Comprehensive MRI of White Plains
(Comprehensive MRI of New York, P.C.)
Westchester Medical Pavilion
311 North Street, Suite G10
White Plains, NY, 10605
Tax ID: 11-3119655 NPI: 1043742927
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MRI frequently asked questions
Do you have questions about the services that we offer? Below is a list of some frequently asked questions, along with our answers.
- What is MRI and how does it work?
- Can anybody have an MRI scan?
- Is there any danger in having an MRI scan?
- What do I have to do to prepare myself for an MRI scan ?
- Should I avoid eating certain things before the MRI scan?
- Does it hurt? Will I feel anything?
- I´ve heard that some MRI scanners induce claustrophobic reactions. Does yours?
- Will my insurance cover the cost of the MRI?
- Do I need a doctor´s prescription for an MRI?
- What should I bring with me when I come for my MRI?
- What will the MRI staff want to know about me?
- How should I dress? Will I have to wear any special clothing?
- What will happen?
- Do I have to lie very still?
- How long will it take?
- Will I be able to drive after I have the exam?
- Will I be getting an injection?
- Is it OK to have an MRI if I´m pregnant?
- Is there anything I should not bring with me into the MRI Exam Room?
- Can someone else stay with me in the MRI scanner room?
- When will I find out the results?
- Is transportation available?
- What will I have to pay for when I come for my appointment?
- Where are the MRI scanning centers located?
Q: What is MRI and how does it work?
A: MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An MRI scanner allows physicians to look inside the body without using surgery, harmful dyes, or X-rays. The MRI scanner uses magnets, radio waves and computers to produce very clear pictures, or images, of the human anatomy. MRI images depict soft tissue anatomy far better than any other diagnostic imaging equipment. The fundamental discovery upon which MRI is based was made by Raymond V. Damadian, M.D. in 1971. Dr. Damadian built the world´s first whole-body MRI scanner in 1977, and his company, FONAR Corporation, introduced the world´s first commercial MRI scanner in 1980.
Q: Can anybody have an MRI scan?
A: For some people, an MRI can be dangerous, even fatal. Read carefully:
1. Have a Pacemaker?
If your pacemaker is not MRI-safe, you may NOT have an MRI exam. To do so could be fatal. To make sure your pacemaker is MRI-safe, consult with your cardiologist. If you are cleared for an MRI exam, be sure to inform the staff at the MRI center in advance of your appointment.
2. Have a metal particle(s) in your eye(s), or ever had a metal particle(s) removed from your eye(s)?
If yes, be sure to Inform the staff at the MRI center in advance of your appointment.
3. Pregnant or might be pregnant?
If yes, a MRI exam may be inadvisable. First consult with your doctor. If your doctor clears you for an MRI exam, an authorization form must be completed by your referring physician(s), including your OBGYN, in advance of your appointment. The interpreting radiologist will then review the case and consult with your physician(s), if necessary.
4. Had heart surgery or surgery of the heart’s valves?
If yes, a MRI exam may be inadvisable. First consult with your heart surgeon. If your doctor clears you for an MRI, you must inform the staff at the MRI center in advance of your appointment.
5. Had brain surgery?
If yes, you might not be able to have an MRI exam. Be sure to Inform the staff at the MRI center in advance of your appointment.
6. Have or think you might have a metal object inside your body?
If yes, you might not be able to have an MRI exam. Be sure to Inform the staff at the MRI center in advance of your appointment.
7. Wear a medication patch?
If yes, be sure to Inform the staff at the MRI center in advance of your appointment.
OTHER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Tell the Medical Staff if any of these applies to you:
- An Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)
- A Nerve Stimulator (Tens Unit)
- A Cochlear Implant
- A Drug Pump
- Brain Aneurysm Clips
- Penile Implant
- Eye Implant
- An Intrauterine Device (IUD)
- Artificial Joints (hip replacement, knee replacement, etc.)
- Dental Fillings and Bridges
- Tubal Ligation Clips
- Surgical Clips or Staples
- Tattoos: Some tattoo inks contain traces of metal. You might feel discomfort or heat in the tattooed area during the MRI exam. If so, you should alert the MRI technologist.
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 MRI 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.
Note: Anyone accompanying the patient to any area near the MRI scanner is subject to the same dangers.
Q: Is there any danger in having an MRI scan?
A: Yes. Click here to find out if it’s safe for you to have an MRI exam.
Q: What do I have to do to prepare myself for an MRI?
A: Click here for MRI Exam Preparation info.
Q: Should I avoid eating certain things before the MRI?
A: There are no food or drink restrictions.
Q: Does it hurt? Will I feel anything?
A: You won´t feel a thing. Unlike many other MRI scanners, ours are quiet, comfortable and "non-claustrophobic."
Q: I´ve heard that some MRI scanners induce claustrophobic reactions. Do yours?
