Imaging FAQs
When will the MRI Report be available to view on the portal?
After 14 days
How do I schedule an appointment?
MRI appointments may be scheduled or reschedule by calling- MRI
Scheduling department at 678-985-7180 from 8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday.
How do I cancel an MRI appointment?
After 5pm and during weekends, call the your MRI location.
Will there be pain associated with the MRI?
MRI exams should cause no pain, but since the patient remain motionless
for 30 -60 minutes of time there may be some minor discomfort. Patient
may feel warmth in the scanner . If this become uncomfortable the
patient should inform the technologist immediately.
Why should patient arrive early before the MRI appointment?
To allow enough time to complete paperwork and prepare for the exam
If you still have questions concerning MRI?
Please contact the MRI Department at 678-985-7180
Why do I need an x-ray?
Procedures that use radiation are necessary for accurate diagnosis of
disease and injury. Technologists performing these procedures are
trained to use the minimum amount of radiation necessary for the
procedure. Benefits from the medical procedure greatly outweigh any
potential small risk of harm from the amount of radiation used. Your
provider needs to see where your pain could be coming from.
What are x-rays and what do they do?
X-rays are forms of radiant energy, like light or radio waves. X-rays
can penetrate the body, which allows your doctor to see pictures of your
internal structures. Our providers are able to see these pictures on
their computers. X-ray examinations provide valuable information about
your health and play an important role in helping your doctor make an
accurate diagnosis.
Can radiation exposure be safe?
Yes. Radiation exposure that leads to small radiation doses for our
bodies is safe. There has been no evidence of illness or increased
cancer risk from small radiation doses that are similar to the amounts
we receive from routine x-ray procedures. We can compare the radiation
from one back x-ray as equivalent to the amount of radiation exposure
from our natural surroundings in 10 days.
Is there radiation outside the medical field?
Yes, there is radiation all around us in everyday environmental things
such as: microwaves, sunshine, Wi-Fi Routers, bluetooth earpieces, as
well as on airplanes and when going through airport security machines.
What to expect during the procedure?
The procedure will take 30-60 minutes, depending on the body part
undergoing the exam. The patient will be alone in the room during the
procedure, however, the technologist will be able to see, hear and
communicate with the patient at all times. The MRI will produce loud
knocking and humming noises during the scan. Ear plugs will be provided
to the patient to reduce the noise. Some scanners have music for the
patient to enjoy.
What happens after the exam is completed?
After the exam is completed, the images will be sent to a radiologist.
The radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to your
physician who will then discuss the results of your exam with you at
your follow-up visit.
What is an MRI with contrast?
An MRI with contrast media may be ordered as part of your exam. The MRI
scanning procedure will require injecting a vein with a dye which
circulates through the blood stream, enhancing the pictures of the
body's structures. Most patients experience no unusual effects from this
injection. A scan will be performed prior to the contrast media and
immediately following. Patients are instructed to drink plenty of water
the day before to hydrate the veins before this study is performed.
What is an Arthrogram?
An arthrogram is a diagnostic test using a contrast medium injected into
a joint with X-ray fluoroscopy guidance, followed by an MRI to obtain a
series of pictures of a joint (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee or
ankle). This exam is usually ordered to determine a cause to an injury
or symptom the patient may be experiencing. The contrast medium or dye
outlines the soft tissue structures of the joint, including tendons,
ligaments and cartilage allowing images to be seen more clearly of the
joint.
What happens during an Arthrogram?
First, the patient will be escorted by a technologist
and given appropriate instructions. The technologist will position the
patient and then bring the Radiologist in the room. Using an antiseptic
solution, the Radiologist will clean the skin over the joint being
examined. Following this, a local anesthetic may be injected into the
skin to numb the area where the contrast medium will be injected. The
patient may feel a slight stinging sensation. Then, using fluoroscopy
(an imaging technique that uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images
of the internal structures) to ensure the correct placement, a needle
will be placed into the joint and the contrast medium will be injected
into the joint. The injection may be accompanied by a feeling of
'fullness' in the joint but should not be painful. Following the
injection, the patient will be taken to the MRI suite where the scan of
the joint will be performed.
How long does an Arthrogram take?
The arthrogram part itself usually takes about 20 minutes. The patient
may have to wait a short time before having the scan performed. The
subsequent MRI scan may take 30-60 minutes, depending on the joint and
the number of scans that must be performed. You should allow
approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours from arrival at the imaging department.
Are there any after effects of an Arthrogram?
Most patients feel some mild to moderate increase of soreness in the
joint for 24-48 hours following the injection. The joint will then
return to feeling the way it felt prior to the examination.
Will the MRI be covered by my insurance?
A benefits representative from Resurgens will call you
prior to your appointment outlining your responsibilities and estimate
for payment. If you have additional questions about your benefits
contact our MRI department at (678) 985-7180 as well as your insurance
provider.