The first step to scheduling a MRI is contacting your medical provider and asking for a MRI referral. We must have a referral from either a doctor, chiropractor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner to legally preform your scan. After your MRI is approved by your provider, their office will fax the referral to our team and your appointment can be scheduled the very same day.
If you are unable to arrive at your scheduled appointment time, please call to discus options to reschedule.
On the day of your scheduled appointment, please eat normally and take all regular medications unless otherwise directed by your physician. Dress in comfortable, metal-free clothing (i.e., shorts, sweatpants, wire-free bra). When you arrive, you will review your registration information and provide your photo ID and insurance card as required. All personal belongings can be left in a secure, personal locker prior to your scan.
The technician will assist you onto the scanning table. You will lie on your back, relaxed, with your head on a pillow and the patient table will then slide very smoothly into position. You will have to stay still during the exam so the technologist can get an accurate image. You can expect the exam to last 30 minutes. After the exam, the technician will lead you back to the dressing room where you can retrieve your personal belongings. Results of the scan are provided to your doctor within 24 hours.
If you need to have an MRI, but you’re claustrophobic or you have trouble lying still, ask your provider about options for oral medication for one-time use to help you relax during the MRI exam. Other options for your comfort are eye covers or special glasses that help you see outside the MRI.
Due to the nature of the study and the noise and length of the exam, some children may be worried about having an MRI. For this reason, children can be sedated prior to being scanned as directed by their pediatrician.
Some private insurances require their policyholders to get a pre-authorization code prior to his/her MRI. It is all dependent on your personal plan with your insurance. We can check if one is needed; but the pre-authorization code must be acquired from your referring physician’s office prior to your scan. Your physician’s office checks to see if you are required to have one. No action is necessary on your part.