Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe, pain-free diagnostic imaging technique that combines magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of your body’s structures. While X-rays are typically used to view bones and joints, MRI is better suited for organs, muscles, and other soft tissues. Ultimately, being able to see detailed images of these tissues allows doctors to diagnose and monitor heart diseases, tumors, and a variety of internal injuries.

While MRI exams cost more than CT scans and X-rays, they offer a few key advantages. Most importantly, they allow radiologists to spot slight abnormalities in soft tissues, which may indicate the presence of cancer, heart disease, and other serious conditions. Likewise, MRI helps doctors differentiate between healthy and unhealthy tissues.

In addition to its diagnostic benefits, MRI is a radiation-free imaging technique. This is a particularly important advantage for pregnant women and patients with compromised immune systems.

If your doctor has opted for MRI over CT or X-ray, you may be wondering why they have chosen the more expensive exam. Their reasoning will depend upon your specific condition, but generally, physicians order MRI when they need to spot fine details and differentiate between normal and abnormal soft tissues. These abnormalities may include tumors, cysts, and blood vessel obstructions, as well as aneurysms, spinal cord defects, and other nervous system disorders. Over the course of your treatment, your MRI could prove invaluable in making an accurate diagnosis and forming a proper treatment plan.

某些情况下保证MRI检查,但是江南app客户端下载doctors usually order them after viewing the results of CT scans, X-rays or other imaging procedures. Given their higher costs, doctors, and insurers often want to exhaust other options first.

At the start of your MRI exam, your technologist will ask you to remove jewelry, belts, and other metal objects, and they will help you lie comfortably on a cushioned table. That table will then slide into the circular MRI machine, which contains the large magnet necessary to produce detailed images. As your technologist collects images, they’ll be able to see, hear, and speak to you, alleviating any concerns you may have.

To provide for maximum comfort during your exam, American Health Imaging has invested in MRI machines with large openings and slim profiles, which help to prevent feelings of claustrophobia. You won’t feel like you’re entering a narrow tunnel, and depending upon the area of your body being imaged, your head and feet may still be in the open.

“Open” MRI refers to a specific type of MRI machine with a non-confining opening beside or in front of the patent. During an open MRI exam, the patient sits or stands with magnets positioned to the side or above depending on the brand and model. Compared to traditional MRI, the extra unobstructed space allows for a more pleasant, less confined experience. If your physician has ordered an MRI exam, you may want to check whether an open MRI is an option for the type of imaging study you need江南app官方

A painless, radiation-free imaging technique, MRI is completely safe for most patients. However, pregnant women are still advised not to undergo MRI exams. Given the powerful magnets involved, it’s also important to let your technologists know if you have any metal devices on or inside your body, including:

• Cardiac pacemakers
• Artificial heart valves
• Aneurysm clips
• Inner ear implants
• Intrauterine devices
• Permanent eyeliner
• Metal fragments
• Biostimulators

If a friend or family member is accompanying you to your exam, it’s likewise important to let your technologists know if they have any of these devices.

Once your doctor decides MRI is necessary for your diagnosis, their office will typically notify our staff and schedule your appointment for you. We will then verify your health insurance coverage and obtain any necessary pre-certifications. If you don’t have health insurance, or if you’re facing a high deductible, we also offer excellent self-pay rates.

If you want to schedule your appointment on your own, or if you need to change an appointment, you can also call one of our江南app官方 .We offer same-day, evening and weekend appointments to ensure your exam fits within your normal schedule.

MRI exams require no special preparation. Eat and drink normally, and follow your prescribed medication dosing unless your doctor advises otherwise. Dress in loose, comfortable clothes with no metal snaps or zippers.

Most exams can be completed in 30 to 60 minutes. Your doctor may request that your MRI is enhanced using a contrast medium. MRI exams with contrast usually take a few minutes longer than then the same exam without contrast. More time may be required if you need to be sedated or if your doctor has ordered multiple studies.

In most cases, yes. However, it is important to advise our staff if your guest is pregnant or has any metallic objects on or inside their body.

Yes. Your teeth and dental work will not be affected by the exam.

Most patients do not require sedation and will be able to drive immediately following the exam. If you do require a sedative to relax, however, please arrange for a friend or relative to drive you home.

Our radiologists review and interpret MRI exams as soon as the results are available. Within 24 hours, your physician will have a thorough written report, as well as copies of the images for their own inspection.

Your total costs will depend upon the specific type of exam and the area being imaged. For instance, images of the brain and spinal cord tend to cost more than images of the abdomen and limbs.

MRI costs also vary widely by location. Hospitals and large outpatient facilities typically charge more than smaller, standalone clinics – far more, in some cases. These difference in price aren’t due to differences in quality, however, but different overhead costs. While hospitals must offer a wide variety of services 24 hours per day, dedicated imaging centers can efficiently offer more affordable exams.

To get a better idea of what your exam will cost – and what you might have to pay out-of-pocket – please use our freebenefits checker.

Given rising healthcare costs, it only makes sense to shop for the most affordable care. At a typical hospital you can expect your MRI exam to cost between $2,000 and $3,500, and you may face multiple bills for a single visit.

Fortunately, dedicated imaging centers offer a quality alternative at a significantly lower price. At American Health Imaging, we offer the same exams for up to 75% less than hospitals and hospital-owned outpatient facilities. What’s more, you’ll only receive one easy-to-understand bill.

While our services are value-priced, our equipment and staff are top-of-the-line. By focusing only on diagnostic imaging, we’re able to hire specialized, expertly trained radiologists and invest in the newest, highest-quality MRI equipment. We also offer extra amenities you won’t find at hospitals, including curbside parking, same-day scheduling and next-day results.

Don’t pay more than you need to for your MRI. To save hundreds or even thousands of dollars, schedule your procedure at an American Health Imaging center today.

American Health Imaging maintains 29 facilities in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, and you can receive an MRI exam at all locations. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance plans, and payment plans are available upon request. For patients who are uninsured or facing high deductibles, we also offer competitive self-pay rates.

To schedule your diagnostic imaging exam with AHI, contact one of our24 conveniently located facilitiestoday.