MRI

MRI results are typically available within a few days, but your provider will inform you about when and how you’ll receive them.

1. Diagnostic Purposes: MRI can help diagnose various medical conditions, such as injuries, tumors, infections, or abnormalities.
2. Detailed Imaging: MRI provides highly detailed images, allowing healthcare professionals to better evaluate the structure and function of internal organs and tissues.
3. Monitoring Conditions: In some cases, MRI is used to monitor the progression or response to treatment of certain medical conditions.
4. Clarifying Results: If previous tests or imaging results were inconclusive, an MRI may be recommended for a clearer and more detailed view.

Generally, there are no dietary restrictions, but it’s best to check with your provider about medications and specific preparations.

Bring a form of photo ID and any referral or documentation provided by your healthcare provider.

MRI is non-invasive and uses no radiation, but always inform your technologist about implants, tattoos, or any medical conditions before the scan.

The MRI machine is a large, cylindrical tube with a table in the middle where patients lie down.

The cost of an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan can vary significantly depending on various factors such as:

1. Geographic Location: Prices can vary based on the region and state.
2. Facility Type: The type of healthcare facility you go to can impact the cost. Hospitals and outpatient diagnostic imaging centers, such as Gateway Diagnostic Imaging, have very different pricing structures. Gateway Diagnostic Imaging MRI costs up to 400% less than a hospital based MRI.
3. Type of MRI: The specific type of MRI you need can affect the cost. For example, a standard MRI may be less expensive than a specialized or contrast MRI.
4. Health Insurance: If you have health insurance, your coverage will play a significant role in determining your out-of-pocket costs. Insurance plans may cover all or a portion of the MRI expenses.
5. Out-of-Pocket Costs: Even with insurance, you may have out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, co-pays, or co-insurance.

Learn more about the costs associated with an MRI.

You will need a referral from a healthcare provider to schedule an MRI. Healthcare providers, such as your primary care doctor or a specialist, typically order imaging tests like MRIs based on your symptoms, medical history, or the need for further evaluation. They assess whether an MRI is necessary for your specific situation. In addition, your healthcare providers referral and clinical notes are typically used by your insurance to verify and approve coverage for the MRI scan.

An MRI uses magnetic waves and radiation to create a 3D image. These images are particularly effective in identifying issues in soft tissue, spine, nerves, ligaments, and similar body parts. MRIs are valuable tools for diagnosing aneurysms & strokes, cancers, injuries to tendons, muscles, ligaments, bones & joints. They are also useful for detecting spinal diseases or damage, and issues related to the urethra, uterus, bladder, vagina, or rectum. Read more about the differences between an MRI and a CT scan.  

An IV contrast emphasizes very subtle differences that would not be visible without it. The contrast agent, also known as dye, highlights blood vessels, organs, and specific soft tissues. This helps better identify points of inflammation, blood clots, tumors, and more. Your doctor may have ordered IV contrast if you have a history of concussions, seizures, infection, degenerative changes, and many other reasons. 

It depends on the nature of the scan. The more detailed a scan needs to be, the longer the scan will take to complete. On average, a scan takes anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes. Read more about what to expect during your MRI 

Yes, your physician has access to your scans and reports through the physician portal Synapse. 

This depends on the type of implant you have. If you have a drug infusion pump, cochlear implant, metal fragments, IUD, artificial joints, as well as other forms of implant or piercing in your body, be sure to let your doctor and technologist know beforehand. If you have an implant card with medical device identification numbers, please share with your imaging center ahead of time and bring this to your appointment. This will inform the MRI tech if that material is safe for scanning.  

The function of MRI coils is to send and receive signals during the scanning process by placing them around the specific areas of the body to be imaged. They enhance clarity, resolution, and speed of imaging by their proximity to the area of interest. Different types of coils are used depending on the body part being scanned.  

Many of these coils used are blanket coils; they lay directly on the skin and are comfortable and adaptable to the shape of your body…just like a blanket. You must remain still during the MRI scanning experience, which may be difficult for some people. If you are concerned about not being able to stay still, whether due to pain or any other reason, discuss this with the imaging center beforehand. They might be able to offer solutions such as padding or supports to make you more comfortable.   

Comfort is key, dress like how you would on a relaxed day at home. Soft, loose-fitting clothing is your best bet. However, avoid wearing any clothing with metal parts like zippers, snaps, or underwire bra. Most centers will likely provide you with a gown to wear during the study, but coming in comfy attire can make the pre-scan process smoother.  Read more about how to prepare for you MRI appointment here  

Yes, there are no concerns about having imaging done while breastfeeding. Talk to your imaging center and inform them of your breastfeeding prior to the scan. For IV contrast with Iodine and Gadolinium, you and your baby are safe to continue breastfeeding like normal after the procedure. Your doctor will discuss with you if there are certain circumstances or contrast agents that could potentially pose an issue to breastfeeding. If you choose to abstain from breastfeeding after the contrast is administered, you are encouraged to pump and save your breastmilk prior to your appointment.

You need a referral from your doctor. If you have a referral you can go to our request appointment page. We can offer same day and next day appointments. Read more about how scheduling and appointments work here 

Yes, it may be comforting to know that many modern MRI machines are designed to be more spacious and open. We provide headphones that can help distract from being in a small space. Additionally, there’s a call button in the machine you can press to alert the technician. The tech can speak to you and always hear you during the entire process. In addition to our Open MRI machine, all Gateway Diagnostics centers have a 3T wide–bore MRI available which provides a more comfortable entrance at 70cm wide. Gateway offers patients innovative Fast Scan technology which significantly decreases the length of the time you spend in the MRI.  

It can get a bit noisy. The sounds of an MRI machine can be described as a series of loud knocking or tapping noises. This is just the machine taking pictures. We can offer you earplugs and headphones with music or a podcast to dampen the sound.