How to get lab tests and diagnostic imaging in Colombia as a private patient
Private labs and imaging centers are accessible to foreigners, but requirements depend on the test. Some studies need a medical order, some require fasting or preparation, and higher-complexity imaging should be scheduled with enough time to obtain the report and actual image files.
One of the easiest parts of Colombian private healthcare is diagnostics. Once you have the appropriate order, private laboratories and imaging departments can often schedule you directly without EPS authorization when you are paying particular/self-pay.
Start with the order
Ask the ordering clinician to write the exact test or study in Spanish if possible. Imaging departments commonly require the medical order before scheduling. Méderi's current particular/private service, for example, tells imaging patients to present identification and the medical order.
Laboratory testing
Requirements depend on the test. Some blood work requires fasting; other tests do not. Méderi's current private-service instructions specify an 8–12 hour fast for its lab pathway when applicable. Do not fast automatically for every panel; follow the lab's instructions for your specific order.
Imaging vocabulary
- X-ray = radiografía
- Ultrasound = ecografía
- CT = tomografía
- MRI = resonancia magnética
- Mammography = mamografía
- Interventional radiology = radiología intervencionista
Ask about preparation
For CT or MRI with contrast, ultrasound, or specialized studies, ask about fasting, kidney-function testing, implanted devices, allergies, pregnancy possibility, and medication instructions where relevant.
Scheduling
Simple X-rays may be available quickly; MRI, CT with contrast, specialized ultrasound, interventional studies, or subspecialty interpretations may require appointments. If you are only in Colombia briefly, schedule early enough to receive the result before departure.
Ask for the actual images
If another doctor abroad will review the study, ask for the image dataset in its original digital format. CT and MRI are commonly distributed in DICOM-compatible formats. A PDF report is useful but does not replace the images.
What to bring
- Passport/ID
- Medical order
- Prior related imaging for comparison
- Medication/allergy information when relevant
- Insurance authorization only if you are using insurance rather than self-pay
How to ask for private pricing
Send the exact order and ask: ¿Cuál es el valor particular de este examen? For imaging, include whether the order specifies contrast.
Results
Ask whether results are delivered through a portal, email, link, CD/USB, or physical pickup, and how long the radiologist or laboratory interpretation normally takes.
Do you need to repeat a study done abroad?
Not automatically. Bring the images and report. The Colombian clinician may accept them or recommend new testing if the old study is outdated, technically inadequate, or does not answer the current clinical question.
Have a Colombian lab or imaging order you do not know how to schedule?
Tell us your city and what kind of care you need. If we know a practical starting point, we can point you toward the right type of provider or the Colombia Medical network.
Ask us on WhatsAppAsk by emailFrequently asked questions
Can I order my own MRI?
Many imaging centers require a medical order. Ask the provider directly rather than assuming self-referral is permitted.
Can I get results in English?
Some private/international providers may accommodate English, but Spanish is standard. Ask before the study if you need an English report.
Can I pay privately even if I have EPS?
Often yes; tell the facility you are requesting the service as particular.
For diagnostics, the smartest travel habit is simple: leave Colombia with the report and the underlying images/files.
A practical workflow for an MRI
- Get the medical order.
- Send a clear photo/PDF of the order to the imaging center.
- Ask for the private price and earliest appointment.
- Confirm whether contrast is ordered.
- Ask what preparation and prior labs are needed.
- Bring old images for comparison if relevant.
- Before leaving, confirm how you will receive the report and DICOM images.
A practical workflow for blood tests
Send the laboratory the order and ask whether fasting is needed, whether every test can be performed at that location, when results will be ready, and whether an appointment is required. Do not assume every “blood panel” needs fasting simply because one previous panel did.
What if the order is written in English?
Large private hospitals may understand standard English medical terminology, but do not rely on that for ambiguous abbreviations. If possible, ask the ordering clinician or Colombian doctor to provide a clear Spanish order with the exact study and clinical indication.
Imaging portability matters
If you are returning to the United States, Canada, or Europe, the radiologist's Spanish PDF report is only part of the record. Your future specialist may want the actual images. Ask for DICOM-compatible access and test the download link before you leave Colombia.
Diagnostic checklist before leaving Colombia
- Report received
- Underlying image files received
- Lab reference ranges included
- Ordering physician has the results
- Abnormal results have a follow-up plan
- English translation obtained if insurer/home doctor requires it