MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a large medical scanning device used to evaluate a patient’s internal health. MRIs use strong magnetic fields to create images of the body to diagnose diseases, joint health, internal injuries and other medical diagnosis.

MRI machines do not use ionized radiation (harmful radiation), so scans are safe and effective.

MRI’s work by creating strong magnetic fields around the body that need to be imaged. Your bodies internal protons will align with the first magnetic field of the MRI machine.

An additional radio frequency pulse will switch on to disrupt your internal protons and force them into a 90 degree or 180 degree alignment with the MRI’s magnetic field.

Since the radio frequency pulse pushed your protons against their nature, once the pulse is switched off, your protons will realign with the first magnetic field, exerting energy along the way.

The MRI machine picks up this energy and is able to differentiate the different types of tissues within your body based on how quickly they release energy after the radio frequency pulse is turned off.

MRI scans are very safe. Over 410 million patients have had MRI examinations and scans are extremely safe as long as standard safety measures are taken. Patients do not feel MRI scans and there are no long-term or short-term tissue damages of any kind.

Metal Object Cautions

The presence of any metal in your body could prove to be a safety hazard during an MRI scan. However, every trained MRI technologists will ask you if you have any metal objects on or within your body prior to your scan.

Examples of metal within the body:

• Cochlear implants
• Pacemakers
• Rods or joint prostheses
• Cranial plates

Pregnancy

The effects of magnetic fields on fetuses are not well understood yet. Please talk to your doctor if you are or suspect to be pregnant.

Kidney or Liver Problems

Kidney or liver problems could minimize the use of injected contrast agents prior to your scan.

There is no preparation needed before an MRI exam. Do not worry about food or drink restrictions and continue to take any medication you are currently prescribed unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

Before your MRI scan, you will be asked to fill out a screening form to ensure that there are no health risks or interference’s with your imaging.

Some things that may pose a health hazard during your MRI exam:

• pacemaker
• metal implant
• shrapnel
• tattoos
• dentures or magnetic keepers
• medication patches
• pregnancy

You must remove all metallic items before your MRI exam.

This includes items such as:

• jewelry
• watches
• piercings
• certain cosmetics
• hair clips
• hair ties
• paper clips
• hearing aids
• shoes
• safety pins

No preparation is generally needed. Your doctor will inform you of any food or beverage restrictions (but typically that’s not necessary).

Answer all of your initial screening questions honestly, and make sure to remove all metallic items from your body before entering your scan.

Once in the MRI scan (instead of the common closed MRI scans, which prompt claustrophobia) your only job will be to relax and lay still.

Every MRI scan is totally different and is very difficult to provide you an estimate number. Fell free to contact us and we will gladly assist you
if you provide us more details. Most insurances will cover it.

Yes, in most cases they do, however, we always recommend you verify your coverage and any amounts for co-pays and deductibles you may be responsible for prior to your exam.

Please see our insurance lists at your nearest location for insurance coverage details.

PARTICIPATING INSURANCE LIST:

• PAYOR
• AETNA POS
• AVMED
• BC/BS OF FLORIDA POS
• CARE IQ
• CHAMPUS TRICARE STANDARD
• CHAMPUS TRICARE FOR LIFE
• CIGNA POS
• CORVEL
• FIRST HEALTH
• MAILHANDLERS
• FLORIDA HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAM
• HEALTHEASE
• HUMANA (HMO & PPO)
• MD MEDICARECHOICE
• MEDICARE
• MEDSOLUTIONS
• ONECALL MEDICAL
• PROFESSIONAL DIAGNOSTICS MANAGEMENT (PDM)
• TECH HEALTH
• TRICARE STANDARD
• SCHOOL INSURANCE OF FLORIDA
• STAYWELL
• UNITED HEALTHCARE (UHC)
• EVERCARE / GOLDEN RULE / NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH PARTNERSHIP
• WELLCARE
• WE ACCEPT ALL PPO & POS AND LOP’S TOO!

MRIs need to capture images of the body from many different angles.

The computer needs time to shift and reset the imaging in order to gather all of the information needed for your specific target area.

Typical scan times run approximately 35 minutes to 1 hour based on scan type, contrast, ect.

In order to obtain optimum image clarity from your MRI scan, you will need to hold still. MRI technologist will inform you when you can move between scans.

Yes. We encourage family members and loved ones to accompany the patient in the room as long as they pass the screening qualifications. Please contact your local facility for more information.