MRI Information

What is an MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is at the forefront of diagnostic imaging. It is a piece of technology that uses a strong magnet and radiofrequency waves which produce images, or pictures, of your internal organs and structures. MRI allows your physician to see inside your body from different angles with great clarity, giving them a wealth of information more quickly and more economically than past tests and exploratory surgeries.

Safety

MR Imaging is very safe. However, some special circumstances limit the use of the magnetic field. It is important for you to tell a staff member or your doctor if any of the following apply to you or the person accompanying you into the exam room:

• Ever been a metal worker (had metal in an eye)
• Cardiac pacemaker or an artificial heart valve
• Metal plate, pin or other metallic implant
• Prosthesis
• Insulin pump or other infusion pump
• Aneurysm clips
• Previous gun shot wound
• Inner ear implant
• Pregnant or think you may be

What to Expect

Your exam should last approximately 15 to 30 minutes for CT scan and 30 to 45 minutes for MRI-longer if a contrast is used. Regardless, expect the best treatment from our highly qualified and caring staff.

Preparation

No special preparation is needed, unless your doctor has given you special instructions. You may eat your regular diet and take medications as usual. Just be sure to leave all metal objects at home including your watch, coins, keys, bobby pins, credit cards, pocket knives, etc. (lockers will be provided for your convenience.)

During the Exam

After changing into your sets of scrubs, a MRI technologist will escort you to the MRI machine and position you on the table and place a coil

Contrast Injection

Depending on the exam, a contrast injection may be administered via an IV to help visualize certain structures in your body and further enhance the results of the study. Please let us or your physician know if you have had any allergic reactions to a contrast, iodine, shellfish or if you have asthma.

After the Exam

Your exam will be sent to a radiologist who will review the scan and then report the results to your physician. Your physician will then discuss the results with you during your next appointment.

Cancellations

Cancellations are sometimes unavoidable but we ask you notify us as soon as possible.

Billing

Your bill will include a facility fee from Black Hills Surgery Center but please note, charges from the anesthetist, your physician and the radiologist are billed separately. Feel free to call us for assistance.