What to Expect Before, the Day of & After an MRI Scan

Preparing Before an MRI Scan

To ensure the most accurate results and promote safety from start to finish, our radiologists recommend taking a few things into account. Be sure to consider the following:

Medical History

Let your healthcare provider know about any medical implants or allergies. Be sure to mention if you are claustrophobic as well.

Eating and Drinking

We suggest fasting for at least four hours before your scan because food in the digestive system can impact certain images.

Clothing and Accessories

Remove all jewelry, watches, and other metal items before you arrive. We will provide a set of scrubs to wear during your scan.

Payment

Payment is required to schedule your appointment.

Appointment Change

We maintain a three-business-day cancellation policy. If you contact us more than three business days before your scheduled MRI, we will be happy to reschedule your appointment or refund your payment.

The Day of Your MRI Procedure

Pre-Scan Setup: Patients are positioned on a motorized table and given a set of earplugs or headphones to reduce noise.

During the Scan:

Once the patient is comfortable with a pillow and blanket, the table slides into the MRI machine, and the patient will be asked to lay still.
The scan is totally painless and will last between 30 minutes to just over an hour, depending on the body part being examined.

After an MRI Scan

MRI Results:

Following your MRI scan, the report will be reviewed by our board-certified radiologist who specializes in whole-body MRI screening.
Once completed we will provide a thorough report for your physician to review, detailing any abnormal findings.

Follow-Up:

After your scan is completed, you will be contacted by our healthcare providers to review your results as well as answer questions you may have. We will be happy to share your results with your primary care physician at your request at that time.

Post-MRI Physical or Dietary Restrictions:

Post-scan patients are usually able to resume their normal daily activities and diet immediately after their procedure.

Advantages of MRI Scans

Non-invasive: No surgery is required in this procedure.
High Accuracy: Soft tissue image quality is unmatched.
Radiation-Free: Scans are safe for long-term use.
No contrast dye is used during the scan.

Potential Risks and Limitations

While MRI scans are generally safe, it’s wise to consider the following:

Metal Implants: Pacemakers or metal fragments may interfere with the scan.
Claustrophobia: The enclosed space of the MRI machine is anxiety-inducing for some patients.
Pregnancy: MRI scans are avoided during your pregnancy.

FAQs

What is an MRI scan exactly?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes magnetic fields and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of the body’s internal structures. MRI scans optimize the most advanced technology to boost diagnosis accuracy and monitor certain medical conditions.

What will the MRI show?

MRI results are analyzed by our board-certified radiologist, who then prepares a detailed report for the referring physician. Imaging may show the following:

Tumors or cysts
Infections or inflammation
Abnormalities in body structures
Vascular concerns
Or hopefully nothing significant at all.

Can anyone take an MRI scan?

While it is perfectly safe for most patients to undergo an MRI, alternative methods may be recommended for those with certain implants or severe claustrophobia.

How long do results take?

Our radiologists deliver results quickly, typically within 5 – 7 business days

FSA/HSA eligible. Financing available!