Preparing for an MRI
How should I prepare for my MRI exam?
We want you to be as comfortable as possible, so wear comfortable clothing with no metal. If you prefer to change at our facility, we will provide you with a pair of metal free scrubs to wear during your exam. An MRI is a huge magnet that creates a strong magnetic field, so items that contain metal should be left at home. Some of these items include things such as jewelry, watches, hair clips, bobby pins, pocketknives, loose change, or any other common metal items you may carry on your person.
**It is important if you have any medical devices or implants like a spinal stimulator, that you notify our office PRIOR to your visit. You will be asked to bring any documentation about your device and remotes to turn off your device.
What if I’m claustrophobic?
Please let us know if you suffer from claustrophobia. We do not offer sedation or medication, but you are welcome to work with your provider to get a prescription for anxiety medication. If you choose to use medication, please bring a driver to accompany you home after the exam.
What happens during my appointment?
After ensuring all removable metal is off your body and that it is totally safe for you to have an MRI, our highly trained MRI technologist will walk you into our MRI suite. Our technologist will assist you on the table and help place you in the proper scanning position as well as apply the cameras that are used to create your high-quality images. You will be given earplugs or headphones to listen to music during your exam. The earplugs are also to help protect your hearing. The technologist cannot stay in the room with you; however, the control booth contains a large window where the technologist watches you for the duration of the exam. There is also a microphone, speaker, and call button with which you can communicate with our technologist at any time during your exam. Our technologist checks on you frequently throughout your exam and will give you updates on how the scan is progressing. You will be asked to lie still during the examination. This is essential to achieving the best images.
What should I expect after my visit?
The high-quality images that were acquired during your exam will be interpreted by our board-certified radiologists. The radiologist’s report will be faxed to your provider within 24 business hours. We are also able to share it with any other physician of your choice. Many of our local providers have access to your images via our PACS system. This is a special system that archives your images. You are always welcome to obtain a copy of your images and the radiologist’s report. Sometimes the report can contain language and medical terminology that can be difficult to understand. Therefore, it is best to work with your medical provider to discuss results, diagnosis, and treatment options.