Upright MRI FAQs

  • What will happen?

    Depending on the type of scan your doctor ordered, the MRI technologist may wrap a special belt (actually an antenna) around the region of your body that is to be scanned. If you are having a head scan, your head will rest in a special fixture. Once you are comfortably positioned, the technologist will start the scan. At that point, all you have to do is be as still as you can until the MRI exam is over-the more still, the better. The reason you have to lie still is that movement blurs the MRI images. Depending on what your doctor ordered and the area being scanned, the procedure will take between 15 and 45 minutes. The MRI technologist will be able to tell you how long it should take. You won’t feel anything, but you will hear some low-volume, intermittent, rumbling noises throughout the scan. These sounds are normal. Our scanners are very quiet in comparison to “tunnel” MRI scanners whose sounds are sometimes described as firing machine guns or rattling garbage cans. If you like, someone can be with you in the scanner room, provided it’s safe for the person to be there (A visitor is subject to the scanner’s magnetic field too So please make sure it is safe for the visitor to be in the scanner room). It is common for a parent to stay with a child In fact we encourage it. Smaller children being scanned can sit comfortably on a parent’s lap during the process.

  • When will I find out the results?

    You won’t find out the results at the time of the scan. The results of your MRI examination will be faxed and/or mailed directly to your doctor, normally within 24 hours. In turn your doctor will explain them to you. Technologists are not qualified to interpret MRI examinations, nor are they allowed to so please don’t ask them for their opinions.

  • What will the MRI staff want to know about me?

    The receptionist and MRI technologist will ask you questions about your medical history. They will check to see If it is safe for you to have an MRI scan. The receptionist will also ask you for certain insurance information, so please remember to bring your insurance card with you.

  • Do I need a doctor's prescription for an MRI?

    Yes. Be sure to bring it with you when you come for your MRI exam. 

  • I've heard that some MRI scanners induce claustrophobic reactions. Do yours?

    Our scanners are all totally open MRI’s. There are no tunnels, no tubes, and no plates in front of your face as in other open MRIs. Ours are quiet, comfortable and non-claustrophobic. Plus, you can watch TV during the scan and actually hear it too.

  • Should I avoid eating certain things before the MRI?

    There are no food or drink restrictions.

  • Can anybody have an MRI scan?

    Most people have no problem with an MRI. However, for some people, an MRI can be dangerous, even fatal If you have a cardiac pacemaker, you should not have an MRI.Another potential danger is an aneurysm clip in the brain. Some aneurysm clips are MRI safe, some aren’t. You must check with the surgeon who installed the clip to be sure the manufacturer has tested it and found it to be MRI safe. Other Potential Dangers include: Neurostimulators, Heart Valves, Metal Implants, Drug Infusion Devise/Pump, Ear Implants, Hearing Aid (The MRI scan damage it), InfenorVena Cava Filter, Metal Objects in Eyes, Surgical Staples or Wires, Bone or Joint Replacements, Metal Plates, Rods, Pins or Screws, Contraceptive Diaphragms or Coils, Permanent Dentures, Penile Implants, Shrapnel, Pregnancy, Vascular Coils and Filters. If any of the above applies to you, it may be dangerous for you to have an MRI exam. Be sure to make the technologist and staff at the MRI center aware, and also tell the doctor who prescribed the exam. They will be able to tell you if it is safe for you to have the MRI exam. In most cases you will be able to have the scan, but please leave that decision to the professionals. Please Note: Anyone accompanying the patient to any area near the MRI scanner is subject to the same dangers.

  • Is it OK to have an MRI if I'm pregnant?

    If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, you must first consult with your physician and OB/GYN before you have an MRI scan. You must also inform the staff at the MRI scanning center. It has not been shown that MRI is harmful to unborn children. However, if you choose to have the MRI, you will be asked to sign a consent form, which must also be signed by your OBGYN.

  • Upright™ MRI is relatively new. Has it been proven?

    Yes. The imaging technology used in Upright™ MRI has been proved and improved for many years. The basic processes are similar to conventional MRI — it’s the means of conducting the imaging that’s a decided improvement. Being based on proven technology, Upright™ MRI is as safe and effective as longer-established forms of Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

  • Will I be able to drive after I have the exam?

    Yes. The MRI has no known physiological side effects. However if.you have taken a sedative, there may be some restrictions.

  • How is Upright™ MRI better than regular MRI?

    Upright™ MRI is not merely standing erect; it is so flexible that it allows you to be placed in virtually any position that will yield maximum imaging results for greatest diagnostic accuracy. Regular MRI is limited by having you lie flat; many medical conditions will not be imaged with total accuracy in the recumbent (flat) position. Also, Upright™ MRI is faster and notably quieter than conventional MRI. With Upright™ MRI, you can even watch (and listen to) big-screen TV during your MRI.

  • Do I have to remain very still?

    Yes – as still as you can. The more still you are during the scan the better the MRI image will come out. As stated previously, movement causes blurring in the picture. If you move too much, the pictures will be too blurry for the radiologist to see what he or she needs to see, and you will have to reschedule for another MRI exam.

  • What is MRI?

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe, painless way to look inside the human body without using radiation (X-rays). An MRI scanner uses a powerful magnet and radio signals to cause the hydrogen atoms of the body to send out tiny radio signals of their own. Since approximately 75% of the human body is composed of water (H20), there is an abundance of hydrogen atoms in every part of the body. A highly sensitive antenna detects these signals and sends them to computers that use them to make pictures or images. MRI images depict soft tissue anatomy far better than other diagnostic imaging methods. A specially trained radiologist reviews the images in search of anything unusual, or perhaps to rule out certain kinds of problems. The radiologist then gives your doctor a full report.

  • How should I dress? Will I have to wear any special clothing?

    When it comes to how to dress for an MRI exam, the main thing to realize is that metal can degrade or ruin MRI pictures. Therefore, you should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing (no dresses or skirts for modesty reasons), but keep in mind that metal must be avoided. Here are some examples: If you are going to have a scan of the lower spine (lumbar spine) or the abdomen area, don’t wear clothing or under-clothing that has metal on it in that area. For example, a bodysuit that has snaps in the crotch, or pants with fasteners or a zipper will cause a problem. Sweats with no eyelets would be fine. Also. body-pierced jewelry in that region must be removed. If you are having a scan in the head or neck area, remove all makeup (some makeup has metallic particles in it) and all metallic items such as hair clips, earrings, and facial jewelry including body-pierced items. Notify the technologist if you have any tattoos or makeup tattoos. If you are having a scan in the chest area, or upper torso, avoid clothing and under-clothing with metal hooks or fasteners. For example, a sweatshirt with metallic decorations or body-pierced jewelry in that region will cause a problem. Don’t worry If you don’t have suitable clothing we will give you a gown.

  • Can someone else stay with me in the MRI scanner room?

    Yes. Since our MRI scanners are open, there is ample space for someone to accompany you into the scanner room, and even hold your hand during the scan. The person accompanying the patient will be exposed to the scanner’s magnetic field just as the patient is, so please make sure it is safe for the visitor to be there.

  • What should I bring with me when I come for my MRI?

    The prescription from your doctor.

    Your insurance card.

    Your driver’s license.

    Your Patient Information sheet.

    Your Safety Form.

  • Will my insurance cover the cost of the MRI?

    Most likely We accept Workers’ Compensation cases, Medicare, auto accident cases, attorney hens, and many commercial insurance plans and HMOs When you call to make your appointment ask if your insurance company will pay some or all of the cost. Payment plans are available.

  • Does it hurt? Will I feel anything?

    You won’t feel a thing and unlike many other MRI scanners, ours are quiet, comfortable, and non-claustrophobic.

  • What do I have to do to prepare myself for an MRI?

    The first step is to be certain that it is safe for you to have an MRI scan (see previous question). Preparing for an MRI exam is easy. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you may take your medications as usual. There are no food or drink restrictions. The only unusual preparation for an MRI scan is that all removable metallic objects must be left outside the scanning room. These include jewelry, keys, watches, coins, eyeglasses, removable hearing aids, dentures, and prosthetic devices. Credit cards should not be brought anywhere near the MRI magnet. Since they are magnetically coded the MRIs magnet, which is very powerful, can easily corrupt the information stored on them.

  • Is transportation available?

    If a patient is unable to get to the scanning center on his/her own, special arrangements can be made. If you need transportation, please call us We will do our best to assist you.

  • Can my doctor prescribe an Upright™ MRI for me?

    Yes.

  • Will I be getting an injection?

    Occasionally an injection will need to be given only when ordered by your doctor. In certain situations, it may be necessary to inject a patient with a contrast agent in order for the proper diagnosis to be made. Your referring doctor will make that decision. Most patients do not require a contrast agent. For example, MRI exams of regions containing scar tissue from a previous surgical procedure are often best evaluated with the aid of a contrast agent. The contrast agent is injected intravenously into the arm. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional. Side effects are minimal (less than 1%). If you require the contrast agent you will be made fully aware of possible side effects prior to the injection.

  • How long will my MRI take?

    Most scans take 30 to 60 minutes. It could be longer if your doctor has ordered additional scans. Also, we ask that you arrive 30 minutes before your appointment. This allows for processing, answering your questions, and preparing you for the scan.

  • When is lying-flat MRI not enough?

    When you lie flat on the sliding table used in conventional MRI, that position may not mirror the condition for which MRI is needed. Also, many medical conditions, such as muscle or spinal problems, may not be as apparent when you are lying flat as they would be if you were standing erect, or sitting. By taking the MRI in the most “symptomatic” position, your doctor will obtain the most accurate results.

Advanced Diagnostics Locations

  • Administration

Testimonials

Very interesting and easy sitting up rather than lying down. Watching TV is great.

Robert G.

I was a little apprehensive because I’m so claustrophobic. But it was very relaxing and gratifying to know there is a MRI machine that people like me can handle without any fear.

Jean P.

There was nothing unpleasant at all – a huge relief after attempting the traditional MRI. It was a very comfortable atmosphere – un-hospital like.

Liz H.

Very accommodating. Professional, yet personal. I would recommend Advanced Diagnostics to others.

Louise A.

Great Experience. So much easier than other MRI’s. Very relaxing.

Mary A.

Everyone was very helpful. Everyone was very thorough and professional.

Patricia S.

From the moment I came in, the customer service was exceptional! They really understood my pain and treated me with patience and kindness. I will absolutely return for future MRI’s.

Valerie H.

I didn’t think that I could sit there. The staff was great. The Stand-Up MRI is so much easier. Thank you.

Lynne C.

Great Experience, I am extremely claustrophobic and this was EASY!

Mark C.

After having two MRIs in a month, we are so impressed and have told others of our excellent experience. Your staff is particularly sensitive to patients’ needs!!

Stephen D.

Both the reception staff and the MRI technolist were, at all times, professional, accommodating, and above all, friendly and efficient. I was also impressed with the calm and pleasant atmosphere within the facility.

Sandi.C