Patient Comfort Many patients feel uncomfortable and experience anxiety while inside the "tube" of a traditional or closed MRI scanner. Our open scanners are engineered with vary large openings which sets the standard for the industry in patient comfort. With this design, maximum light and air flow are attained, so the Patient feels less enclosed and confined, thus minimizing ANXIETY and CLAUSTROPHOBIC tendencies. During a routine lower body exam, the patient's head may remain completely outside the magnet. The Openness also provides the technologist and patient with room for more maneuverability. Increasing patient comfort.
Large Opening Now even large patients can be scanned with ease. In the past, heavier individuals could not be accommodated by traditional MRI systems. However, our extra-wide openings do accommodate these large patients.
What Happens During My Exam? The patient will be positioned on a padded exam table. You will slowly be rolled into the magnet opening, with the body part to be viewed centered in the scanner. The patient will hear a series of tapping sounds usually lasting 2-10 minutes in length for each imaging sequence. The entire exam averages 30-60 minutes. The patient is able to communicate with the technologist throughout the exam through a two-way intercom. To help you relax during your exam, you can listen to music or radio of your choice.
Are There Any Special Precautions? Yes. Most metal objects do not cause a problem; however, there are a few. You should check with your physician or our MRI technologist if you've had any brain, ear, or eye surgeries or any of the following:

Aneurysm clips	Metal clips	Pacemaker
Foreign metal objects in the eye	Metal implants	Shrapnel or bullet wounds
Heart valves	Metal objects	Surgical staples in place within 6 weeks after surgery
Implanted drug infusion devices	Neuro-stimulator
If you are pregnant, you should notify your physician.
Any patients who require contrast studies and are above the age of 60 years old, or who may have compromised renal or hepatic function will need a creatinine blood test. This blood test ensures the body can safely eliminate the contrast.

Questions & Answers Are there any special preparations for the MR exam? No. There is no special diet, medication or fasting required. Are there any side effects? There are no side effects to MRI so you needn't change your usual habits...you can even drive yourself home. What should I wear? Whatever you want! You can wear comfortable clothing without metal snaps or zippers, such as a sweat suit, however, gowns will be available if needed. What billing information will be necessary? A referral from your physician Insurance Carrier and copy of card Pre-certification/Authorization number, if applicable If work related, workman's compensation authorization.

How long will this take? We ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete the necessary paperwork. The exam itself will then take approximately 30-60 minutes. How soon will I receive the results of the exam? Copies of the MRI film, also available on CD, are given to the patient after the exam. Reports are given to your doctor within 24 hours.