Are there any injections?
Sometimes a contrast material, specific to MR imaging, is used to provide additional information. The decision to use contrast material will be decided by your health care provider. [back to top]

When am I told the results of my exam?
Your physician will receive the results of your exam within a few days. [back to top]

What happens when I arrive at the MRI center?
When you arrive at the MR center, you will sign your paper work which will allow us to send results to the referring physician and to send a claim to your insurance carrier. The staff will offer you a locker to place your belongings securely during your exam. You will be able to keep the key to the locker with you at all times. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown and robe. Next you will be greeted by one of the technologists who will perform your exam. The technologist will explain what you can expect during the exam and will work to make sure you are comfortable during the exam. You will always be in contact with the technologist during the exam. After the exam is complete, you will retrieve your belongings from the locker, change back into your clothes and be on your way. [back to top]

What if I am claustrophobic?
Not a problem! Most people are amazed with how many options there are to reduce claustrophobia. Our open flare, short bore magnet may be just suited to your needs in the sense that it gives one of the feeling of having the body mostly outside of the magnet. All of the magnets have lighted bores and fans that blow air down the bore so you always feel refreshed. All of the magnets have mirrors or prism glasses that allow you to see outside the bore, and one of the technologists will talk with you throughout the exam. You also may have a friend or family member stay with you during your test. If these comforts fall short of reducing your anxiety, you may want to plan on receiving an anti anxiety medication prior to your exam. We can work with you regarding all the available options. [back to top]

Can pregnant women be scanned?
Although there is no evidence that a hazard exists, MR imaging is not generally advised during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Nevertheless, pregnant patients are frequently scanned when clinical circumstances warrant it. [back to top]

Can people with metal implants be scanned?
In many instances, people with metal implants can be scanned: it just depends on what they are and where they are in the body. One of our technologists will be able to specifically address that issue if it applies to you. [back to top]

How long does the MR exam take?
Most of our exams take somewhere between 15 and 45 minutes. One of the luxuries of a high field strength MR system is much shorter exam times compared to those performed on low field, so called, open MRI systems. All three of our systems are high field magnets. [back to top]

May I eat, drink and take my medication on schedule?
Yes, in most cases you may keep your normal schedule of eating and drinking. You should take any medicine as prescribed since it is not necessary to stop your medications just because you are having the MR exam. [back to top]

May I obtain copies of my films?
Yes. We will print a set of duplicate films for you to take to your referring physician if he or she requests them or if you need them for an out of town appointment. Films may be borrowed and returned to the MR center. [back to top]

What is the procedure if I don't have health insurance?
We will help you with issues such as payment arrangements or application information for Medicare or Medicaid. You may discuss options with our patient accounts representative. [back to top]

Do I need preauthorization from my health care provider?
Some insurance carriers require preauthorization or pre certification prior to agreeing to pay for medical services. As a service to you, we will be involved in this pre certification process prior to your MR appointment. Please note that the preauthorization referral to the insurance carrier must be initiated by your primary care physician. We will keep you informed as we go along. [back to top]

Is there any health risk associated with MR imaging?
There are no known health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio frequency waves used by the MR system. [back to top]

Will my head be out of the scanner?
There are many exams where your head will be out of the scanner, but some (such as brain, neck and shoulder) where your head will be inside the scanner. [back to top]

May I wear my jewelry?
We try to remove most jewelry except wedding rings. Watches may not be worn in the MR room. We provide lockers to secure your personal belongings during your exam. You will be allowed to keep the key to the locker with you at all times. [back to top]

What type of clothing should I wear?
You do not need to wear any special clothing. Whether or not you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and robe will depend on what part of the body we intend to scan. You will be provided a locker to secure your personal belongings during your exam. [back to top]

Will I be able to drive after my exam?
Yes, unless you have taken a sedative or any other medication that would compromise your driving ability. [back to top]

What is MR imaging?
Magnetic resonance imaging may represent the most significant advancement in medical imaging since the discovery of x-rays. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a way to look inside the body by producing clear anatomical images displayed in any plane, without radiation to the patient, and with a tissue discrimination unrivaled by any other imaging modality. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center continues to respond to the advances in this technology by offering the area health care providers and patients state of the art imaging. [back to top]