What is an MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging technique that combines a powerful magnetic field with computer technology to produce detailed images of your body's soft tissue (organs, muscles, fat). Because certain atoms in our cells respond, or "resonate," slightly in the presence of magnetic fields, MRI is able to use that response to create an amazingly clear, detailed computer representation of internal organs, muscles, connective tissue, and the central nervous system. Using cross-sectional imaging of the body along multiple planes (like slices of bread), the clarity of these images is far greater than is available with conventional CT scans, X-rays, or even myelograms, allowing your physician to make an earlier and more accurate diagnosis. MRI is noninvasive (except in cases where contrast agents are injected), and doesn’t expose patients to radioactive materials, X-ray, or any form of ionizing radiation. To the best of our knowledge, MRI produces no harmful side effects.

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Why is MRI important?

MRI offers a non-invasive way to obtain information about your body that may otherwise not be easily seen. It can lead to early detection and treatment of disease and has no known side-effects. MRI makes it possible to see certain types of tissue and can provide important information about the brain, spine joints and internal organs.

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What happens during an MRI scan?

Upon your arrival at Pinnacle Imaging Open MRI, you will be welcomed by one of our friendly, knowledgeable, staff members who will confirm your insurance information, obtain other necessary information and answer any questions you may have. Please plan on arriving at least one half hour before your scheduled appointment time.
This is followed by a brief interview with a MRI technologist, who will discuss the procedure with you and confirm that you have no metal implants or other conditions that could interfere with the scan.
After discussing the exam with your technologist, you will be lead to the table, positioned appropriately and exam will begin.
As the MRI scanner calibrates to obtain each series of images, you will hear persistent buzzing and thumping noises, but at no time will you experience any physical sensation or discomfort. You may wear earplugs or listen to music during your exam if you wish.
While the pictures, or images, are being recorded, all you have to do is lie still and follow the technologist’s simple instructions. The images obtained from your MRI are very sensitive to motion. Even the slightest movement can distort the image and limit its diagnostic value. As a result, it is important for you to remain as still as possible during your scan.
Most MRI exams last 20-40 minutes, although compound studies can last longer. After your MRI, you may return home or to work. Pinnacle Imaging will contact your doctor with the results of your study. Only your doctor is authorized to discuss your MRI results with you.

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  How do I obtain results of the scan?

After you leave, your images are interpreted by a radiologist, a doctor who specializes in reading MRI. The radiologist will contact your physician with the results of your study. Your physician will then contact you to discuss your results and, if necessary, prescribe treatment. Your physician is the only person authorized to discuss your MRI results with you.

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  Can anyone undergo an MRI exam?

Although an MRI is completely safe and painless, some people should not undergo a MRI, or will need to make special arrangements prior to the exam. Any of the following conditions may interfere with your MRI. Please call us immediately if you:
• Have a cardiac pacemaker
• Have a prosthetic heart valve
• Have a surgical clip, bone or joint replacement, or any metallic implant
• Have at any time held a job in a metal-working industry or one where you may have been exposed to metallic dust or splinters
• Have suffered a shrapnel wound
• Have any metallic chips or splinters in the eye
• Are pregnant, or think you might be pregnant

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Does my doctor need to refer me for an MRI?

In order to perform the study we need a referral from your physician. Your doctor will provide us with the necessary information to perform the most accurate study.

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How soon can I schedule my MRI exam?

Pinnacle Imaging can normally schedule you within one to two days from the time you call for an appointment.

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Is there a checklist for the day of my visit?

No special preparation is required prior to a MRI exam. You may eat normally and go about your daily routine. Continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor unless otherwise directed.
Confirming your appointment:
Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This gives us time to take information and answer your questions. At Pinnacle Imaging, we make every effort to confirm each appointment; but if you haven't heard from us, or in the event you need to postpone your visit, please call 208-859-8959 at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled time.

