You will be asked not to eat for 2 hours prior to the procedure. Please do not wear any jewelry or metal, and please do not wear make-up or use hair products if your head is being scanned.
You will not be able to have an MRI examination if you have any of the following:
• Most pacemakers
• Certain brain aneurysm clips
• Cochlear implants
• Metallic fragments in an eye
• Implanted spinal cord stimulator
• Certain other metal-containing implants
Some exams require injection of a contrast agent into a vein in your hand or arm to improve visualization of abnormalities on the MRI images. MRI contrast is an organically bound gadolinium-based material that is extremely safe and typically has no side effects, though there is always the potential for allergic reaction. Please let us know if:
• You are pregnant or think you might be
• You are breastfeeding
• You have anemia or any diseases that affect red blood cells
• You have asthma or other allergic respiratory disorders
• You have kidney (renal) disease
• You have a history of injury during military service
• You have a history of working with metal
After you arrive for your appointment, you will be escorted to a procedure room, where you will be asked to change into a patient gown. The technologist will position you on a cushioned table that will move into the tube-shaped scanner. After you have been properly positioned, the technologist will begin obtaining the MRI images.
The MRI machine creates a magnetic field around you and directs radio waves at your body to create the MRI images. You won’t feel the magnetic field or radio waves, but you may hear loud tapping and thumping sounds coming from inside the machine. While the images are obtained, you will be instructed to breathe normally but to lie as still as possible. The technologist will monitor you from another room. You will be able to speak to the technologist through a microphone, and the technologist will also be able to talk to you. Most exams take from 30 to 60 minutes, after which you will be able to return to your normal activities.
For your safety and the protection of others, we do not allow anyone other than patients in our exam rooms.
During your MRI exam, it’s important to remain as still as possible, as movement can affect the clarity of the images.
Your technologist will be in communication with you throughout the entire scan and will let you know when small movements are okay. They are there to help keep you comfortable and informed every step of the way.
An MRI is a non-invasive imaging exam that does not use radiation. Instead, the MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field, which means some individuals with certain metal implants may not be able to safely undergo an MRI.
If you have a metal implant, such as a pacemaker, vagus nerve stimulator, insulin pump, cochlear implant, or deep brain stimulator; please let our staff know when scheduling your MRI and again at the time of your appointment. Our team will carefully review your information and perform a safety screening to ensure the exam is appropriate and compatible for you.
Radiology Ltd. offers multiple XL Opening MRIs to ensure our patients are at ease.
Our XL Opening MRIs offer nearly 1 foot of space above a patient’s face, and most exams can be done “feet first” meaning a patient’s head remains outside the scanner for the duration the exam.
If you feel you may benefit from mild sedation for your exam, please talk with your referring provider ahead of your appointment to discuss what option may be best for you
After your study, the images will be evaluated by one of our board-certified radiologists with expertise in MRI imaging. A final report will be sent to your doctor or healthcare provider, who can then discuss the results with you in detail.
Reports are also available on the Patient Portal
Radiology Ltd. is in-network with the majority of insurance providers. We encourage you to contact your insurance company to confirm your specific in-network benefits.
Some insurance plans may suggest a preferred imaging center; however, as a patient, you always have the right to choose where your imaging study is performed. If you would like your exam completed at Radiology Ltd., that choice is yours.
The cost of an MRI can vary based on several factors, including where the exam is performed, your insurance coverage, and the type of MRI study ordered.
In many cases, the location you choose can make a significant difference. Hospital-based MRI scans are typically more expensive, while Radiology Ltd.’s outpatient imaging centers can cost up to 60% less than hospital-based imaging studies.
If you have insurance, some or all of the cost may be covered. Depending on your plan, you may still be responsible for a deductible or other out-of-pocket expenses at the time of your appointment. We also recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to better understand your individual coverage.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are both advanced imaging tools used to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures. Your doctor may recommend one exam over the other depending on your symptoms and the area of the body being evaluated, as each type of imaging has specific strengths.
MRI scans use powerful magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images of soft tissues, including the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and organs. MRI exams do not use radiation.
CT scans, also known as CAT scans, use a series of X-ray images to produce cross-sectional “slice” views of the body. CT exams are typically faster than MRI scans and are especially helpful for evaluating bones and other dense tissue structures. CT scans use a small, carefully controlled amount of radiation to help clearly visualize these areas.