Some imaging tests may require specific preparations at home, such as not eating for a certain amount of time, having a full bladder, or no deodorant before the procedure or imaging. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure accurate results. The instructions will be in MyChart and associated with your appointment. The scheduler’s also give verbal instructions. Please ask any questions to better understand what needs to be done before your appointment.

Some tests require blood work or lab results before imaging, or a procedure can be performed.

If sedation (going to sleep) is involved in your procedure, you may need someone to accompany you and drive you home afterward. Sedation can make you drowsy or impair your ability to drive, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

Handicapped Parking is available in all parking lots.

Parking at UNC Eastown, Hillsborough, Chatham, Imaging and Spin Center (ISC), ACC, and Burlington Radiology Centers are free and conveniently located next to each facility.

Parking for appointments at the UNC Hospitals (main campus) requires payment.

Plan for an additional 20 to 40 minutes and be prepared for a potentially long walk.

Parking for the main UNC Hospitals is available in the Dogwood deck, situated across Manning Drive from the hospital. Entry gates are located off New East Drive.

Once parked, you can walk approximately 150 yards using the pedestrian walkways on level 2.

There is also a free van on level 2 that can take you to the main hospital entrances.

Parking costs $1.50 per hour, with a maximum charge of $10.00 per day.

If you need assistance with paying for parking, please contact our patient resource center on the main level of the Cancer Hospital or calling (984) 974-8100

The parking office can be contacted at 984-974-1031 or visit uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/patients-visitors/parking-and-transportation

Valet parking at UNC Hospitals, main campus:

1. is available to all patients and visitors from 5:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
2. Valet stations are at the Transportation/Valet building (across from the N.C. Children’s Hospital) and at the Manning level entrance of the Cancer Hospital (at the Emergency Room Drive)
3. The cost is $12.00 per visit per day. You can buy Valet Coupons from the Valet Cashier in books of 5 at the cost of $55.00 per book.

Chapel Hill Transit offers free busing to UNC Hospitals on many of its routes. Visit townofchapelhill.org/transit

The Triangle Transit Authority also offers multiple bus routes to UNC Hospitals from surrounding cities: Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Garner, and Hillsborough. Visit gotransitnc.org. This is not free but will cost to ride.

Radiology appointments can vary in length. Be prepared that the imaging or procedure may take longer than anticipated due to various factors. It’s a good idea to set your expectations accordingly and allow for extra time in your schedule.

Before your appointment, write down any questions you have about the imaging or procedure. This way, you can ensure that all your concerns are addressed during your visit.

Check appointments using UNC MyChart App (https://myuncchart.org/MyChart/). If you have access to the UNC MyChart App on your phone, you can use it to check on your upcoming appointments and any related information.

During the day a trained UNC volunteer will sometimes be available to answer questions about logging on and using MyChart in a HIPAA compliant way. If available, they will be located in the registration area of the Radiology Department in the basement of Women’s Hospital and in the Breast Imaging Department on the 1st floor of the Cancer Hospital.

The hospital is a connection of many buildings by downloading the UNC Health App to help you find where to need to go. You can download the app by searching for “UNC Health App” on the Apple App store or the Google Play Store. Or text “UNCAPP” to 43506.

UNC Health Wayfinding App:

1. you can get turn-by-turn directions from home to UNC Medical Center
2. Drop a pin at your parking space.
3. Find places inside the hospital like food, or restrooms.
4. Connect to My UNC Chart

You can also always ask someone at guest services for help.

For your appointment:

• Make sure to bring your insurance card and ID, as they will be needed for your appointment.
• If you have a flexible spending account card, remember to bring it along.
• It’s a good idea to have some money or cards with you for parking, cafeteria expenses, or any other needs.
• If you have any reports or studies from another hospital or clinic that are relevant to your appointment, bring them on a CD.
• Carry a pen and a small notebook, or notepad app on your phone or tablet, to write down any questions or important information you may need.

• It can be helpful to have your phone and charger with you to keep yourself entertained or connected.
• Remember to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated while waiting.
• If you think you might get hungry, pack some snacks to have during the wait.
• Consider bringing a book, magazine, or puzzle book to keep yourself engaged and pass the time.

Other personal items:

• It’s a good idea to dress in layers, so bring a light jacket or scarf in case you feel cold or hot during your visit.
• Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you for personal hygiene.
• If you are having a mammogram, it may be helpful to have deodorant handy for AFTER the mammogram.
• Chapstick or lip balm can keep your lips moisturized.

Remember, these items can help make your appointment more comfortable and convenient.

• Possible need for follow-up imaging: Depending on the results of the initial imaging, your healthcare provider may recommend additional imaging or procedures. Understand that this is a possibility, and don’t be alarmed if further tests are needed for a more accurate diagnosis.
• Consider other appointments: If you have appointments scheduled after your radiology appointment, it’s best not to worry about being late. Radiology procedures can sometimes run longer than expected, and it’s important to prioritize your health and well-being. If you are concerned, please let the technologist know and they can assist you.
• Internet service: Wireless internet is available throughout all the public access areas of at UNC Hospitals
• ATM locations:
  • State Employees Credit Union (Cash Points)
    • NC Memorial Hospital, past the escalators of the main lobby
    • NC Women’s Hospital, in the lobby behind the escalators
    • NC Cancer Hospital, ground floor, at the entrance of Starbucks
  • Truist
    • NC Memorial Hospital, past the escalators of the main lobby
  • Bank of America
    • NC Memorial Hospital, ground floor, near Corner Café and elevators
  • Wells Fargo
    • NC Memorial Hospital, main lobby

• Food:
  • Corner Café. Ground floor of the Children’s Hospital, directly back from the main lobby M-F 6am -2 pm
  • Terrace Café 1st floor of the Children’s Hospital, just up the winding stairs (or Children’s elevators) above the front desk 7 days a week 6:30 am-9:00 pm
  • Overlook café 2nd floor of NC Neurosciences Hospital on the corridor to the NC Cancer Hospital M-F 11 am-4 pm
  • Starbucks Ground floor between Neurosciences Hospital and the NC Cancer Hosptial 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Beach Café A university dining hall in the Brinkhaus-Bullitt building behind UNC Hospitals Visit dining.unc.edu/menu-hours for current hours
• Shopping:
  • Cranberry Corner Gift Shop and Butterfly Boutique gift shops in Chapel Hill and The Gift Gallery in Hillsborough. They are owned and operated by UNC Volunteer Association. All proceeds benefit hospital programs, patients, and their families.
  • Carolina Care at Home Convenience Center, in the lobby of Memorial Hospital. Offers some drug store items, toiletries, and medical supplies.

Interested in volunteering for the UNC Radiology Patient and Family Advisory Board? (they helped put together this handout for you!) It is a group of staff, adult patients, and community members who work together to support and promote patient and caregiver centered care. If so, please contact Loretta_Muss@med.unc.edu or 984-974-8107
Remember, it’s important to ask your healthcare provider or the radiology department for any specific instructions or guidelines related to your appointment. Being prepared and well-informed will help make your radiology experience smoother and less stressful.