contrast typically require 4–6 hours of fasting beforehand. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds may require specific preparation. Our reception team will give you full preparation instructions when you book.
For abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds, a full bladder is often required — you will be asked to drink water beforehand and not urinate. For CT scans with contrast, you may be asked to avoid eating but can usually drink water. Your specific instructions will be confirmed at booking.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. For certain scans you may be asked to change into a gown. Avoid clothing with metal zips or underwire where possible.
Yes. Please remove jewellery, piercings, hair accessories, and any metal objects before your scan. Metal can interfere with imaging quality. Lockers or a safe area to store your belongings will be available at the practice.
In most cases, yes. However, if you are taking blood thinners, diabetes medication, or metformin and are having a contrast CT scan, please inform us at booking so we can advise you accordingly.
On the day of your mammogram, avoid applying deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion, or perfume to your underarms or chest area — these can interfere with the imaging. Wear a top that is easy to remove. There is no fasting required.
For most first-trimester scans, a full bladder is required. For later pregnancy scans, an empty bladder is preferred. Your specific preparation instructions will be confirmed when you book. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early.
Most routine X-rays take 15–30 minutes. Ultrasound appointments are typically 30–45 minutes. CT scans are usually complete within 20–30 minutes including preparation. Mammography takes approximately 20–30 minutes. We will give you an estimated duration when you book.
Most imaging procedures are completely painless and non-invasive. Mammography involves brief, firm compression of the breast tissue, which some patients find uncomfortable but not painful. Our team is trained to ensure your comfort throughout your appointment.
Yes. You are welcome to bring a family member or support person. They may wait in the reception area. In some cases — particularly for children and anxious patients — a family member may be permitted in the scan room. Please advise us at the time of booking.
You will lie on a padded table that moves through a large, ring-shaped scanner. The machine rotates around you taking cross-sectional images. If contrast dye is required, it will be administered via a small injection. The procedure is painless and you will be able to breathe normally throughout. Our radiographer will guide you step by step.
You will lie on a comfortable bed and a gel will be applied to the area being examined. The sonographer will move a handheld probe (transducer) gently across your skin. The images appear on a monitor in real time. The procedure is painless and typically takes 30–45 minutes.
Contrast dye is used in some CT scans to improve image clarity. It is generally safe for most patients. However, if you have kidney problems, allergies to iodine or contrast dye, or are diabetic, please inform us before your appointment so we can take appropriate precautions.
Please let us know before your appointment if you feel anxious or claustrophobic. Our team is experienced in supporting nervous patients. For CT scans, the ring-shaped machine is open on both sides, which most patients find manageable. We will talk you through every step.
Reports are typically available within 24 hours of your scan. CT scan reports are often ready within 2 hours. Urgent or emergency cases are prioritised and may be reported within a few hours. Your referring doctor will be notified as soon as the report is complete.
Yes. Radiological reports are sent directly to your referring doctor. If you do not have a referring doctor, please discuss report delivery with our reception team at the time of booking.
Yes. You may request a copy of your images on CD or via secure digital transfer. Please ask our reception team at the time of your appointment or contact us after your scan.
Absolutely. All patient reports and personal information are treated with strict confidentiality in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) No. 4 of 2013. Reports are only shared with your referring doctor or with your explicit consent.
Your referring doctor will typically receive your report directly. If you need to collect a physical copy of your images or report, please contact our reception team on 015 880 2947/8 to arrange collection at the practice.
Reports are sent to your referring doctor as the primary recipient. If you would like a copy emailed to you directly, please request this at reception. We will require written consent before sharing reports electronically.
Your referring doctor is best placed to explain your results in the context of your overall health. If you have specific questions about the imaging findings, your doctor can liaise with our radiologist directly.
Yes. Diagnostic X-rays use very low doses of ionising radiation, carefully controlled to the minimum required for a clear image. The benefits of accurate diagnosis far outweigh the minimal risk. We adhere strictly to all radiation safety protocols.
