Is open MRI as accurate as closed MRI?
YES. The medical literature is clear in showing that the MRI equipment used by Open MRI/Imagimed® is absolutely diagnostically equivalent to or better than any closed MRI system available today, with much greater comfort. Open scanners are more sensitive than closed scanners, and produce high quality diagnostic images. For this reason the growth and utilization of open magnets has far surpassed that of closed magnets in America today. Open MRI scanning is unsurpassed for diagnostic accuracy.

I am a large person; will I fit into the MRI machine?
Open MRI/Imagimed® can accommodate patients up to 500 pounds. We make all patients comfortable during the scanning procedure, and because of our magnet configuration, patients weighing 180-220 pounds who would be very uncomfortable in a closed magnet are extremely comfortable in the Open MRI setting.

I am claustrophobic and I need an MRI. What can I do?
Open MRI/Imagimed® has extensive experience working with claustrophobic and anxious patients. Most patients are anxious about getting an MRI scan, especially in a closed scanner. We use only Open MRI scanners that help our patients feel comfortable and not closed in. The open magnet allows you to look at and talk to a friend or family member, hold their hand, and to listen to the music of your choice during the procedure. If you would like, you can visit the office and machine in advance of your appointment.

I have metal in my body; can I still have an MRI?
Patients that have metal implants, pacemakers and aneurysm clips generally can not be scanned at any MRI facility. Most orthopedic implants are non-magnetic; therefore patients with screws, plates, wires or joint replacements can be scanned. We evaluate each patient prior to the scan and will review your medical history. Call us.

What can I expect when I arrive for my MRI scan?
When you arrive at our office you will need to fill out some brief paperwork. It is important that you bring your referral and your prescription that your doctor gave you. Any other scans, x-rays or test results will help our radiologist give your doctor the most accurate diagnosis. There is no hospital check-in, just a comfortable sofa, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, friendly staff, and a quick and easy scan.

What is it like to have an MRI scan?
After you have finished filling out your paperwork, a certified technologist will greet you and bring you back for your scan. You will be given a gown to wear and a safe place to lock your valuable including watches, credit cards and any other electronics. You will also be asked to remove jewelry and hairpins or clips. Bring your favorite CD, or pick one from our library. The technologist will have you lie on a comfortably padded MRI table, and coil (a device used with the magnet to enhance the image) will be placed on the body part to be scanned. The technologist will then slide you under the magnet and you simply lie there comfortably. At this point it is very important to hold still. The scanner will make gentle knocking sounds and this signifies that the scan is being performed, lie still and relax. Most scans are completed within 25 minutes. You can talk to the technologist at all times and you can breathe normally.

Do I get a copy of my MRI films?
Yes, all patients leave our facility with a copy of their films.

When will my doctor have my results?
All of our patients take an original copy of their scan with them when the leave the facility at the conclusion of their scan. Your doctor will routinely receive the results within 24 hours. If you doctor would like immediate results just ask, we are happy to expedite results to your doctor. As well, your scan and report will be available to your doctor on our password protected HIPAA compliant physician website, www.openmrionline.com.

How do I know if you participate with my insurance company?
Click on our insurance link; we list all providers by location. If in doubt, please feel free to call the location and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

How much harmful radiation am I getting from an MRI?
NONE. There is no harmful radiation generated during magnetic resonance imaging, just magnetic fields.

What does an MRI show that a CAT scan or plain x-ray doesn’t?
MRI is much more capable of illustrating all soft tissues and hard tissues, particularly in the brain, spinal cord and joints. It is also the preferred method of in-depth evaluation of joints, especially the knee, ankle, shoulder, wrist, and hand. MRI shows much clearer and more specific anatomical definition of the spine and brain compared to CAT scanning or any other imaging method, and magnetic resonance imaging is also capable of identifying different types of fluids and hence differentiating normal tissue from abnormal tissue, cysts from tumors, and identifying areas of infection and inflammation. No other radiology study combines all of the abilities.

What is MRCP, and is it the best way to study Gallbladders and the Liver?
MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) is now the most current and safe way to look at your gall bladder, biliary tree, and liver. Before this technique was available, ultrasound was the only non-invasive method, and it is very inexact and did not rule out stones. Then, you had to have an ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). This is an invasive procedure done in an operating room with significant risks and complications. Now, MRCP has replaced diagnostic ERCP, and is safer, easier, quicker, and just as accurate with virtually no associated problems. MRCP is equally accurate in detecting or ruling out stones, tumors, or other obstructions, without anesthesia, pancreatitis, or the many other risks associated with invasive ERCP. It must be interpreted by a specialist, and at Open MRI/Imagimed®, MRCP is read by Fellowship-trained body MRI specialists.

How long will the MRI take?
A complete exam may run 20-40 minutes allowing for several dozen images to be obtained.

How early should I arrive to my appointment?
We recommend you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment so that you can fill-out the necessary paperwork.

When will my doctor receive the results of my scan?
A "Wet Read" or preliminary report will be sent via fax to your doctor within 4-6 hours of your scan.  A typed report will be faxed and mailed to your doctor within 24 hours.

Can I listen to music during my scan?
Absolutely!  Bring your favorite CD - we want you to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

What is a gadolinium injection?
Some MRI procedures require a contrast media such as gadolinium which is given intravenously to provide the physicians with additional information. Gadolinium injections are safe and completely different from X-ray dye. Very few people are allergic to gadolinium.

What makes an Open MRI different from a traditional MRI?
Open provides a more relaxed, less confining environment than traditional MRI.  This is more comfortable for claustrophobic and larger size patients. Lower noise levels - Open MRI systems produce less knocking noise compared to traditional MRI. A friend or family member can be in the room during your procedure.  They will be subjected to the same safety screening process as required for you.

Is Open MRI for everyone?
Although Open MRI is an effective diagnostic tool, certain medical conditions will prevent individuals from having an Open MRI.  Please inform your physician and our office personnel at the time of scheduling if you have any of the following:

• Cardiac Pacemaker
• Implantable Cardioverted Defibrillator (ICD)
• Cochlear Ear Implant

Other medical conditions may prevent individuals from having an Open MRI.  Please inform your physician and our office personnel at the time of scheduling if you have any of the following:

• Metal fragments located in the eyes
• Metal fragments or prosthesis within the body
• Pregnancy
• Certain types of aneurysm clips
• Other types of electrical or magnetic activated implants

It is very important if you are pregnant or a possibility of pregnancy that you inform your physician and our office personnel prior to your Open MRI scan.

If any of these conditions exist, your physician and/or our radiologists will determine if you can be safely imaged or recommend an alternative diagnostic imaging procedure that can be safely performed for your condition.