What do I need to know about getting an MRI/Advanced Imaging?
You may need an MRI, CT or other advanced imaging for your provider to completely determine the severity of your ailment. There are many important items that you may need to know about this process:
- Obtaining Authorization – Our office will initiate the order and may help with authorization through your insurance company.
- Please Note: This process can take 10-14 days before we obtain authorization. Often, the timing of this authorization is generated by your insurance company and there’s nothing that you should need to do. Authorization of this testing may be expedited for urgent matters based on your specific situation.
- How to Prepare for Testing – Expect the testing to take between 30-60 minutes, with additional time for registration and preparation. If special views or additional images are requested by the radiologist, additional time may be necessary.
- Scheduling – Our office will take care of scheduling follow-up with your provider. We can schedule an appointment to discuss a treatment plan once the test is complete. Typically, you can expect 2-5 days after testing to receive a report back.
Important: Let us know before your MRI if
- You are allergic to any medicines.
- You are or might be pregnant.
- You have a pacemaker, artificial limb, metal pins or metal parts in your body, metal heart valves, metal clips in your brain, metal implants in your ears or any other implanted or prosthetic medical device.
- You have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place.
- You get nervous in confined spaces. You may need medicine to help you relax.
- You wear a patch that contains medicine.
During an MRI
- You will lie on your back on a table that is part of the MRI scanner. Your head, chest and arms may be held with straps to help you remain still.
- The table will slide into the space that contains the magnet. A device called a coil may be placed over or wrapped around your knee.
- Inside the scanner, you will hear a fan and feel air moving. You may hear tapping, thumping or snapping noises. You may be given earplugs or headphones to reduce the noise.
- You will be asked to hold still during the scan. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods.
- You may be alone in the scanning room, but a technologist will be watching you through a window and talking with you during the test.