Do I need to bring anything with me?
Bring your insurance cards. Your insurance may require you to make a co-payment.

If you have had previous MRI studies from another facility not covered by the Radiological Group, please try to bring us a copy of that study and/or study report, if possible.

What should I wear?
You should wear clothing without zippers and metal snaps. Jewelry such as watches, earings, bracelets, and necklaces have to be taken off before entering MRI scanner area.

What happens when I arrive for the exam?
We are located on the first floor of the Baptist Medical Complex in Madison (click here for directions). Entering in the front of the building, we are located straight back and on your right. Once you are in the waiting room, check in with the receptionist at the front desk. The receptionist may have information for you to fill out once you arrive (these forms are also available online. If you wish to fill them out ahead of time, click here).

Once all your information has been obtained and processed, your technologist is notified of your arrival.

Your MRI technologist will talk with you before the exam, answering any questions you may have and asking you a series of screening questions to make sure you are a candidate for an MRI. People with electronic and metallic internal objects such as cardiac pace-makers, aneurysm clips, medication pumps, cochlear implants, etc. most often will not be able to have an MRI due to possible interactions between the magnetic and these devices. Click here for more information.

Some patients who have MRI in an enclosed scanner may feel confined, closed-in, and frightened. Perhaps one in twenty will require a sedative to remain calm. We have an "open" MRI at our Madison facility which is specifically designed to help those with claustrophia. We will also permit a relative or friend to be present in the MR system room, which also has a calming effect. If patients are properly prepared and know what to expect, it is almost always possible to complete the examination.

How is the study performed on me?
You will placed on the MRI table. Once you are comfortable the table moves into the magnet. The MR machine makes a series of high volume sounds as it is acquiring images. You will be given ear plugs to help with the noise level. Alternatively, you can have earphones and listen to your favorite music during the study.

Depending on the type of MRI you are having, you may need intravenous or "IV" contrast which will be given through an IV line. The radiologist or technologist may ask if you have allergies of any kind such as hay fever, hives, allergic asthma, or to food or drugs. However, the contrast material used for an MRI exam, called gadolinium, does not contain iodine and is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

What can I do to make sure my exam is optimal?
One of the keys to an optimal study is to try to keep the body part being imaged as still as possible. For example, your knee for a MRI of the knee or your head for an MRI of the brain.

How long will it take to do the study?
Study times vary based on the body part being imaged. Times may range from 20 to 45 minutes depending on the type of study. Times may be longer if your having multiple body parts imaged.

What happens after the study is over?
Any IV line will be removed. If you are undressed for the exam, you are taken back to the dressing room to put your clothes back on. Once the radiologist reviews your study and it is determined that no additional images or studies are needed, you will check out at the front desk. Depending on the order from your doctor, you will either stay while the report is given to your doctor or you will be free to leave and your doctor will discuss the study and results with you at a later time. All patients having an MRI are given a CD copy of their MRI study before leaving the facility.