Can You Get an X-Ray at Home in London? Everything You Need to Know

If you have ever wondered whether you can get an X-ray without leaving your home, the answer is yes — and it is more straightforward than most people expect.

What is a home X-ray service?

Private mobile X-ray services now operate across London and the South East, bringing professional diagnostic imaging directly to patients at home, in care homes, and in other residential settings. This guide covers how it works, who it is suitable for, and what to expect from the process.

A home X-ray service sends a qualified radiographer to your address with portable, professional-grade X-ray equipment. The examination takes place in your own home — or wherever you are most comfortable — and the resulting images are reviewed by a consultant radiologist who produces a written report.

How does the process work?

The key difference from a hospital or clinic X-ray is convenience. There is no waiting room, no travel, and no need to navigate a busy NHS department or private clinic. For many patients, particularly those with mobility difficulties or complex care needs, this makes a significant practical difference.

The process is designed to be as simple as possible. First, you book online — choose your examination type, select a date and time, and complete a short health questionnaire. No GP referral is required for most examinations.

Next, a fully registered radiographer arrives at your home with mobile X-ray equipment. The visit typically takes 30 to 45 minutes in total. The examination itself takes just a few minutes — your radiographer will position you correctly and ensure you are comfortable throughout.

Finally, a UK consultant radiologist reviews your images and sends a written radiology report to your email address, usually the same day. The report can be shared directly with your GP, specialist, or any other healthcare professional involved in your care.

Mobile X-ray equipment is capable of imaging most areas of the body. Common examinations carried out at home include chest X-ray, limb X-rays (hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and feet), spine X-rays (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar), pelvis and hip X-rays, and abdominal X-ray.

What types of X-ray can be done at home?

If you are unsure whether your required examination can be carried out at home, contact the provider before booking. Most standard diagnostic X-rays are suitable for a home visit.

Home X-ray is suitable for a wide range of patients. You do not need to be housebound to use the service — many patients simply prefer the convenience of a home visit over attending a clinic.

Common reasons patients choose home X-ray include mobility difficulties, elderly patients in care homes or residential settings, housebound individuals, patients recovering from surgery or injury, busy professionals who want to avoid waiting rooms, and families and carers arranging imaging for a relative.

Who is home X-ray suitable for?

No. Most private home X-ray providers, including Radpid Diagnostics, allow patients to self-refer. You complete a short health questionnaire at the time of booking, and the clinical team reviews your suitability before confirming your appointment. A small self-referral fee typically applies in addition to the examination cost.

With a consultant-led service, results are typically delivered the same day. Your written radiology report is emailed to you once the consultant radiologist has reviewed your images — usually within a few hours of your examination.

Pricing varies by provider and examination type. A standard home X-ray with same-day consultant report typically costs between £150 and £300 for a single examination, depending on the body part and number of views required.

Is a GP referral required?

Yes. Mobile X-ray equipment used by regulated providers is fully certified and maintained to the same standards as clinic-based equipment. Radiation exposure is kept to the minimum required to produce a diagnostic image, in line with IRMER guidelines. All radiographers are registered with the HCPC, and the service is regulated by the CQC.

If you are based in London or the South East and would like to arrange a home X-ray, Radpid Diagnostics offers a consultant-led service covering within 50 miles of DA2, including all Central London postcodes. You can book your home X-ray online in minutes — no referral required, with same-day consultant reporting as standard.