A: All of our MRI´s are Patient-Friendly™. There are no "tunnels," "no tubes." Ours are quiet, comfortable and "non-claustrophobic."
Q: Will my insurance cover all or part of the cost of the MRI?
A: Most likely. We accept Workers´ Compensation cases, Medicare, auto accident cases and many commercial insurance plans and HMO´s. When you call to make your appointment, ask if your insurance company will pay some or all of the cost.
Q: Do I need a doctor´s prescription for an MRI?
A: Yes. Be sure to bring it with you when you come for your MRI exam.
Q: What should I bring with me when I come for my MRI?
- The prescription from your doctor
- Your insurance card
- Your driver´s license
- Cash, credit/debit card, or check for payment of copays and co-insurance
Q: What will the MRI staff want to know about me?
A: 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. If you are not sure if it is safe for you, click here.
The receptionist will also ask you for certain insurance information, so bring your insurance card with you.
Q: How should I dress? Will I have to wear any special clothing?
A: 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 in or near the region where you are going to be scanned. 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 body suit 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 facial tattoos, such as eyeliner or eyebrow 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.
A: Depending on the type of MRI scanner and 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 stiller 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. A microphone will be placed near you so you will be able to speak to the staff at any time during the exam.
If you like, someone can be with you in the scanner room, provided it's safe for the person to be there. It is common for a parent to stay with a child. In fact, we encourage it. However, even though the visitor will be sitting several feet from the patient, he/she will also be exposed to a strong magnetic field. Therefore visitors, like patients, must be screened by staff personnel to make sure it’s safe for them to be inside the MRI Exam Room. Click here for a discussion on MRI safety.
Q: Do I have to lie very still?
A: Yes - as still as you can. The more still you are during the scan, the better the MRI image will come out. Moving causes blurring in the picture. If you move too much, the pictures will be too blurry for the radiologist to see what he needs to see, and you will have to reschedule for another MRI exam.
A: That depends on what part of the body is to be scanned and whether or not your doctor has ordered any special or extra scans. Normally, the entire exam takes between 15 and 45 minutes.
Q: Will I be able to drive after I have the exam?
A: Yes. The MRI has no known physiological side effects. However, if you have taken a sedative, there may be some restrictions.
Q: Will I be getting an injection?
A: Not likely. 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. In our experience, approximately 5 to 10 percent of patients 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.
If you are scheduled for an MRI exam with contrast, you may be required to have blood work done in advance. If you are told this applies to you, please be advised that blood work must be done no earlier than six (6) weeks prior to your scheduled exam.
The contrast agent is injected intravenously into the arm. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional. There are potential side effects. If you require the contrast agent, you will be made fully aware of possible side effects prior to the injection.
Q: Is it OK to have an MRI if I´m pregnant?
A: An MRI exam may be inadvisable. First consult with your doctor. If your doctor clears you for an MRI exam, an authorization form must be completed by your referring physician(s), including your OBGYN, in advance of your appointment. The interpreting radiologist will then review the case and consult with your physician(s), if necessary.
Q: Is there anything I should not bring with me into the MRI Exam Room?
A: Do not bring any of the following items into the MRI Exam Room:
- Hearing Aids
- Wallets
- Credit/Debit Cards
- Jewelry, including Body-Piercing Jewelry
- Keys
- Watches
- Loose Change
- Eyeglasses
- Cell Phones
- Pagers
- PDA's
- Storage Media
- Tablets/Laptops/Computers
- Dentures
- Prosthetic Devices
- Insulin Pumps
- Hair Pins/Bobby Pins
Why? Because an MRI scanner´s powerful magnetic field...
- can damage or completely destroy hearing aids, watches, cell phones, PDA´s, storage media, insulin pumps, electronic keys, etc.
- can erase credit/debit cards
- can launch metallic objects, creating a serious hazard to patients and others
- can degrade the quality of the MRI pictures, requiring you to return to repeat the MRI exam ? can degrade the quality of the MRI pictures, requiring you to return to repeat the MRI exam
Q: Can someone else stay with me in the MRI scanner room?
A: Yes. Since our MRI scanners are open, there is ample space for someone to accompany you into the scanner room, even hold your hand during the scan. Warning: 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. Click here for more information.
Q: When will I find out the results?
A: You won't find out at the time of the scan. The results or 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.
Q: Is transportation available?
A: If a patient is unable to get to the scanning center on his/her own, special arrangements can sometimes be made. If you need transportation, call the scanning center for assistance.
Q: What will I have to pay for when I come for my appointment?
A: Your co-pay and co-insurance. After your insurance company is billed, you may be responsibility for an unmet deductible amount, depending on your insurance plan. You may pay by cash, credit/debit card, or check.
Q: Where are the MRI scanning centers located?