MRI

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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scan that uses magnets and radio waves to create images of your organs, tissues and bones.

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MRI is one of the safest and most comfortable imaging techniques. An MRI produces detailed images of the inside of your body. This helps doctors identify a variety of medical conditions.

At The Polyclinic, we use 1.5T MRI scanners with leading technology to get excellent image quality. The types of MRIs we do include:

Breast
Extremity — the arms, legs, hands and feet
Body
Prostate — a gland in men that helps create sperm
Head and spine
Musculoskeletal system

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About MRIs

Accordion Block v2

MRI scans are painless and noninvasive, meaning no incisions (cuts) or surgery is needed. You don't feel the magnetic field or radio waves. There are no moving parts around you.

During the MRI scan, the internal part of the magnet makes repetitive tapping, thumping and sometimes other sounds. Earplugs may be given to you. Sometimes music is played to help block the noise.

It's important to hold as still as possible during the exam. Pillows and cushions will be placed under you to make sure you're comfortable during the exam.

To start, we'll place you on the exam table. Your MRI technologist will place specialized coils around the body area we'll be looking at during the exam.

Your exam will take from 30 minutes to one hour. The length of your scan will depend on whether contrast (X-ray dye) is used and which areas of the body we're looking at during the exam.

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- You’ll be given a gown to wear during your exam.
- Leave metal objects like jewelry and hairpins at home. Metal objects can affect the results of the exam.
- Remove hearing aids and any removable dental work.
- If you are over 60 years of age and IV contrast will be used for the exam, you may need to get a blood test before the exam.
- Tell your doctor and technologist about any surgeries you have had and if you have metal implants like a pacemaker or aneurysm clips.
- Tell your doctor ahead of time if you are claustrophobic or unable to lie down for an extended amount of time due to pain. Medication may be given during the exam to help you.
- Tell the technologist right away if you're breastfeeding or if you may be pregnant.
- For abdominal (middle of the body) and pelvic exams: Do not eat or drink for four hours before your exam. Keep taking medications your doctor has told you to take.
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If your doctor tells you that you need an MRI, we'll contact you to schedule it. MRIs require a pre-authorization form from your insurance company.

If you choose to have an MRI without a pre-authorization form, we require a deposit payment at your appointment. You may also be responsible for the full cost of your MRI after your insurance has been billed.

If you have questions about what your insurance plan covers, you should contact your insurance company directly.

For general questions, please call us at 1-206-329-1760. For billing questions, call us at 1-260-860-4500. For appointments, call us at 1-206-860-5496.

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