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MRI
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope these Frequently Asked
Questions will provide additional information that will be useful to
you before your MRI Exam.
What should I do
to prepare for my MRI?
No special
preparation is required prior to your MRI exam. You may eat normally and
go about your daily routine. Continue to take any medication prescribed
by your doctor unless otherwise directed.
Because of the
magnetic field, you will be asked to leave the following items in a safe
place outside the scan room:
-
Coins
-
Jewelry
-
Watches
-
Glasses
-
Credit cards
-
Hearing aids
-
Keys
-
Hair pins
-
Other metal
objects
We recommend that you wear comfortable
clothing. You may also be asked to remove makeup and dentures and to
wear a hospital gown to avoid magnetic interference from belt buckles
and zippers.
Because of the
potentially harmful effects associated with some metallic objects in a
magnetic field, you should check with your physician or MRI technologist
if you have had any brain, ear, eye or other surgeries or any of the
following:
-
Pacemaker
-
Neurostimulator (TENS-unit)
-
Metal implants
-
Intrauterine
device (IUD), etc.
-
Aneurysm clips
-
Surgical
staples
-
Implanted drug
infusion device
-
Foreign metal
objects in the eye
-
Shrapnel or
bullet wounds
-
Permanent
eyeliner
If you are
pregnant, please notify your physician.
What happens
during the MRI procedure?
While the MRI is
being conducted, you will lie on a table while the technologist conducts
the test from an adjacent room. Once you are situated on the table, make
sure you are comfortable so that it is easy to keep still. Breathe
normally, and try to remain as relaxed and still as possible. There is
nothing about the procedure to make you uncomfortable. The only thing
you will notice is a faint knocking sound that represents the changes in
the magnetic field that are part of the imaging process. Once the exam
is over, the technologist will assist you out of the scan room. Our
staff will do everything they can to make sure that your MRI experience
is a pleasant one.
How long does the MRI procedure last?
The procedure
typically will last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the
type of information required by your physician. You just need to be as
still as possible during the exam. In fact, some patients fall asleep
during the MRI exam.
A technologist
will be able to see you at all times. For your convenience, an intercom
system is built in, so that if you need anything, the technologist will
be right there. In certain instances, a contrast agent may be
administered to enhance the study. There are no extra precautions if
your doctor requires this. Consult the doctor or technologist if you
have any questions.
When will my doctor
get the results of my MRI?
Results can be expected within 24 to 48 hours. STAT results
can be requested by your doctor.
Can I eat before my MRI?
You may eat
normally and go about your daily routine before your MRI. Continue to
take any medication prescribed by your doctor unless otherwise directed.
I'm very
claustrophobic. What can I do?
If you anticipate that a high level of
anxiety might otherwise prevent you from remaining still while
undergoing your MRI exam, please ask your doctor to prescribe a sedative
for you to take just prior to your exam. Such a request is not uncommon.
What insurance
policies do you accept?
Insurance is often complicated. Nearly all
insurance carriers will cover a percentage of fees for an MRI exam. The
percentage of coverage does vary with policies. To avoid confusion, it
is best to review your personal policy or consult with your insurance
carrier.
We accept the following insurance
providers: Admar, Aetna PPO, Beech Street, Blue Cross Prudent Buyer, Blue Sheild
PPO, Cigna PPO, Corvel WC, First Health/CCN/CompAmerica, Health Net PPO,
Interplan, Great West Healthcare, Pacificare, PacificHealth Alliance (PHCS),
PPO Next, Tricare, United Health Care
Will I have a
co-pay at the time of service?
That will depend on the type of insurance
coverage you have. We should be able to tell you that at the time you
schedule your appointment.
What if I need to
cancel or reschedule my appointment?
We can only work with one patient at a
time, so an appointment means that we have reserved that time especially
for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please
call us at least 24 hours in advance, so that we may meet another
patient's needs. |
