|
|
||||||||||||
|
Frequently Asked Questions Welcome to MRI Professionals. Your physician requested an Open Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam for you. Please take a few moments to read this brochure. It is a helpful guide for what to expect before, during and after your exam. What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a painless How Safe is Open MRI? Open MRI is quite safe in the majority of patients. Certain patients may not be able to have an MRI. These include people with implanted medical devices such as aneurysm clips in the brain, pacemakers and cochlear (inner ear) implants. Also, people with pieces of metal close to or in an important organ (such as the eye) may not be scanned. What Happens During the Exam? Most examinations will take 45-90 minutes. During this time, you will lie flat on a padded table. Some patients even fall asleep during the exam! While you are having your test, you may listen to our selection of cassettes and CD's or bring your own. During your exam, the technologist can see and hear you at all times. The technologist is always available if assistance is needed. You will hear thumping and clicking noises while the images are being obtained. During this hammering noise, it is important not to move, as this would blur the pictures. For some exams your doctor may order an injection. This is called a "contrast agent". It is very safe and unrelated to the iodine-based contrast used for CAT scans and kidney x-rays. Is There any Preparation Needed? No special preparation is needed for open MRI examination. Patients should wear comfortable, loose clothing and if possible avoid undergarments with metal. Watches, metal objects in pockets, and credit cards with magnetic strips will not be permitted in the MRI room. A changing room is provided so you can lock up any valuables as well as metallic items. For certain exams you may be asked to change into scrubs top and pants. What are the Advantages of the MRI Scan? Open MRI scanners are designed to visualize non-bony parts or "soft tissue" areas such as muscles, ligaments and tendons. In particular, the brain, spinal cord and nerves are seen much more clearly with open MRI than with regular x-rays and CAT scans. Open MRI scans are commonly used to look at knees, shoulders and necks following injuries. What is Magnetic Resonance Angiography? Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is technology recently developed to image the blood vessels. The procedure is done in the open MRI scanner and is as painless as the MRI. This procedure gives the specialized radiologist a detailed view of the blood vessels. What Makes our MRI Center Different From the Others? We pride ourselves on superior patient comfort. We can accommodate large patients, up to 450 pounds, and claustrophobic patients. Pediatric patients who need to be accompanied by a parent can be comfortably accommodated in our open scanner. Our offices are open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 8pm. We accommodate early morning through late evening appointments. How soon will my Doctor get the Results? Specialized radiologists will read your diagnostic images and prepare a report for your physician. Your physician will have the results of your test in twenty-four hours. Which Insurance Companies do you Accept? We accept all major insurances. (click here for a listing) We also submit third party billing for you. We will contact your insurance company for you to determine any pre-certification or out of pocket expenses. If your open MRI will not be covered by insurance, please contact us to make financial arrangements that are convenient for you. What if I have more Questions? The entire staff at MRI Professionals strives to provide professional care for our patients. We realize you may experience anxieties and we are here to assist you with your concerns. If you should have any questions or concerns, please contact us at (847) 357-9300.
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||
