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OUTPATIENT MRI PREPS

When you need a MRI performed follow the directions below

1. Your physician’s office will call the Imaging Services Department to schedule the exam(s).
2. Your physician or nurse will instruct you on any additional preparations necessary for this test.
3. Your physician will give you a signed order for this test. You must bring the physician's order sheet with you. You will need it to register as an outpatient at the hospital. Without this order sheet the test cannot be completed and you will be required to reschedule your exam.
4. Arrive at the hospital Information Desk at least 20 minutes before your test to allow plenty of time for the Outpatient registration process.
5. The actual procedure time takes between 1-2 hours, depending on the exact test(s) performed.
6. If you are claustrophobic (an abnormal tendency to feel afraid in closed spaces) or you are unable to remain completely still or if you are nervous during your MRI your physician may prescribe medication to help you feel calm.
7. When the scan is finished, the images will be reviewed for quality. If more images are needed, they’ll usually be taken right away.
8. If you were sedated, you may be asked to stay awhile to recover.
• NOTE: Most exams performed in the MRI Suite do not require any preparations. However, all patients having MRI exams must first be seen by an attending physician or their nurse, and a patient screening form must be filled out and brought to the hospital. Any outpatient who has not been screened will be rescheduled for a later date.
• The MRI Screening Form is completed by your nurse or doctor. The form is generally faxed or mailed to the Imaging Services Department before your appointment. Our technologist reviews the screening form with you before beginning your MRI.

Before your MRI

1. Before you leave home, remove any hairpins, barrettes, clips, jewelry, or eye makeup.
2. Do not wear any clothing with zippers or other metal attachments.
3. Be sure to leave your credit cards, bank cards, or any other cards with a magnetic strip on the back at home locked in your car – the magnet in the tube erases the magnetic coding on the back of your cards.
4. When you arrive at the MRI Suite, you will be asked to remove glasses, wigs, dentures and partial plates before your exam.
5. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your physician.

Appointment Changes and Test Results

1. If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment call the Imaging Services Department, receptionist at 587-1231. Please call at least 24 hours in advance.
2. After the film is developed and read by our Radiologist, a copy of the results are sent or called to your physician. Only your physician can give you the results of your MRI.
3. The Radiologist bills separately for his services. You will receive two bills for the procedure - one from the hospital and one from the radiologist for reading the films.

Childcare
If you have young children, make arrangements for a baby-sitter or childcare before your exam date. Children are not allowed in the examination room and may not be left in the hospital lobby unattended.

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Last Modified: July 27, 2007 10:28 AM