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.
Most exams are 30-45 minutes in duration. Occasionally, a complicated exam may exceed 60 minutes.
24-48 hours after your exam.
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.
Yes. With proper documentation and authorization we will process an insurance claim with your worker's compensation insurance carrier.
Yes. With proper documentation and authorization we will process an insurance claim with an automobile insurance company and/or your attorney.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In most cases an MRI exam does not require an injection.