MRI Information
Your health care provider has recommended that you have an MRI examination or procedure. This page is provided to help you understand more about the MRI services available at Spokane Orthopedics. Choosing to have your exam at Spokane Orthopedics provides you with access to the quality, personal care, and scope of professional services that are necessary to gain important information about your health. Your comfort and concerns are very important to us. We respect the trust you have placed in us and will see to it that you are always treated with care and sensitivity. If you have any questions at any time, please let us know. Sincerely, How does an MRI work?When you are placed inside a large magnetic field for your examination, the hydrogen atoms in your body will align themselves in a position to receive radio signals from the MRI unit. As the MRI unit sends these signals, your body responds with signals of its own. These transmitted body signals are then processed by a computer and turned into images.What will my MRI examination be like?Your examination will take place in a large, well lit, specially designed scanning room. The MRI technologist will help you lie fat on a padded exam table which slides into the center of the short bore magnet. The body part to be examined must be located in the center of the magnetic field, which may require that your whole body be placed inside the machine. The center of a short bore magnet is located just 2.5 feet from the open ends of the magnet. While the machine is in operation, it is normal to hear intermittent humming and thumping sounds. Motion can distort images, so you will be asked to lie still during the exam. Depending on the information your health care provider needs, your complete examination should take from 20 minutes to an hour.Will my insurance pay for my exam?MRI is generally a covered benefit of most health insurance plans; however, most insurance carriers require prior authorization. It is important to understand that billing does not guarantee payment or eligibility for insurance benefits. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, it is best to contact your insurance company. Patients are responsible for any unmet deductible. If you have questions about fees or if you need to make special payment arrangements, please call our billing office at (509) 232.5970.What do I need to do during my exam?Just relax, breathe normally, and try to remain as still as possible. The technologist performing the exam will keep you informed about what is going on throughout the study and will be there to assist you during all phases of the examination. If you are unable to make your MRI appointment, please contact Spokane Orthopedics at least 24 hours prior to your appointment time to cancel or reschedule your appointment.MRI technology uses a magnetic field and radio waves to image the human body. The pictures produced by this technology can help your doctor detect and define the differences between healthy, diseased, or injured tissue. Conditions that may only be apparent from physical signs and symptoms may be clearly seen, giving health care providers better information to determine the most appropriate treatment. MRI scans are painless and there are no known harmful effects. In some cases, the radiologist will request a contrast injection to further enhance the details of the study. How will I get the results of my exam?A report from the radiologist will be forwarded to your health care provider within 24 hours of your exam.How should I prepare for my exam?Unless it is an abdominal study, you may eat normally and take any regular medications. If you are having a head or eye exam, do not wear any eye or facial makeup, as it may cause artifact on your images. Due to the strength of the magnetic field, it will be necessary for you to remove your watch and secure your wallet and car keys in a personal locker provided by Spokane Imaging. The MRI magnet will erase information on credit cards. Gold wedding rings may be worn, because they are non-magnetic.Are you claustrophobic? Ask your provider about sedation medication.Sedation medication can cause drowsiness. If it is prescribed, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home from your exam.For your safetySurgically implanted or foreign metal objects in the body may make MRI unsafe:• Pacemaker, defibrillator • Aneurysm clips • Inner ear implants • Bone or neurostimulators • Metal shavings, BBs, bullets, or shrapnel Please notify the technologist, if you are or have:• Pregnant• Permanent eyeliner or tattoos • Any physical limitations • Allergies or previous reaction to contrast agent • Medication administering patches, i.e. nonsmoking |
Dear Patient,