MRI is the fastest and safest way to get the clearest pictures of the human anatomy. This advanced technology uses magnetic fields and radio waves (like microwaves and the AM and FM bands on your radio) to visualize the inner workings of the body. The pictures produced by MRI help the radiologist clearly and accurately detect and define the differences between healthy and diseased tissues, especially in the soft tissues. It can reveal many health problems at their earliest, most treatable stages.

A painless procedure, MRI has virtually no known side effects. To date, millions of patients have experienced MRI and the procedure has proven to be extremely safe. In fact, since MRI uses harmless radio waves and magnetization instead of x-rays, it is considered to be safer than the other radiological techniques that do use x-rays.

Our MRI is a Marconi Short Bore Polaris 1.0 Tesla scanner that produces high resolution imaging. The higher the resolution and quality of a scanner, the more likely it will detect disease processes. Our images are interpreted by Mercy Hospital's Musculoskeletal Radiologists.

No special preparation is required for an MRI. Most of the time you may eat or drink as you choose prior to the examination and may continue to take all prescribed medications. Since the procedure involves the use of a strong magnetic field, you will be asked to remove all metal and magnetic sensitive items from your body and pockets. This will include things like watches, credit cards, barrettes, hairpins, and makeup that contains metal flakes. You will not need to be disrobed during the examination, unless your clothing features metal buttons, zippers or rivets. Then, you'll need to change into a gown prior to the procedure. The test will require that you lie still in the scanner for as much as an hour.

During your MRI examination you will simply lie still on the MRI table. Each individual study takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to complete. As the examination progresses, the equipment will be obtaining views of your body from a variety of angles. Throughout the process you will hear a muffled sound somewhat like a drumbeat. The table itself may move, but you will remain still. You will be able to talk to our technologist at any time during the procedure via an intercom system.

Depending upon your needs, your physician may have ordered a “contrast examination” for you. If so, you will be provided an injection of a contrast medium, a clear, nonradioactive liquid that will provide enhanced pictures of an affected area. Of course, a physician is on-site whenever contrast injections are administered, even though reactions to this type of contrast are extremely rare. For some joint scans, you may be required to have contrast injected into your joint at the hospital under x-ray by the radiologist prior to your scan at the SOC.

Your examination will produce a unique set of images that our radiologists will review and interpret. They will then produce a report of their findings and advance that promptly to the physician who referred you for your examination.

To schedule an MRI examination, simply contact us. Our team of receptionists will work with you to ensure that your examination is scheduled at a convenient time, and that any special requirements of your insurer are addressed. When you call to schedule your examination, we will ask you for the information your referring physician provided you explaining why you are having the examination and describing the type of examination that is being ordered for you. We will also request information about you and your insurance coverage. You will also be asked a variety of questions to determine if you have any metal in your body (pacemaker, defibrillators, pumps, implants, shrapnel) or if there is any possibility you are pregnant. Our site participates with most major insurers. We request that you remit any co-pay or deductible at the time of your examination, but offer you the convenience of filing your claim for you with your insurance carrier. We offer payment plans for those patients who are uninsured.

After your MRI examination you are free to immediately return to your normal activities. MRI examinations and the contrast medium sometimes used are not known to cause post-examination reactions or complications. Therefore, if you experience any unusual pain or problems of any kind, immediately call your referring physician. If your problems are severe, contact 911 for emergency care. If you did have a contrast injection during your examination, you should drink plenty of fluids during the 24 hours following your examination. This helps the contrast solution pass completely through your system. If you are breastfeeding, you should avoid doing so for 24-36 hours; a pump might be used during this time. At any time after your examination if you need to speak with us, please feel free to contact us at 319-338-3606. We can help you secure copies of your report if necessary and are happy to assist you with any questions.