Pediatric Imaging and Radiology – State-of-the-Art Imaging for Kids

When your child needs an imaging test, it’s normal to feel anxious — especially if you aren’t sure what to expect. At Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, our pediatric imaging experts care for children from birth to age 21 with all types of health conditions across New Jersey. Our goal is to make each family’s imaging experience as comfortable and convenient as possible.

Whether working directly with our young patients or providing expert interpretation of test results, our board-certified radiologists — as well as our technologists, nurses, anesthesiologists and Child Life specialists who provide compassionate bedside care — are exclusively focused on catering to the unique imaging needs of children and adolescents.

What Happens When Your Child Needs an Imaging Test?

Your child’s doctor may tell you that your child needs imaging tests to learn more about their health. Your doctor’s office will give you a prescription, also called an order, for the test and you will need to schedule an appointment. 

If you receive a paper order for your child’s test, you can bring it to your appointment at one of our outpatient imaging locations. You can also ask your doctor’s office to send the order to our pediatric imaging services department electronically. 

When you come to one of our pediatric imaging locations, our experts will make sure your child’s test is performed safely, using advanced imaging techniques and the lowest effective radiation dose. Your child’s pediatric imaging team may include:

• Pediatric radiologists who interpret your child’s test results and may assist with performing the imaging test as needed.
• Radiology technologists who perform your child’s imaging test.
• Pediatric nurses who start IVs, give medications and provide supportive care during your child’s imaging test.
• Pediatric anesthesiologists who provide sedation as needed to keep your child calm and relaxed.
• Child Life specialists who provide age-appropriate, supportive, non-medical, and comfort-focused care to reduce your child’s anxiety.

After your child’s test is finished, the results will be interpreted, or read, by a pediatric radiologist. The pediatric radiologist will prepare a report and provide your child’s imaging test results to their doctor. 

Where Can I Go for Pediatric Imaging Services?

Our pediatric imaging services are available by appointment at many convenient locations across New Jersey at our children’s hospitals and beyond, including:

Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center
30 Prospect Avenue
Hackensack, NJ 07601
551-996-4788

K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center
19 Davis Avenue, Neptune, NJ 07753
732-776-4113
Free valet parking is available.

For additional sites that offer pediatric imaging services, view the full listing for a location near you.

What Pediatric Imaging Tests Do You Offer?

Our pediatric imaging team offers a full range of tests, including:

• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Fluoroscopy
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Nuclear medicine studies
• PET scans
• Ultrasound
• X-ray

We use the most advanced imaging technology and limit radiation exposure to the lowest effective dose. Our team also offers:

• Procedural sedation: Our pediatric anesthesiologists offer sedation at select locations for children who need to remain still for an extended period of time or need help relaxing during their test.
• Child Life Specialists: Our Child Life Specialists work alongside our medical professionals to ensure that your child’s care is delivered in a way that is easy to understand and as stress-free as possible.
• Items to help reduce anxiety: Select facilities are equipped with screens that show favorite TV shows and movies and our team members have access to items to help your child stay calm, comfortable and entertained during their procedure.

How Do I Make a Pediatric Imaging Appointment?
You can make an appointment for pediatric imaging services - including a CT scan, fluoroscopy, MRI, nuclear medicine study, PET scan, ultrasound or x-ray - by calling Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health imaging location closest to you. Our scheduling team will help you make an appointment for your child’s test.

What Should I Bring to My Child’s Imaging Appointment?
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your child’s scheduled appointment time. You should bring:

• Your child’s health insurance card.
• Your government-issued photo ID.
• Your child’s prescription or order for imaging tests, if you were given a paper copy.
• A small personal item to help your child feel more comfortable, such as a pacifier or a stuffed animal.

What Can I Do to Help My Child Prepare for an Imaging Test?

It’s normal for you and your child to feel anxious about an imaging appointment. Here are a few tips that can help you and your child have a positive experience:

• Talk it through. If your child is old enough, talk to them about what will happen during their appointment and honestly answer any questions they have. You can also talk about calming strategies if they feel nervous.
• Strive to create a calming environment. Working with your child’s care team to create a calming environment may help your child feel more at-ease during their test.
• Bring a distraction. A toy, book or personal item can help provide diversion and comfort during their appointment.
• Ask about sedation. If you think your child will have difficulty staying still, is very anxious or needs a lengthy procedure, ask your doctor if sedation would be an option.
• Schedule strategically. Avoid scheduling your child’s appointment when they are more likely to be tired, overwhelmed or hungry.

What Health Insurance Plans Do You Accept?
Our pediatric imaging services locations accept a range of insurance plans. Please contact your imaging services location or your health insurance plan directly to confirm acceptance of insurance.

Why Choose Pediatric Imaging Services at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health?

Convenient Care

With numerous locations across New Jersey, our goal is to make your child’s imaging services appointment as hassle-free — and as close to home — as possible. 

Experienced Providers

Our team of board-certified radiologists — which includes fellowship-trained pediatric imaging experts — specialize in working with children and deliver compassionate care that reduces anxiety for kids and parents.

Comprehensive Services

Our experts work with numerous physician offices inside and outside the Hackensack Meridian Health network to ensure your child gets the testing they need with results delivered as fast as possible.