Imaging and Laboratory Tests

Yes. Psychiatrists and family physicians can order laboratory tests or diagnostic imaging when there is a clear medical need. Psychologists and social workers do not order medical tests, but they can refer you to a doctor.

The doctor may want to rule out a physical condition that can affect your mood, such as a thyroid disorder; monitor a medication through liver-function tests or blood-level testing; or evaluate physical symptoms. Depending on your condition, orders may include a complete blood count, vitamin or hormone tests, an MRI, or a CT scan.

You can have the test at any licensed laboratory, hospital, or imaging center in Saudi Arabia. Choose a facility based on location, cost, turnaround time, and your insurance network. Call before visiting to confirm that the test is available, that the facility accepts the order, and whether you need to prepare in advance—for example, by fasting or arriving at a specific time.

Take the doctor's order as a PDF or printed copy, complete the test, and collect the results on paper or electronically. You pay the facility directly, and your insurer determines whether the test is covered under your policy.

When the doctor issues the order, you will find it in the completed appointment card under test orders or instructions, or in the Laboratory and Imaging Orders section of your account. Open the order and download it as a PDF to show the facility or print it.

The order includes the name and reason for the test, preparation instructions, the doctor's details, the order date, and any important notes. The Laboratory and Imaging Orders section also keeps your previous orders together so you can find them in one place.

Once you receive the results, open the test order or appointment card and select Upload Results. Add a PDF or a clear JPG or PNG image. If the results have several pages, you can upload more than one file. Add a note for the doctor if needed, then confirm the upload.

Before uploading, check that your name and test date are correct and that every page is clear. Once submitted, the doctor is notified that your results are ready, and any comments or instructions from the doctor will appear in your account.

The doctor who ordered the test is best placed to review and explain the results in the context of your health. The doctor may add comments after you upload them or ask you to book a follow-up if the results require a fuller explanation, a medication change, another test, or a referral.

Do not rely on a high or low flag alone, and do not change your medication based on your own reading of the results. Age, medications, testing methods, and your overall health all affect interpretation. A psychologist or social worker can continue supporting the therapeutic side of your care, but medical results should be interpreted by a doctor.

Coverage depends on the type and medical reason for the test, your plan, the facility you choose, your remaining benefit limit, and whether prior approval is required. Contact your insurer before the test, give them the test and facility names, and ask for written confirmation if possible.

Your insurer may cover the full cost, cover part of it with a copayment, or ask you to pay first and submit a claim. Direct insurance billing through Tatmeen is not currently available and is coming soon. Coverage for a test performed at the facility remains subject to your policy and your insurer's network.

Upload the result for the doctor and send a message explaining that it is urgent, or book an urgent follow-up if the situation is not an emergency. The doctor may request a prompt consultation or refer you to a clinic or hospital if you need an in-person examination or intervention.

If the laboratory labels the result as critical, or you have severe pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or rapid deterioration, go to the nearest emergency department immediately or call the ambulance service on 997. You can also call the unified emergency number 911 where available. For non-emergency health advice, call the Ministry of Health on 937 and see the Emergency Support Center.