Procedure Name: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Department Responsible for performing Procedure:
MRI
Department Contact Information:
(770) 991-8182
Where to Report:
Please enter at the Outpatient Entrance and go to Outpatient Registration 45 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure. You will be directed to the Radiology Department. If your procedure requires sedation or involves a biopsy, please enter through the Main Entrance and report to Admissions 2 hours prior to your procedure. They will direct you to the Outpatient Procedure Unit where you will be prepared for your procedure.
What to Bring:
- Physician Order
- Any forms from your physician relating to this visit
- Your insurance / Medicaid / Medicare card
- Driver's License / Photo Identification
- All of your medications OR a listing of all medications along with the dose, how often you take it, and the last time you took it
- A list of all of your allergies
- Please check with your insurance carrier for any authorization requirements.
- Any films or reports from relevant studies not performed at Southern Regional.
Patient Instructions:
- Do not eat for 4 hours before your scan if you are having an abdominal study such as a Kidney, MRCP, or Liver MRI. (You may have non-carbonated drinks and take your medication before the scan.)
- If you are claustrophobic or think you may have a problem keeping still or becoming anxious in small tight place, notify your nurse or doctor before your appointment.
- All clothing with metal zippers, snaps, or buttons will have to be removed. For your conveneience and comfort, you may prefer wearing a cotton sweat suit.
- If your procedure requires sedation, you will need someone to drive you home.
- Let the technologist know if you have any allergies.
- Please read the Procedure Information for additional instructions and information.
- Please follow any other specific instructions given to you by your doctor
Procedure Information:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced way of looking at the inside of your body using a strong magnet. MRI enhances your doctor's ability to accurately diagnose your condition by producing cross-sectional pictures of the body - much like slices of bread. The Radiologist will need to know of any metallic objects in your body. Certain metal implants or equipment could interfere with the test. These include pacemaker, holter monitors, cerebral aneurysm clips, spinal cord stimulators, implanted insulin pumps, cochlear implants, or shrapnel. All other removable metal should be taken off before having the scan, i.e., hairpins, watches, jewelry or clothes with metal zippers, buttons, or wires. Sometimes a dye known as contrast will be injected into your vein to produce better pictures. The area of the scanner that you enter is similar to a tunnel and there is not much room inside. If you think you may have a problem keeping still or becoming anxious in small tight place, notify your nurse or doctor before having the scan. The test takes 45 minutes for each part of your body it scans.
Additional Information:
Waiting Room for family is located in the Radiology Department. You will be asked to sign a consent form prior to the procedure. You will be asked a series of questions regarding your medical history.