The doses used in diagnostic imaging are very small and considered safe. Modern digital equipment allows us to use significantly lower doses than older technology. We never perform unnecessary imaging, and we follow the ALARA principle — As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
Ultrasound is safe throughout pregnancy and is the preferred imaging method for pregnant patients. X-rays and CT scans are generally avoided during pregnancy unless clinically essential and specifically authorised by a doctor. If you are pregnant, please inform us before your appointment.
Mammography involves low-dose radiation and is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless there is a specific clinical need. Breast ultrasound is the preferred option for pregnant women with breast concerns. Please discuss with your referring doctor.
We are fully compliant with POPIA (Act No. 4 of 2013). Your personal information, medical history, and images are stored securely and are only accessible to authorised staff and your referring doctor. We never share patient data with third parties without your explicit consent.
Yes. All our radiographers and clinical staff are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Our practice is registered under Practice Number 1211498.
Yes. B Excel Radiology Practice Inc is fully compliant with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) No. 4 of 2013. You can read our full Privacy Policy on our website.
We offer X-rays (general radiography), a full suite of ultrasound services, digital mammography, CT scanning (including oncology staging), and interventional radiology procedures including image-guided biopsy and fine needle aspiration.
Yes. We offer a comprehensive range of CT services including head and brain CT, chest/abdomen/pelvis CT (CAP), spine CT, CT angiography, contrast-enhanced studies, trauma assessment, and oncology staging CT scans. Reports are typically available within 2 hours.
Yes. We offer a full obstetric ultrasound suite including early pregnancy scans, dating scans, nuchal translucency (NT) scans, anatomy scans, Doppler studies, and 2D, 3D, and 4D pregnancy scans including gender reveal. Pricing starts from R800.
Mammography is used for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Annual screening is recommended for all women over 40, and for younger women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Yes. Our interventional radiology services include image-guided biopsy, fine needle aspiration (FNA), and drainage procedures. A referral from your specialist is required. Contact us to discuss your clinical needs.
Yes. We welcome paediatric patients. Our team is experienced in making children feel comfortable and at ease. Paediatric X-rays are performed with appropriately adjusted doses. A parent or guardian must be present for all patients under 18.
Urgent and emergency cases are accommodated where possible. Please call us directly on 015 880 2947/8 for urgent imaging needs. CT scan reports for urgent cases are typically available within 2 hours.
Our main practice is at 21B Peace Street, Arbor Park, Tzaneen, Limpopo, 0850. We also offer outreach ultrasound services in Phalaborwa every Wednesday (Marulamed & Two Summers) and Giyani every Friday (Baloyi X-ray Radiography Practice).
Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 17:00. Saturday: 08:00 – 13:00. Closed on Sundays and public holidays. For urgent after-hours enquiries, please WhatsApp 072 469 8447.
Yes. Parking is available on site at our Tzaneen practice. If you require assistance, please let our reception team know when you arrive.
For after-hours urgent enquiries, please WhatsApp us on 072 469 8447. We will respond as soon as possible. For non-urgent enquiries, please contact us during practice hours or email reception@bexcelradiology.co.za.
Yes. We offer ultrasound outreach services in Phalaborwa every Wednesday at Marulamed and Two Summers, and in Giyani every Friday at Baloyi X-ray Radiography Practice. All outreach bookings are made through our main Tzaneen practice.
We serve patients from Tzaneen, Phalaborwa, Giyani, and the broader Mopani District and Limpopo region. Our outreach programme extends specialist imaging services to communities that would otherwise need to travel to major urban centres.
We are located at 21B Peace Street, Arbor Park, Tzaneen. You can search "B Excel Radiology" on Google Maps, or visit our Contact page for directions and a map link. If you need assistance, call us on 015 880 2947/8.
"Precise Imaging. Precise Care." — 015 880 2947/8