Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. If I think I need an MRI how do I go about getting an appointment?
  2. How long does an exam take?
  3. When will the doctor get the results of my exam?
  4. What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
  5. Do you accept worker's compensation cases?
  6. Do you accept automobile injury, claim and lein claim cases?
  7. I'm very claustrophobic. What should I do?
  8. I am a large person. Do I have to be concerned?
  9. Are there any reasons that I should not have the scan done?
  10. Are there any risks?
  11. Do I need to prepare for the exam?
  12. Can I eat before the exam?
  13. What is an Open MRI?
  14. What is the exam like?
  15. Will I feel anything during the scan?
  16. Will I need an injection?

  1. If I think I need an MRI how do I go about getting an appointment?

    For the most part, you should contact your physician. Most patients and those wishing to use their insurance, will need a referral for an MRI from a physician. However, a patient can self-refer for an MRI. If you wish to pay for the exam and you do not have a referral from a physician, please inform our patient coordinator. Our patient coordinator will discuss the particulars with you.

  2. How long does an exam take?

    Most exams are 30-45 minutes in duration. Occasionally, a complicated exam may exceed 60 minutes.

  3. When will the doctor get the results of my exam?

    24-48 hours after your exam.

  4. What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

    We can only serve one patient at a time so an appointment means that we have reserved the time specifically for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment we ask that you call at least 24 hours in advance. Please feel free to access our voice mail system after business hours. If you do not reschedule or cancel an appointment at least 24 hours in advance, you will be assessed a $35.00 fee.

  5. Do you accept worker's compensation cases?

    Yes. With proper documentation and authorization we will process an insurance claim with your worker's compensation insurance carrier.

  6. Do you accept automobile injury, claim and lein claim cases?

    Yes. With proper documentation and authorization we will process an insurance claim with an automobile insurance company and/or your attorney.

  7. I'm very claustrophobic. What should I do?

    We have a lot of experience with claustrophobic patients. If you anticipate that a high level of anxiety might otherwise prevent you from successfully completing your exam, we recommend that you ask your doctor to prescribe a sedative for you to take one hour prior to your exam. Such a request is not uncommon. We also recommend that patients view the photos contained on this website so you have a visual of what it will be like for you when you are having your exam. A friend or family member may accompany you into the MRI suite while you are having your exam.

    If you will be medicated, plan on bringing someone with you to drive. We do not prescribe medication so you will have to ask your referring physician for a prescription.

  8. I am a large person. Do I have to be concerned?

    No. Our scanner can accommodate plus-sized patients. You do not have to worry about being stuffed into a tube. You will be very comfortable in our scanner. Our scanner can accommodate patients weighing up to 440 lbs.

  9. Are there any reasons that I should not have the scan done?

    Because of the potential harmful effects associated with some metallic objects in a magnetic field, you should check with your physician or the MRI Technologist if you have had any surgeries. Please let the patient coordinator and the technologist know if you have or done the following:

    You will not be able to have an MRI scan if you have one or more of the following inserted in your body:

    If you are pregnant or possibly pregnant, please notify the patient coordinator prior to your appointment.

  10. Are there any risks?

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very safe.There are no known health risks associated with the magnetic field or radio waves used by the scanner.

    Please, make sure to tell us if you are pregnant.

  11. Do I need to prepare for the exam?

    No special preparation is needed. Eat normally and take medication as usual, unless your doctor has given you other instructions. You may find it easier to relax if you avoid drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages before the exam. We will ask that you empty your bladder before the exam so that you will be comfortable. Once the technologist begins that exam, you will not be able to interrupt the exam.

  12. Can I eat before the exam?

    Yes. There are no eating restrictions prior to having an MRI. However if your doctor has requested the use of a contrast agent for your MRI then it would be best not to eat 2 hours prior to your exam so as to further minimize the already unlikely event of nausea.

  13. What is an Open MRI?

    Our Open MRI has clear, unobstructed views, where patient comfort rules, so you can see and talk to our technologist during the exam. This means a more pleasant experience for you.

  14. What is the exam like?

    Most exams usually take 30 to 45 minutes. The exam consists of several sequences, each lasting approximately 3 to 6 minutes each. You will be asked to lie still during the exam. If there is motion, the images will not be clear. Music, pillows, pads, and blankets are provided.

  15. Will I feel anything during the scan?

    The MRI scan is completely painless and comfortable.

    Occasionally, an injection is required. The contrast material(gadolinium) used during an MRI scan typically has few to no side effects. You will be informed before your exam if it is necessary to use contrast material for your particular exam.

  16. Will I need an injection?

    In most cases an MRI exam does not require an injection.