What to bring with you:
Any X-rays, CT scans, or other material your doctor has given you to bring, plus complete insurance information. We will be glad to help you complete our forms. A friend or family member is welcome to accompany you.
What not to bring:
Because of the magnetic field, you will be asked to leave the following items in a safe place outside the scan room:
• Coins
• Jewelry
• Watches
• Glasses
• Credit Cards
• Keys
• Hair Pins
• Other Metal Objects
You may also be asked to remove make-up, dentures and wear a hospital gown to avoid magnetic interference from belt buckles or zippers.
What type of clothing to wear:
Wear something comfortable with no metallic buttons, zippers, material, etc. We will provide scrubs for any patient who so desires.

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When is contrast agent needed?

In some cases, the doctor may order a contrast (imaging enhancement) agent to produce higher resolution in the images to aide in the interpretive study. This is a fluid injected into a vein in your arm and is standard for some MRI exam procedures. You will be asked about allergies previous reactions to contrast agents and other questions about your personal health history.

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  What is the difference between MRI and CT?

Both MRI and CT are diagnostic exams used to thoroughly image a selected area of the human body. Similarly, both MRI and CT require the use of a large machine, and each method relies upon computer technology to reconstruct a cross-sectional image of the body. Aside from these very fundamental similarities, there are many inherent differences between MRI and CT scans.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Developed in the mid 1980’s, MRI technology utilizes radio frequency waves and very powerful magnets. After applying a very strong, localized electromagnetic field, the MRI scanner emits a series of radio pulses into the body, exciting the hydrogen protons found in the body’s soft tissue. Upon measuring the relaxation times of these hydrogen protons, the MRI scanner employs sophisticated computer technology to interpret the protons’ behavior and recreates a 3-dimensional image of the body. Since hydrogen is the most abundant element in the body, MRI technology is capable of producing amazingly clear images of organs and soft tissue. MRI is able to detect disease or injury in muscle structure along ligaments, and is used to assist in the visualization of tumors. The ability to visualize soft-tissue and the vascular system make MRI an outstanding tool for imaging brain and spinal cord abnormalities. MRI is non-invasive, although certain studies may require the use of an intravenous contrast agent. MRI does not involve any ionizing radiation, and aside from a persistent thumping noise, patients will experience no discomfort or side effects.
Computerized Tomography (CT or CAT scan) - Developed in the 1970’s CT technology utilizes a highly sensitive X-ray beam that is focused on a specific part of the body. Upon passing through the body, the beam hits a detector, which relays this information into a computer. The computer analyzes the information based upon tissue density, and feeds it into a cathode ray tube. Like MRI, a cross-sectional representation (like "slices" of bread) of the body is produced. Bone shows up white, gases and liquids black, and tissue as varying shades of gray, depending on density. Generally, CT provides much better visualization of bone detail than MRI. CT scans provide excellent information on anatomical features and tissue density (this allows for the detection of tumors, and sometimes the ability to distinguish between malignant and benign tumors). CT scans can also detect calcium deposits, cysts, and abscesses. They are often used in place of ultrasound for obese patients because fat deposits often hinder ultrasonic waves. CT scanning does carry with it the risks associated with X-ray exposure, although it is significantly less than that from ordinary X-rays.

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  What is Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)?

This is a way to look at the blood vessels in the neck and brain and evaluate the characteristics of blood flow. In the neck, areas of irregularity or narrowing of the carotid arteries can be associated with symptoms of temporary blindness, weakness of the extremities, amnesia or loss of speech. Within the brain, MRA can be used to screen for the presence of vascular malformation, aneurysm and vasculitis.

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  How long does an MRI exam take to complete?

Your entire visit to Pinnacle Imaging will take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half. You should arrive a half hour before your scheduled appointment time so our medical staff can obtain your insurance information, explain the exam to you and answer any of your questions. Depending on what information your doctor needs, the scanning process will last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, after which you may return home or to work.

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Is the MRI covered under my insurance?


Usually yes. Our staff will contact your insurance company to verify your coverage and will let you know should a problem arise. We will also let you know how much you will owe at the time of the exam and how much your insurance company will cover. Additionally, please let us know if you have any supplementary insurance.

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  What if I need to cancel my appointment?

As a courtesy, please notify Pinnacle Imaging as soon as you are aware you will need to cancel your exam.

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