Preparation for MRI.
Be Prepared:
It is very important that you call us a few days ahead of time, if at all possible, to get pre-registered. At that time, we will gather insurance information and go through screening questions. You will be given any necessary instructions regarding eating, drinking, or taking your usual medications.
Medical History:
You will be asked to provide information regarding your medical history - whether you have a pacemaker or any other metal wires, rods, pins, implants, etc. We will also need to know if you are currently taking any medications, wear any type of medication patch, or have any allergies to medications. Information regarding previous diagnostic studies such as x-rays and CAT scans and previous surgical history will be obtained. Finally, we will talk to you about the scanning procedure itself and answer any questions that may arise. We feel the more informed you are about the procedure, the more comfortable you will be during the process.
Your MRI requires very little effort on your part. It's a simple process, but preparation is essential! Here's what you need to know:
When Your Appointment Is Scheduled:
Before we schedule you for an MRI exam, we will ask a number of questions. Your answers will help us identify any current conditions that may make it unsafe for your MRI. You will need to inform us if:
you are pregnant
you've ever had surgery
you're on pain medication
you're claustrophobic
you have an incident of metal to your eyes
you have cardiac valve replacements or a pacemaker, bone or joint replacements, or aneurysm clips.
These conditions may not exclude you from having an MRI scan, but they'll be important determining factors.
Please be prepared to provide information on your insurance and medical history. We'll be happy to discuss all aspects of your MRI exam and answer any remaining questions you may have at that time.
The Day Of Your MRI:
Your first task for this day is simple: Relax. Typically you can eat normally and take prescribed medication the day of your MRI exam. If you are having an examination of the abdominal area your physician may request that you abstain from eating prior to your scan.
For your personal comfort and enjoyment, you may like to have someone accompany you. He or she may be able to sit and talk with you during the exam.
We recommend you wear comfortable clothing, free of snaps and zippers. Since rings, watches, and earrings are all metal, and thus, could interfere with your scan, you may decide to leave them at home. Otherwise, we can provide safe storage for these items during your exam. The choice is yours.
When You Arrive:
Plan on arriving 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment. Your technologist and/or patient care associate will discuss the procedure with you at that time.
Starting The Scan:
To begin the examination, a technologist will help you lie down on a padded table. You will be positioned so that the part of your body to be examined lies in the center of the machine. A coil may be attached to the part of the body to be scanned, and your physician may request that a contrast agent be injected (to enhance the images). The table will then slide into the center of the MRI machine.
During The Scan:
Our MRI systems have spacious and well-lit openings at both ends. You will be asked to hold still for short periods of time while the scan is in progress. Expect to hear a loud knocking noise from the machine as the pictures are taken. The technologist who will be monitoring the exam from an adjoining room will be able to hear you and talk with you at all times.
After The Exam:
When the scan is complete, your technologist will help you leave the table. In most cases, you may return to your normal activities immediately after the procedure.
With The Radiologist:
A radiologist who is a specialist in MRI will then interpret your images. The radiologist will make an expert interpretation of the image and prepare a written report to be sent to your referring physician.
With Your Physician:
Your personal doctor will review the findings of the MRI in the context of your overall condition and discuss them with you. Based on the interpretation and findings, you and your doctor will plan your treatment. Your doctor may choose to monitor your progress with another MRI scan.
Notice of Privacy Practices
We Respect Your Privacy
Throughout the course of working with you, we will gain information about your health history. Please know that we treat this information with utmost care and confidentiality.
If you have any questions about how we may use your health information, or about your rights as a patient.
Don't hesitate to call us at 9814509814 if you have any additional questions or concerns.