Arvinder Uppal, MD in Baltimore: Radiology with Same-Day Reporting and Direct Scheduling

Arvinder Uppal, MD provides diagnostic and interventional radiology services through Charter Radiology, a Baltimore-based independent practice that operates without hospital system ownership. The practice handles CT, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray, and fluoroscopy across multiple Baltimore locations, accepting referrals from primary care, specialists, and self-referred patients. Charter Radiology emphasizes direct scheduling without requiring authorization delays and produces radiologist reports the same day imaging is performed, differentiating it from hospital-based departments where reporting timelines can extend several days.

What Arvinder Uppal, MD and Charter Radiology Actually Do

Uppal is a board-certified radiologist specializing in body imaging, including abdominal, thoracic, and musculoskeletal studies. Within Charter Radiology's multi-specialty group, he interprets cross-sectional imaging and participates in interventional procedures. The practice operates as an independent diagnostic center rather than a hospital-owned radiology department, which means imaging occurs at dedicated outpatient facilities optimized for scheduling efficiency rather than within a larger medical system's workflow.

Imaging Services and Pricing

Charter Radiology offers CT, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray, fluoroscopy, and image-guided interventions. Pricing varies significantly by imaging type and whether studies are ordered with or without contrast. CT scans typically range from $400 to $900 depending on body region and contrast requirements; MRI scans range from $800 to $1,800. Ultrasound studies cost between $250 and $500. Interventional procedures (biopsies, injections, drainages) cost between $1,200 and $3,500 depending on complexity. Patients with insurance are billed according to their plan's negotiated rates; uninsured patients should contact the practice directly for cash-pay discounts, which often range from 30 to 40 percent below list price. Confirm current fees before scheduling, as imaging costs fluctuate with equipment maintenance and facility overhead.

How Charter Radiology Compares to Baltimore Alternatives

Independent diagnostic centers like Charter Radiology differ from hospital-based radiology departments in scheduling model and reporting speed. A hospital imaging department (found at University of Maryland Medical Center, Sinai Hospital, or Johns Hopkins) integrates radiology into a larger system, which can create longer wait times for both appointments and reports because radiologists divide attention across inpatient and outpatient studies. Charter Radiology prioritizes outpatient imaging, typically scheduling appointments within 3 to 5 business days for routine studies and providing final reports the same day. Hospital systems excel for inpatients requiring stat imaging or follow-up care in a single location; for routine diagnostic imaging ordered by an outside specialist, independent practices offer faster turnaround. Some Baltimore employers and insurance networks contract preferentially with hospital systems, so coverage may favor in-system imaging. Confirm your insurance plan's preferred imaging provider before booking.

Who This Suits and Who It Does Not

Charter Radiology works well for patients with primary care physicians or specialists outside hospital systems who want fast imaging and same-day reporting, for those seeking flexible scheduling without authorization delays, and for self-referred patients managing ongoing musculoskeletal concerns. It does not suit inpatients requiring stat imaging or those admitted through an emergency department; hospital radiology departments are standard for acute hospital care. Patients dependent on in-network coverage within a single health system may face higher out-of-pocket costs at independent facilities unless their plan includes Charter Radiology in its network.

What a First Visit Involves

Call Charter Radiology to schedule your imaging appointment; you do not need a requisition in advance, though providing one accelerates check-in. At the facility, plan to arrive 10 minutes early. A technologist will verify your medical history, confirm pregnancy status if relevant, review any contrast allergies, and place an IV if contrast is needed. The imaging itself takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the study type. Radiologist Uppal or another Charter radiologist will interpret your images and provide a preliminary report by end of day, with a final report typically available within 24 hours. Your referring physician receives a copy electronically; if self-referred, you can request a copy for your records.

Hours, Parking, and Getting There

Charter Radiology maintains multiple Baltimore-area locations with hours generally Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday mornings; verify specific hours and location availability before scheduling. Most facilities offer free on-site or adjacent parking. Confirm current hours directly with the practice as scheduling policies may shift seasonally.

Charter Radiology's independence from hospital systems and same-day reporting model address the gap in Baltimore between urgent imaging needs and hospital department timelines, making it a practical choice for patients whose specialists operate outside a single health system.