Locations
National City Radiology & Imaging Center
National City location
☆ 4.1 out of 5 (22 reviews)
1401 Highland Ave
National City, CA 91950
P: (619) 714-9100
M-F: 8a – 5p
Services:
3T MRI, 128 slice CT, x-ray, Axos360
Interventional Pain Management
Axos Urgent Care location
Located in central National City on bustling Highland Avenue, Axos Imaging is the premier outpatient radiology center for South Bay San Diego. We also serve patients from Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and East County who need hospital-quality imaging without the hassle of navigating large medical centers.
Our National City facility is our technology flagship, equipped with a 3 Tesla (3T) MRI scanner, the only outpatient 3T MRI in our region. This advanced system operates at twice the magnetic strength of standard MRI machines, providing:
Higher Resolution: Exceptional detail for neurology (brain/spine) and orthopedic (musculoskeletal) imaging.
Faster Scan Times: Stronger magnets often mean shorter exams for patients.
Comprehensive Care: In addition to MRI, we offer 128-slice CT scans and digital X-Ray services on-site.
Convenient South Bay Access
We are easily accessible via Highway I-5, I-805, 94 and 54 making us a quick drive for residents across South Bay and East County.
Easy Parking: We offer a private parking lot directly in front of our building on Highland Avenue—completely free and hassle-free.
Review-Backed Care: We are proud to be one of the top-rated imaging centers in South Bay, with over 100 5-star reviews highlighting our friendly staff and efficiency.
Walk-In X-Ray: We can often accommodate same-day or walk-in requests for X-Ray services (please call ahead to confirm).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for an MRI at Axos National City?
We generally prefer a referral from your treating physician to ensure we perform the correct scan for your specific medical needs. We can help coordinate this with your doctor if needed. But if you do not have a referral we may still be able to accommodate you.
How quickly can I get an appointment in National City?
Unlike large hospital systems where wait times can be weeks, we often have same-week or even same-day appointments available at our National City location. Call us to check current availability.
How quickly will my doctor get the results?
Speed is one of our biggest advantages over hospital systems. Our board-certified radiologists typically review images and generate a report within 24 to 48 hours. We will fax the results directly to your referring physician so you can discuss the findings as soon as possible.
How should I prepare for my MRI appointment?
Preparation is simple. We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing like a cotton t-shirt and sweatpants without metal zippers or buttons. Please leave jewelry, watches, and hairpins at home, as metal can interfere with the magnetic field. You can usually eat and drink normally before your exam unless your specific scan requires fasting (we will notify you in advance if this is the case).
I am claustrophobic. Is the 3T MRI machine tight?
Our 3T scanner is designed with patient comfort in mind. While it is a traditional "tube" style magnet, it provides high-definition images that open-sided scanners often cannot match. To help you relax, we provide earplugs, and our technologist will be in constant communication with you throughout the scan. If you have severe anxiety, we recommend speaking with your referring doctor about a mild sedative prior to your appointment.
We have prepared a video demonstration of what to expect during an MRI scan.
What is the difference between 1.5T and 3T MRI?
The "T" stands for Tesla, the unit of measurement for the magnet's strength. Our National City location features a 3T scanner, which is twice as powerful as the standard 1.5T. This allows your doctor to see ultra-fine details in nerve tissues, joints, and the brain that might be missed on lower-strength machines.