[Before the examination: digital check-in]

The check-in before imaging is an often underestimated but clinically critical step in the radiological patient journey. In computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the quality of pre-examination information substantially determines whether risks are identified, examinations are adequately planned, and workflows are efficiently managed.

To describe the clinical and organizational relevance of digital check-in processes in radiology and to assess their potential benefits, limitations, and prerequisites.

Narrative review focusing on radiology-specific literature on appointment management, digital patient history and informed consent, protocol selection, patient portals, and implementation barriers.

Digital check-in processes can improve the completeness of relevant pre-examination information, facilitate earlier identification of radiological risk constellations, reduce no-shows, focus informed consent discussions, and support protocol planning. However, their benefit depends largely on integration into established systems, as well as on patient-centered design.

The greatest added value arises not from isolated tools, but from a clinically designed, interoperable pre-examination process. Digital solutions should support physicians and improve the patient journey.