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FAQs

General

Is a full-body MRI safe?

Absolutely! Health experts recommend whole-body MRI scans for people at high risk or those with a family history of certain health conditions. Many people simply want peace of mind regarding their health, which is understandable. While this is a new advancement in healthcare technology and research is ongoing, a full-body MRI is an excellent first step in assessing your overall health. It allows you to seek specialized medical assistance with a certified physician to properly address any health concerns detected.

Our full-body MRI scans are easily performed, painless procedures that deliver timely results to help you better understand your current health status. The scan provides information on every system and organ in the body and identifies any abnormal findings. You will receive a detailed report for your physician to review.

You can make an appointment online at MRI-WELLNESS.COM or by calling 1-833-WELLMRI.

Depending on your availability, in most cases, we can schedule you within a week or two. You can view real-time availability at any time by visiting our scheduling portal.

MRI Wellness scans do not expose you to any harmful ionizing radiation like that used in X-rays, PET scans, or CT scans. In addition, MRI Wellness scans do not use contrast dyes.

MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce images of soft tissue and bone. An MRI is better at differentiating between normal and abnormal soft tissue, spotting injuries and musculoskeletal issues. CT scans use X-rays to produce images that help to show the edges of structures. They are ideal in emergency situations.

No. We can arrange a referral from an independent medical practitioner at no additional fee. In the event there is a serious medical finding, a medical practitioner can additionally help you understand and explain the findings in your MRI Wellness report.

Depending on the type of scan you choose, time in the MRI machine will vary from 30 to 60 minutes. If movement is detected, the scan may take slightly longer.

There are no evidence-based guidelines specifically recommending a total body MRI screening in the general population. This decision should be based on patient concerns, genetics, family history, and input from your primary healthcare provider. Statistics show that cancer risk, as well as any disease risk, increases with age.

Yes. At MRI Wellness, we only screen patients 18 years of age or older.

Our MRI accommodates up to 350 pounds (158 kg).

A full-body MRI scan is not meant to replace targeted screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap smears. A targeted MRI focuses on a specific organ or part of the body.

For whole-body MRI screening, 1.5T is preferred over 3T. A 3T MRI increases body temperature more than a 1.5T MRI, limiting the number of images that can be obtained in the same timeframe. Therefore, we use 1.5T MRI as we specialize in whole-body imaging.

Unfortunately, we cannot refer you to a specialist at this time. We will be happy to share the results of your scan with your physician or other medical professionals with your permission.

The MRI Wellness scan is not a replacement for any standard, guidelines-based targeted screening scan for specific health conditions.

A U.S.-trained radiologist who is also a fellowship-trained physician, specially trained in MRI. Our radiologists are experts in whole-body MRI screening.

You will receive a detailed report for your physician to review. This report shows every system and organ in the body and identifies any abnormal findings.

Yes. We follow federal and state-specific legislation for medical record retention. Additionally, when patients return for follow-up MRI Wellness scans, we have a comparison MRI to help determine if significant changes have taken place over time.

Payment

Can I use my FSA/HSA?

Yes. You can pay with an FSA/HSA credit card or request reimbursement through your FSA/HSA.

Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Affirm, and cash. We do not accept personal checks.

This is pending.

We do not add tax to the cost.

Yes. Payment is required to schedule and guarantee your appointment time and date.

Not currently. Whole-body MRI is an advanced imaging process used for general screening purposes. This service is not currently covered by insurance plans.

Before The Scan

Are there any restrictions on what I can drink on the day of the scan?

We recommend fasting for 4 hours prior to your scan. Some images may be affected if there is recent food consumption.

There is a strict three-business-day cancellation policy. If you contact us more than three business days before your scheduled MRI, we will be happy to accommodate your changes or refund your payment.

You do not need to dress in a specific way for your MRI. We will provide you with a set of scrubs to wear during your scan. You can keep your underwear on, but please remove any jewelry.

Day of The Scan

What should I expect during the scan?

A Wellness MRI is a noninvasive procedure. The scanner is air-conditioned, and we will make you as comfortable as possible during your MRI. You will be in contact with an MRI technologist via two-way intercom throughout the procedure. You may hear clicking noises as images are taken, and we offer headphones to listen to music and/or earplugs to reduce noise. Coils will be placed from your head to your pelvis, and the technologist will observe you through a window in an adjacent room.

If you think you might be claustrophobic, a mild sedative can be requested from your referring doctor. If necessary, we can also limit the scan time, which may slightly reduce the thoroughness of the scan. However, your deposit is non-refundable if you are unable to proceed with your MRI Wellness scan on the scheduled date and time.

Your personal items will be stored in a secure changing room with a locker while you are in the MRI machine. These rooms are accessible only to MRI Wellness staff and patients. You will receive a personal security code on the day of your scan.

You will have two short breaks during your MRI. If it is an emergency, we will certainly stop the MRI. It may be helpful to limit fluid intake before the scan to ensure comfort.

You will be given a squeeze ball at the beginning of your MRI. You can squeeze this ball at any time to alert the technologist, who will be in constant communication with you via intercom throughout the MRI.

Who can take the Scan?

Can I have an MRI if I have tattoos?

Yes, it is safe to have an MRI with tattoos.

Yes. The MRI Wellness scan is not a replacement for any standard screening practices, such as colonoscopies or mammograms, recommended for specific health issues.

Unfortunately, we do not perform screening MRIs on individuals who are pregnant.

At this time, we cannot perform MRI scans on patients with pacemakers.

The MRI Wellness scan does not cover the upper or lower limbs. However, it can detect arthritis and wear-and-tear changes in the spine and hips.

MRI imaging of the lungs is limited because the lungs mostly contain air, which decreases image resolution. A chest CT is preferred for seeing fine anatomical details. The MRI Wellness scan can, however, detect signs of a mass, cancer, or large anatomical abnormalities.

It depends on the specific model of your pump. Please provide us with the model number before your appointment so we can verify whether it is safe to perform an MRI.

It depends on the implant. Please provide details about your specific implant before the scan so we can verify MRI compatibility. Note that even if safe, the implant may create artifacts that can affect the quality of brain imaging.

Most implants are MRI-safe, but we need more information about your specific implant. Some implants may affect the images we can capture of the surrounding tissues.

No. Due to the extended time required for MRI screening, we cannot perform MRI scans on patients with implanted neurostimulators at this time.

Yes, you can have an MRI with an IUD. However, we will check the MRI safety of any device you have.

It depends on the type of clip. Nonferromagnetic clips are MRI-compatible. Please provide information about your clip beforehand so we can verify compatibility.

Yes, but if there is a possibility that metal fragments may be present in your body, we require an X-ray to ensure MRI safety. Please contact us a few weeks before your scan to arrange an X-ray if needed.

No, MRIs are safe with dental implants. If you have dentures on a metallic plate, however, we may ask you to remove them to improve image quality.

We use a scanning technique that covers the heart, but we do not use targeted cardiac MRI methods. The heart’s constant motion can cause blurring, limiting image clarity. Additionally, we do not include dedicated sequences for coronary artery evaluation or cardiac function assessment.