WHAT IS MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a significant breakthrough in medical technology.  This procedure is painless and does not require surgery or x-ray radiation.  MRI allows physicians to look inside your body with precision, aiding in the early diagnosis of various illnesses.  MRI works by creating a magnetic field, sending radio waves into your body and measuring the response with a computer.  This makes a series of detailed images of the inside of your body.  The physicians use these images to plan the treatment of injury and illnesses.

 

OPEN MRI

"Open" MRI is a revolutionary new design which features the advantages of an easily accessible permanent magnet.  We are setting a new standard in patient comfort with our unique extra large opening which allows exceptional airflow and an unparalleled OPEN view around you during the scan.  This new state-of-the-art technology, combined with your experienced, caring staff, will make you feel much less enclosed and confined, thus eliminating anxiety or claustrophobic tendencies.  This open design also allows a family or staff member to accompany you throughout your exam.  
Not all patients can by accommodated by traditional MRI systems.  However, the Open MRI extra large opening comfortably provides enough room to image patients weighing over 500 pounds.

 

CHILDREN

Performing exams on infants and frightened children has always presented problems when using conventional MRI systems. But with Open MRI, pediatric patients can be imaged within the comforting reach of a parent or nurse.
Ideally, to gain the most cooperation from a child, it is often more effective if a child is tired and, in the case of the infant, hungry.  If possible, do not let your child nap before the exam, and bring a bottle to feed your infant upon arrival.  Young children should be kept up late the night prior to their exam; and awakened early in the morning on the day of their exam.

 

The Following is Very Important.  Read This Section Carefully

 

PREPARING FOR THE EXAM

You or your physician should send related previous films to Jamestown Open MRI prior to the day of your exam.  These films will assist the radiologist with the interpretation of your exam.
Arrive at Jamestown Open MRI 15 minutes prior to your appointment for registration.  Unless specified by your physician, there is no special diet or fasting necessary.
When you arrive for your appointment, you will be greeted by our receptionist and introduced to our staff.  Your medical history will be reviewed, and the MRI process explained at that time.  You will be required to read and sign specific MRI forms prior to your procedure.

You should advise your technologist if you have any of the following:

• Aneurysm Clips or Metal Plates
• Artificial Cardiac Valves
• Bone or Joint Replacements
• Pregnancy
• Previous Surgery (Brain, Eye, Ear)
• Patients with cardiac pacemakers or implanted defibrillators cannot be examined with MRI

THE EXAM

You will be asked to wear a gown during your exam.  A locker will be provided for your clothing, jewelry and personal items.  The MRI exam is safe and painless.  The MRI technologist will be talking with you throughout the exam.  Feel free to ask questions.  During your exam you can listen to a variety of music-you can even bring along your favorite CD or cassette.  The most important thing for you to do is to relax and lie still.
You shouldn't experience any unusual feelings or pain during your MRI scan.  Some exams require the use of an injected contrast-enhancing agent.  This agent does not contain iodine, and does not require special preparation.
You will lie on a special padded table that will move into the Open MRI for your scan.  During your exam you will hear a series of soft knocking noises.  These sounds are normal, and are not harmful in any way.
The average exam lasts about 1hour, although the actual length of your exam will depend on your physician's requests.  You may have a friend or relative accompany you into the exam room.

AFTER THE EXAM

You may resume regular activities, unless otherwise instructed.

Results of your MRI exam are interpreted within 24 hours by a board certified radiologist, experienced in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.  Normally, exam reports will be sent or faxed directly to your physician.  Please inform the receptionist if you have an appointment immediately following your exam and if your physician has requested you bring the films with you to that appointment.  You will be asked to wait approximately 20 minutes while the scans are filmed and processed.

BILLING

Bring your insurance identification to assist in billing and to assure proper credit.  For questions about your billing, please contact: