If you have any other questions please feel free to call our staff at (256) 536-3550.
| MRI | CT | Ultrasound | Mammography |
Q: What does MRI mean and how is it different
from an MRA?
A: MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, is a state-of-the-art
technique that allows doctors to see inside the human body
in remarkable detail without using x-rays. MRI images are
produced with the use of a powerful magnetic field, radio
waves, and a sophisticated computer system. The procedure
is safe, painless, and, in many cases, saves the cost of hospitalization
and numerous other studies.
Q: What is MRA and how does it work?
A: MRA, magnetic resonance angiography, is a special
type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that is tailored
to visualize the blood vessels and blood flow in a specific
part of the body. A large magnet and radio waves are used
to produce images of the body. The images appear on a screen.
They're recorded on film or optical disc for storage. A specialist
interprets the images. MRA produces clear accurate pictures
and there is little risk of complications. As a result, it's
increasingly being used before, or in place of, conventional
angiography and other procedures.
Q: What is the difference between an MRI
and a CT scan?
A: Both MRI and CT scans make cross-sectional images
(slices) of pretty much any area of the body using a sophisticated
computer system. The major difference is that an MRI uses
a large magnet and radio waves to produce images while a CT
scanner uses x-rays. Therefore, with the MRI studies, there
is no exposure to x-rays. Both systems complement each other
well as they both have their inherent strengths and weaknesses;
however, CT usually can only directly acquire transverse (or
crosswise) images, whereas MRI can directly acquire slices
in any plane. In addition, MRI is superior when it comes to
soft tissue contrast, and there are no known side effects.
The ability to view pictures from multiple directions, high
tissue contrast, and lack of x-rays make MRI a very powerful
and increasingly popular imaging tool. Please note, MRI is
very sensitive to motion during the acquisition of pictures
and, in some instances, CT is preferable if the patient is
unable to hold still.
Q: What does it mean to be accredited
by the American College of Radiology?
A: To be accredited means that the physicians reading your scan have been rigorously trained in interpreting MRI scans along with a continuous process of education as prescribed by the American College or Radiology. Members of our technical staff are registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, specifically in magnetic resonance imaging. Our staff and facility have been accredited by the ACR and recognized as a "Center of Excellence", assuring the highest quality MRI services available.
Q: What does an MRI scanner look like?
A:
Q: How do I prepare for my scan?
A: Preparation for your MRI is very simple. For most
MRI procedures, you may eat normally and take any prescribed
medications the day of the study. We ask that you pre-register
online or call ahead for any necessary instructions. You will
be asked several questions regarding your past medical history.
We will ask for any pertinent insurance information from you
and assist in any pre-authorizations, which may be required
by your insurance company. In addition, we ask that you arrive
15-20 minutes early for your appointment and that you bring
your insurance card(s) and any related diagnostic tests (x-rays,
CT scans, etc.) with you. You may select from our Satellite radio stations or bring your own CD to listen
to music during the procedure. If you are being medicated please arrive an hour early and bring a
driver.
Q: Is there any type of preparation as
far as eating prior to the scan?
A: For most MRI studies, there is no special preparation
prior to the scan; however, for a select few abdominal studies
we do ask that you not eat anything for four hours before
the MRI. That is why it is important to call us a few days
ahead of time to pre-register and go through instructions.
Q: What happens after I get to the MRI
Center?
A: Upon arrival, you will be greeted and registered
by our receptionist, and any papers and/or diagnostic studies
will be collected at this time. We will also copy any insurance
cards that you bring with you. Prior to the start of the scan,
one of our technologists will conduct a brief interview with
you regarding your medical history and the possible presence
of metallic objects in your body. Finally, you will be asked
to remove any metallic objects such as jewelry (except rings),
glasses, hairpins, hearing aids, and possibly nonpermanent
dentures. Wallets, credit cards, and purses must also be left
behind in a secure locker. In some instances, your scan will
require that you dress in a patient gown and robe. A dressing
room and secure storage area will be provided for all of your
belongings. Finally, you will be taken back to the scanning
room where the technologist will have you lie on a padded
examination table.
Q: What happens during the scan?
A: Once in the scan room, the technologist will help
you onto a padded examination table where you will be comfortably
situated. While the scan is in progress, you will hear intermittent
knocking noises that are normal and there should be no cause
for alarm. The most important thing to remember is that you
must remain motionless during the study to prevent the images
from blurring. Throughout the test, you will be able to speak
to the technologist via an intercom and, in many cases, we
can even provide you with relaxing music. We have special
equipment to provide this for you. Most exams take from 30-45
minutes and, unless you were pre-medicated, you may resume
normal activities immediately afterwards.
Q: When and from whom will I get my results?
A: Your MRI results in all cases can only be obtained from your doctor or his staff. Your scan results will generally be available within a few hours of completion either electronically or in other formats as requested by your doctor.
If you have a same day appointment to follow your scan, we will make every effort to have the results to your doctor's office prior to your appointment.
Please do NOT call the Center for your results. Only the doctor or his staff can provide you with the results of your examination.
Q: What happens if I can't lay still
or want to get off the table?
A: The technologist will be in constant contact with
you while you are being scanned via an intercom system. If
you feel uncomfortable at any time during the scan, you can
speak to the technologist and they will assist you accordingly.
Q: Can you scan my whole body while I'm
in there?
A: No. This is one way that an MRI differs from some
other scans. With the MRI scanner, we can image just about
any part of the body; however, each scan is limited to a specific
body part or area. Each area we scan takes from 30-60 minutes.
Q: Why do I have to have my whole body
in the scanner if you are only scanning my head?
A: The part of the scanner that takes the pictures
is located in the center of the scanner. Therefore, in order
to do a scan of your head, most of your body must slide into
the scanner for proper positioning. The same is true for other
studies of the spine and upper extremities. Click
here to view the scanner.
Q: Why do you want to know about metal
implants in my head if I'm having my back scanned?
A: Surgically implanted metallic pins, wires, rods,
etc. are usually okay to be scanned, as are hip or knee/shoulder
replacements, etc. All dental implants and fillings are also
okay. However, certain metallic devices can cause interference
with the scan, and their presence during the study may cause
injury to you if the force of the magnet pulls the metal object.
It is particularly important for us to know if you have a
pacemaker, a defibrillator, a muscle stimulator or other implanted
electrical device, a history of heart or brain surgery, brain
aneurysm clips, shrapnel, or a history of getting metal fragments
in your eyes. When you have the scan, even though we are focusing
on one specific area, your whole body does go into the scanner.
In fact, just walking into the scanning room puts you within
the magnetic field since the magnet is never turned "off."
That is why we have to know about metal anywhere in/on your
body. You will be asked on numerous occasions about any metal
implants. Please try to be as thorough as possible when answering
as this is for your safety.
Q: How long will my scan take?
A: The average MRI study takes about 30-45 minutes.
Some scans may be shorter and some a little longer.
Q: Where is the Center of Imaging Excellence
located?
A: We are located at the corner of Whitesburg and Governors Dr.
Q: Where can I park?
A: At the Whitesburg location,
we have parking lots in front and side of the building. If you
need a wheelchair or assistance into the building, please
have the person accompanying you come into the building and
ask one of our staff members for assistance.
Q: Is it a problem if I am breast-feeding
or pregnant?
A: We normally do not scan pregnant women. If you think
you might be pregnant, you must have a pregnancy test done
or wait until your menstrual period before we can scan you.
If you are breast-feeding, an unenhanced routine MRI is no
problem. HOWEVER, if there is the possibility of your scan
being enhanced with the contrast media, you should plan on
bottle-feeding the baby for 48 hours after the scan until
the contrast material has passed out of your system.
Q: Does my scan need to be pre-authorized
by my insurance?
A: Some insurance policies require pre-authorization.
We will
also verify insurance benefits for our patients so they are
aware of how their policy will cover the cost of the scan.
Q: Do you bill insurance?
A: Our Patient Accounts
department will bill your health insurance, workers' compensation
carrier, or auto insurance. We are participating providers
with various insurance companies. Our billing personnel
work closely with patients, verifying and explaining their
benefits and answering any questions that may arise.
Q: What does an MRI look like?
A: Click here
to see what an MRI image looks like.
Q: Why do you need my other x-rays and
CT scans?
A: The more information that your MRI specialist has
when they review your study, the more specific the interpretation
will be. Correlations with other studies are often helpful.
Q: How much does an MRI cost?
A: For pricing information, please contact our patient accounts department at 256-536-3550.
Q: Will the results of my scan be kept
confidential?
A: Yes. The results will only be shared with your referring
physician and no one else without YOUR permission.
Q: How do I obtain copies of my images?
A: If you need copies of your images, please call our medical records department in advance at 256-536-3550. We will make every effort to help get your images where they need to be. You can pick them up, we will deliver them locally, or we can mail them.
Ultrasound FAQQ: What is 3D / 4D Ultrasound? Q: Is it Safe? Prenatal ultrasound has been used widely over the last 35 years and no studies that we are aware of have shown ultrasound to cause any harm to the mother or baby. If you have ANY concerns about the safety of ultrasound we URGE you to speak to your healthcare professional before making your appointment. Your healthcare professional is ALWAYS your best source of information for any health concerns. You must be under the care of a healthcare professional and supply us with the name and contact information to use our service. Q: Who will be performing my scan? An ultrasound technician or a registered nurse specially trained in the safe and efficient use of our equipment and in obtaining the best images possible of your baby. Q: When should I have my scan done?
Q: How will I pay for my 3D / 4D Ultrasound? We accept major credit cards, debit cards and cash. Since this is not a diagnostic procedure, insurance companies will not pay for your scan. Consider our service like taking your baby to a photography studio and having portraits made. Q: How long will my appointment take? You should plan on an hour for your appointment. The actual scanning time will be 20-30 minutes. We allow extra time in case your baby is uncooperative we will be able to have you do some things that we find helpful in these situations ie drinking juice or soda, eating chocolate, walking around etc. Q: Can friends or family come with me for my appointment? We welcome your family and friends to share the joy of this once in a lifetime experience. We have comfortable seating for 3 additional adults. Children are welcome but with VERY FEW exceptions become restless and bored very quickly. Many parents cannot really enjoy seeing the new baby while wrestling a crying toddler, trying to entertain a preschooler etc. Q: I don’t want to know the sex of my baby - can I still get a 3D/4D ultrasound? Absolutely! We will focus on the upper body and face as we usually do. Most untrained people would not be able to identify the gender of a baby even if given the opportunity to see the genital area. |
