From socialite Kim Kardashian to television host Maria Menounos, you’ve likely heard of the new healthcare trend on the horizon: full-body scans.
This new era of proactive healthcare is capable of screening for nearly 500 health conditions across the entire body, including silent cancer killers that currently have no diagnostic testing protocols. However, while we may see celebrity endorsements and hear positive stories, many questions still surround this intuitive technology, from pricing to expectations to what to wear for your first total body scan.
We are here to set the record straight on full-body scans, from preparation to results. Keep reading to get your most-asked questions answered and discover if an MRI of your entire body is right for you!
Questions About Saying Yes to a Complete Body Scan
Deciding if a whole-body MRI scan is right for you often comes with more questions than what actually happens during the process. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions to help you make an informed decision on scheduling a full-body MRI.
Q: Can anyone get a full-body MRI?
A: Anyone can get a whole-body MRI, but it’s best to know if your doctor recommends it before scheduling. Health experts recommend whole-body scans for those with a high-risk or family history of certain health conditions, such as liver cancer or an enlarged heart. Talk with a member of our team today to decide if you are a good candidate for a whole-body MRI.
Q: Is a full-body MRI safe?
A: Yes! Misunderstandings often group the risks of CT scans, X-rays, and PET scans with those of a full-body MRI, but this is not accurate. Our full-body MRI scanner does not expose you to harmful ionizing radiation, unlike other imaging scans, and it does not use contrast dyes.
Q: Can I get a full-body scan if I have an IUD?
A: Absolutely! Almost all IUDs are scanner-safe; however, we thoroughly check the MRI safety of all devices. If you have another implant or wearable device, such as a pacemaker or cochlear implant, please inform us about your specific model before your appointment. While some models are deemed MRI-safe, others may not be.
Questions About Preparing for Your Whole Body Scan
Q: Can I eat the day of my scan?
A: While you can eat and drink the day of your scan, we recommend fasting for 4 hours before your scan, as some of the internal images produced could be affected by large consumptions of food intake.
Q: What should I wear to my scan?
A: On the day of your scan, you don’t have to worry about wearing anything specific for our scanners, as we will provide you with a set of scrubs to make sure you are comfortable! However, we do ask that you remove any jewelry and all metallic objects before the scan. This may include a wallet, watch, belt, glasses, dentures, and even wigs.
Q: What is the full-body scan price?
A: The price of your whole-body scan will depend on which scan you choose. At MRI Wellness, we offer three options: a complete body scan, a brain & spine scan, and a torso scan.
The price of a whole-body scan is $2,200 and provides detailed imaging of the entire body, from your head to your toes. The brain & spine scan is $950, and includes detailed images of the brain and spinal system. The final scan we offer, the Torso, is $1,800 and includes the chest, pelvis, abdomen, and lungs.
Question About What Happens During and After Your Full Body MRI
Q: How long does a whole body scan take?
A: Our scans can last anywhere from 30 to 75 minutes, depending on the type of scan. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible during your scan, which is why our scanner is air-conditioned. You will also be in contact with an MRI technologist via a two-way intercom throughout the entire procedure. We also offer headphones or earplugs to help you disconnect from the scan itself and reduce the noise from the machine.
Q: What happens after my scan?
A: After you have completed your full body scan, a U.S.-trained radiologist, who doubles as a fellowship-trained physician specially trained to use our MRI machine, will interpret the findings from your scan. Our radiologists will review the findings with you and share the information with your healthcare team.
Q: Does MRI Wellness offer financing?
A: Financing is available at MRI Wellness! We also accept payments with a credit card or an FSA/HSA credit card, or you can request reimbursement through your FSA/HSA account. Contact our team today to learn more about payment options and how we can help!
Schedule Your Scan Today with MRI Wellness
Questions and misinformation may overshadow the benefits of a whole-body MRI scan, but we believe that taking a proactive approach to your healthcare journey begins with understanding and ensuring that your questions don’t go unanswered.
Take a look at our complete list of FAQs surrounding full-body MRI scans, then schedule your scan with MRI Wellness today!
