FAQs About Imaging
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- Your doctor orders the necessary exam
- You or your doctor schedules the procedure
- You arrive for the procedure
- Coordinated Health takes care of the rest – we will:
- authorize the procedure with your insurance
- obtain any necessary approvals
- provide a private consultation with our tech to review your paperwork
- track down any previous exam studies for our radiologists to compare
- prepare you for your exam
- Constant contact with friendly, highly trained technicians
- Relaxed and comfortable atmosphere (open MRI’s available) to eliminate anxiety and claustrophobia
- Bring your own music to relax
- If you have difficulty lying flat – we will give you a cushion for your head or feet
- Our radiologists will provide an in-depth interpretation of your exam
- Our Imaging staff will communicate your results directly to your doctor
- Your doctor will have online access to our electronically stored images
- You will receive a prompt diagnosis
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a state-of-the-art technology that allows physicians to see detailed images of your body. It is a safe and efficient way to diagnosis many musculoskeletal conditions. The study is non-invasive and examines the soft tissue of your body.
It is important to list all surgeries and any implants that may have been placed in the body at the time of surgery due to certain metallic devices or implants. These devices can cause interference with the scan and their presence during the study may cause injury to you if the force of the magnet pulls on the metal object in your body.
Even though we focus on one area during the scan, your whole body goes into the scanner. In addition the entire scanning room puts you within the magnetic field. Therefore, it is very important for us to know about metal anywhere in/on your body. You will be asked on numerous occasions if you have any metal implants. Please be as thorough as possible when you answer so we can make sure you stay safe.
Not necessarily, our Imaging team will obtain any medical clearance for prior surgeries that involves metal placement. Our radiologists take every precaution to assure that you are medically cleared and safe to proceed with any study. If you are not medically cleared for a MRI at one of our locations, other options will be discussed with you and your treating physician.
The average MRI study takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the type of study being ordered and the body part being scanned.
We have MRI’s available at these campus locations:
We will do our best to schedule your study at the location most convenient for you. However, the type of study ordered will also determine at which location it can be performed.
Yes. However, only the portion of your body being scanned must be positioned in the middle of the machine (the most narrow portion). For example, a neck study the patient’s neck must be positioned in the middle of the machine. For knee studies, the knee is positioned in the middle of the machine with the patient’s head facing the open end or possibly outside the machine depending on the height of the patient.
An MRI or CT Arthrogram involves first taking regular MRI or CT images, such as a shoulder, hip or knee. Following those images, you are given an injection of contrast dye placed directly into body part you need scanned. Once the contrast is in your joint, more images are taken.
Many individuals are claustrophobic and are concerned with laying in the “tunnel” style MRI’s. Open MRI units are available for claustrophobic patients. If claustrophobia is still a concern, your treating physician can usually write a prescription for a mild sedative to help you relax during the MRI.
During the MRI you can expect to hear various knocking sounds. These sounds are the machine taking the images. Earplugs are available to help block the sound. You are also given the option to listen to an assortment of music during your study. There is an intercom system which offers the ability for you and the technician to communicate throughout your study if needed.
- Leave all valuables at home.
- Arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment.
- Remove all body piercings, as they may disrupt the study.
- Call if you have a new tattoo (6 weeks or less) as new ink may interfere with the study.
- The length of your appointment is dependent upon the study ordered and may range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Please plan accordingly.
- Our facilities are not designed for small children. Please arrange for your children to have outside supervision while you are having your study.