Because the MRI scanner
uses a safe, but powerful magnetic field, we ask that you call us immediately at
1-800-852-4487
if your answer to any of the following questions is "YES": MVHS Merrimack Valley Health Services, Inc.
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Patient Information
What Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging? Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a sophisticated form of diagnostic imaging that uses magnetism, radio waves and computer technology to produce very clear pictures (images) of the body, without using radiation. MRI offers a painless, non-invasive way to obtain information about your body that can lead to early detection and treatment of disease and injury.
What Are The Benefits Of MRI? The images produced by MRI are able to show tissue, organs, ligaments, tendons, bones, blood vessels and other body structures with greater clarity than other imaging methods. MRI is safe, comfortable and painless. With MRI, there is no ionizing radiation, and no known harmful side effects. For certain studies, an injection of a contrast agent may be necessary to better visualize specific anatomical structures.
How Should I Prepare For My MRI Examination? No special preparation is needed prior to your MRI exam. On the day of your exam, you can eat and drink as you normally would, engage in your regular activities, and take any usual medication prescribed by your physician.
Plan to arrive about 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. When you arrive, please check in with the MRI personnel. If time permits, we suggest you watch an informative video on MRI which we have available. Wear comfortable clothing, such as a sweatsuit, without any metal fastenings. Since belts, zippers and even thread in clothing may contain metal that will disturb the MRI signals, we may ask you to change into a hospital gown. Eyeshadow, mascara, dentures, glasses and hairpins will have to be removed. Please leave watches, jewelry and other valuables at home. The magnet can also erase the magnetic coding on your credit cards, so your purse or wallet should be left in a secure place with the MRI personnel.
What Will The Exam Be Like? Your MRI exam is a simple procedure. The specially-trained technologist will help position you on a cushioned scanning bed which rests in the center of the donut-shaped MRI magnet. Once you are comfortable, the bed will be moved into the scanner opening. The unit is open at both ends, allowing light and air inside. Just relax and breathe normally. For best results, you will be asked to lie very still - movement blurs the image, just like a photograph. You will feel nothing. You will hear a "knocking" sound as the magnetic field is adjusted to generate the images. This is normal, and ear plugs or stereo music are available to minimize the sound. Feel free to bring your own cassette or CD if you prefer.
During your exam, the MRI technologist will be able to see and hear you at all times, and can talk to you over an intercom, if needed. Since there is no radiation involved, a family member or friend can stay nearby during your exam. That person must also be "metal-free".
How Long Will The Exam Take? Your exam will take approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on the area of the body being examined.
What Should I Do After The Exam? Since there are no side- or after-effects with MRI, you can resume your normal activities as soon as your exam is over.
What We Need To Know About You Before Your Exam:
Once your doctor has scheduled your MRI exam, we will need some important information from you in order to make your exam safe and effective. Prior to your exam, we will contact you to confirm your appointment and to ask some specific questions about your medical history.When You Should Call Us...
Because the MRI scanner
uses a safe, but powerful magnetic field, we ask that you call us immediately at
1-800-852-4487
if your answer to any of the following questions is "YES":
Do you have a cardiac or other pacemaker?
Do you wear a nitroglycerin or other type of medicated skin patch?
Do you have an ear prosthesis or implant (such as a stapes implanted hearing device)?
Do you have implanted electrodes for pain control or seizures?
Have you ever done any metal working that could have resulted in metal flakes in your eyes?
Do you have any metal implants or fragments in your head or body?
Do you have an implanted neurostimulator, defibrillator or insulin pump?
Also, please call us if:
There is a possibility that you are pregnant.
You weigh more than 350 pounds.
If you cannot keep your appointment. We require that you notify us at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a cancellation fee.
Questions? We want your MRI exam to be as comfortable and pleasant as possible. If you have any additional questions, please call our Customer Service Department between the hours of 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday at 1-800-852-4487.
How Do I Get My Results? Your images will be interpreted (read) by a radiologist and the results (patient MRI report) will be sent to your referring physician as soon as they are available. Your physician will then discuss the results with you.
Financial Arrangement: Please be sure to bring your medical insurance card and complete information with you to your MRI exam. We accept most major medical insurance as well as Medicare, Medicaid and Worker's Compensation. If you have any questions about billing, you may contact our Patient Accounts Department at 1-800-322-5513 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. For questions about your individual insurance policy coverage for MRI, please consult your insurance carrier directly. Please note that depending on your coverage you may be billed separately by the radiologist.
- We'd like to hear from you....our patients!
- Please take a moment to complete our PATIENT SURVEY or feel free to contact us via email at: info@mvhs.org
- and tell us about your MRI experience with us!