Preparing for Your MRI

To arrange for an appointment, a physician, dentist, chiropractor or podiatrist’s referral is first required. The results are then sent to your doctor following the procedure. It is helpful to bring along any prior x-ray, CT or other film studies to your MRI appointment to assist with the interpretation of your results.

You will be asked to first fill out a patient safety questionnaire and then change into an MR compatible robe using one of the rooms adjacent to the scanning room.

Having an MRI done is safe, and there are generally no restrictions about eating or medication before or after the exam. Depending on the type of exam, the scanning procedure typically takes about 30-45 minutes. A soft to moderate sound is produced by the scanner as it changes its magnetic fields for obtaining the image information. During this time, you will be lying still on a padded table, and can listen to your favorite CD or cassette. Some exams may require the use of a contrast agent called gadolinium.

Although the high magnetic fields in the scanner are harmless to your body tissues, they can adversely interact with foreign metallic items such as brain aneurysm clips, metal particles in the eye, pacemakers or cochlear implants. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, rings and other jewelry cannot be worn, and mascara and hair care products should be avoided for head scans on the day of the exam.

We strive to accommodate all special patient needs including language, pediatric, elderly and handicap assistance. Our goal is assure that every patient experiences personalized and pleasant service, and is provided with the best quality scan images possible.