- What is MRI?
- Is MRI safe?
- How does MRI differ from other diagnostic procedures such as CAT scans, conventional x-rays, etc?
- What is MRI used for?
- How does MRI work?
- Does MRI make you feel claustrophobic?
- Can I have an MRI if I’m overweight?
- Do I need a doctor’s prescription for an MRI?
- How do I prepare for an MRI?
- What happens during the MRI procedure?
- Will I hear noise during the MRI?
- How long will it take to get the results?
- Is there anyone who cannot or should not have an MRI?
- Can I have an MRI if I am pregnant?
- Why am I getting a bill from a Doctor whom I have never met?
- Why am I getting a bill when I have insurance?
- How much of this bill will my insurance cover?
- What is MRI?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a safe and efficient method used by doctors to look inside the human body, without the use of x-rays, to obtain anatomical and functional diagnostic information. It combines the physical properties of strong magnetic fields with radio waves to produce computer-generated images of the body.
MRI is used to evaluate specific parts of the body such as the head, chest abdomen, pelvis, spine, or extremities and is very effective in evaluating the following conditions: brain disorders, traumatic injuries, eye abnormalities, spine diseases, tumor detection, liver and other abdominal diseases, knee and shoulder injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, facial/neck abnormalities, infection, cardiac malformations and, blood flow and vessel disorders.
- Is MRI safe?
MRI is a non-invasive procedure with no known side or after effects. Some patients cannot have an MRI due to certain medical conditions such as pregnancy and metallic or electronically-implanted devices. Please consult your doctor and the MRI technologist for clarification.
- How does MRI differ from other diagnostic procedures such as CAT scans, conventional x-rays, etc?
All diagnostic imaging procedures provide information about the body. MR images usually contain greater information about the body’s soft tissue than other procedures which means it can give highly-detailed anatomical images of the body. Also, images can be produced with varying contrast, showing many different planes of the body with functional information such as blood flow. Other diagnostic procedures, such as CAT scans, use radiation or radioactive substances, while MRI does not.
- What is MRI used for?
MRI is used for all parts of the body and is effective in the clinical evaluation of the following conditions:
- Brain disorders
- Traumatic injuries
- Eye abnormalities
- Spine diseases
- Tumor detection
- Liver and other abdominal diseases
- Knee and shoulder injuries
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Facial/Neck abnormalities
- Infections
- Cardiac malformations
- Blood Flow and vessel disorders
- How does MRI work?
MRI uses a computer and the physical properties of magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of the soft tissues within the body. MRI signals from the body are generated using a safe magnetic field in combination with radio waves of a specific frequency. The MRI signals are detected and converted to a form which the computer can understand. The computer processes the MRI signals from the body to form MR images. Different tissue characteristics are revealed through this process and thereby translated into different contrast levels on the MR images. The trained physician can then view the MR images and form a clinical diagnosis.
- Does MRI make you feel claustrophobic?
The "tunnel" style MRIs can make you feel "closed in." Our AIRIS MRI system is designed to minimize claustrophobia. It is open on all sides.
- Can I have an MRI if I’m overweight?
The AIRIS is designed to accommodate patients weighing up to 400 lbs.
- Do I need a doctor’s prescription for an MRI?
Yes, your doctor will provide us with the necessary information to perform the most accurate study.
- How do I prepare for an MRI?
Generally, there are no special preparations required prior to an MRI. You may eat normally and go about your daily routine, with the exception of an MRI exam of the abdomen which requires that you do not eat solid food for 6 hours before the exam. Diabetic patients should maintain diet as prescribed by their physicians. Patients should continue any prescription medications unless informed otherwise by their physician.
We have lockers and dressing rooms for your personal belongings, clothing, jewelry and other metallic items which might interfere with the scan. Clothing with zippers, hooks and snaps will need to be removed. We will supply you with a gown or, if you prefer, you can wear your own sweats, shorts or other loose clothing. You may be asked to remove makeup and dentures.
Immediately prior to the exam, the technologist will provide an explanation of the MRI process. Check with your physician or technologist if you have had any brain, ear or eye surgeries or have any of the following:
- Pacemaker
- Neurostimulator (TENS unit)
- Metal Implants
- Intrauterine device (IUD), etc.
- Aneurysm Clips
- Surgical Staples
- Implanted Drug Infusion Device
- Foreign Metal Objects in the Eye
- Shrapnel or Bullet Wounds
- Permanent Eyeliner
- What happens during the MRI procedure?
Your total visit will take approximately 1 ½ hours. This will include registration, preparation, and changing clothes for some procedures. The actual MRI procedure usually lasts from 30-60 minutes, depending on the type of information required by the doctor. You will be asked to lie down onto a padded, moveable scanning table, usually on your back. The table is positioned inside the opening of the MRI scanner. Make sure you are comfortable and breathe normally. The technologist will observe you during the entire procedure and you will be able to speak to the technologist at any time through an intercom system built into the imager.
The only requirement is that you remain as still as possible during the procedure. During the scan, you will experience nothing unusual.
- Will I hear noise during the MRI?
A variety of sounds, such as humming and knocking noises, will be heard as the scan progresses. This is normal, and a sign that the exam is proceeding as required. You will be offered earplugs to help reduce this noise. We will provide you with music of your choice or you may bring your favorite relaxing CD or tape.
- How long will it take to get the results?
We will provide results to your doctor within 24 hours. To receive the results of your exam you should contact the office of the Doctor who ordered your exam.
- Is there anyone who cannot or should not have an MRI?
MRI is a convenient and safe diagnostic procedure for most patients; however, some objects – particularly metal objects – are incompatible with a strong magnetic field and can potentially have harmful effects. Check with your physician or technologist if you have had any brain, ear or eye surgeries or have any of the following:
- Pacemaker
- Neurostimulator (TENS unit)
- Metal Implants
- Intrauterine device (IUD), etc.
- Aneurysm Clips
- Surgical Staples
- Implanted Drug Infusion Device
- Foreign Metal Objects in the Eye
- Shrapnel or Bullet Wounds
- Permanent Eyeliner
- Can I have an MRI if I am pregnant?
MRI is not generally recommended for pregnant patients, particularly during the first trimester.
- Why am I getting a bill from a doctor whom I have never met?
The doctor on our bill is a specialist in radiology. He is trained to read diagnostic imaging exams. Most of the time, the radiologist does not meet with the patient. He reports his findings to the patient's primary doctor.
- Why am I getting a bill when I have insurance?
You will receive a monthly statement showing the status of the bill until the bill is paid. It will list any insurance payments and your remaining balance. Examine your bill very closely. It will tell you whether your insurance has been billed. It will also list what insurance information we have for the patient. If we do not have the insurance information, the statement will have a request for the patient to call our billing office with that information.
- How much of this bill will my insurance cover?
Dove Open MRI, East Manhattan Diagnostic Imaging has many contracts with various insurance companies. Our tax ID number is 133931499. If you call your insurance and give them the tax ID number, they will be able to tell you how much of your bill that they will cover.