• I have a question on my billing statement.  Who do I need to speak with?  
  • Contact Tricia Chaney at 601-485-2485 or email her at tchaney@rmsc-meridian.com

• What is MRI?

  Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a modern computerized method of scanning, creating images using a strong magnetic field and radio waves. The hydrogen atoms in the patient's body react to the magnetic field and emit signals which are analyzed by a computer to produce images. The images obtained help in detecting various abnormalities in the tissues scanned.

  MRI is a non-invasive, sophisticated diagnostic imaging technique that utilizes a strong magnetic field in conjunction with low energy electromagnetic waves to produce high-resolution images of internal body organs and tissue from any angle and direction and without surgical invasion. MRI has proven to be invaluable to the diagnosis of a broad range of conditions, including

  • brain tumors;
  • disorders of the eyes and inner ear;
  • cancer;
  • stroke and heart disease; and
  • Joint and musculoskeletal disorders and diseases of the knee, shoulder, spine, hips, wrists and hands, where it allows evaluation of parts of the body not possible with other imaging techniques.

  MRI can also create images of vessels without depending on the significant volume of contrast agent required by X-ray angiograph which patients may be sensitive to.
  
  MR Angiography (MRA) allows the physician to:

  • evaluate aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and occlusions of the intra cranial vessels; and
     
  • screen for atherosclerotic plaques and abnormalities in the carotid and iliofemoral circulation, including in the extremities, abdomen and chest.

  MRA is also well suited for evaluation of the slow flow present within the dural venous sinuses and to rule out superior sagittal sinus thrombosis, and also clearly depicts arteries in the Circle of Willis as well as the proximal portions of the anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries.

  

• What type of equipment is use in scanning images?

  • There are two types of MRI units; high-field MRI and low-field, open MRI. In the former, the patient lies still within a cylindrical magnet while radio waves are directed at protons, the nuclei of hydrogen atoms, which are alternately excited and relaxed, emitting radio signals which are then processed by a computer to form an image.

    High-field MRI produces superior images in a shorter scan time and is preferred by most physicians. Low field, open MRI is dictated for patients who are claustrophobic or obese. Image quality is good but the scan time is generally longer than the high-field unit.

    Importance of MRI

    • MRI is painless and has no known side effects.
    • It usually reveals more details than other imaging modalities. Usually there is a clear distinction between healthy and diseased tissue on MRI.
    • Harmful effects of radiation are avoided.

    MRI does not use X-rays or radiation.

• What are the procedures when I come in for my appointment? 

  Due to the strong nature of magnetic resonance imaging scanners, there are several protocols which are in place to make sure your visit is a safe and comfortable one.

  • The office staff will interview you asking several questions about medical history, foreign objects in the body, etc.  Such as pacemaker, shrapnel, or prosthesis.
  • A locker is provided for you to put your personal belongings for safekeeping.  All metal objects (watches, coins, keys, etc), magnetic items (credit cards, cell phones, etc), and jewelry (bobbie pins, rings, necklaces, etc).
  • It may be necessary to change from your street clothes into scrubs.  One is provided before the examination.
  • The technologist or nurse will escort you to the MRI room, and then properly position you on the padded MRI table. 
  • It is important that you stay still as much as possible so the MRI scanner can accurately scan the images properly.
  • Within seconds, the padded table will move smoothly into the MR’s opening.  After you are correctly positioned in the opening, relax and stay motionless as possible during the examination.
  • The technologist will give you a call bell.  At any time of the examination you fell uncomfortable or would like to talk to the technologist, press the button.  The technologist will communicate with you.
  • As the MRI scanner is scanning the images, a humming sound will occur.  Relax and breathe easily.  You will not feel a thing during the examination.
  • Most MRI exams will last about 30 – 45 minutes.  Once the exam is complete, the technologist will bring you back to the preparation room where you can change your clothing and receive your personal belongings.
  • Upon request from your doctor, a CD of your images can be provided to you before you leave.

  

• What is MR Angiography?

  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a method of producing extremely detailed pictures of body tissues and organs without the need for radiation.  The electromagnetic energy that is released when exposing a patient to radiofrequency waves in a strong magnetic field is measured and analyzed by a computer, which forms two- or three-dimensional images that may be viewed on a monitor. MR angiography (MRA) is an MR study of the blood vessels. It utilizes MR technology to detect, diagnose and aid the treatment of heart disorders, stroke, and blood vessel diseases. MRA provides detailed images of blood vessels without using any contrast material, although a special form of contrast material is often given to make the MRI images even clearer. The procedure is painless, and the magnetic field is not known to cause tissue damage of any kind.

• What is MR Arthrography?

  The term "arthrogram" means "study of a joint." In an MR arthrogram, fluid is placed into the joint. The addition of this contrast greatly enhances the quality of the examination. This examination gives your doctor important information about many problems with your joint. In most centers, X-rays are used to confirm placement of the contrast into the joint.

• If I am allergic to shell fish, will I react to the MRI contrast ratio?

  • Our contrast is not "iodine" based.

  

• Why do you ask if I have ever welded or grinded metal?

  • Ferrous or metallic objects will attract to the magnet and your eyes are a delicate tissue which a metallic object could cause permanent damage to.  x-rays of your eyes must be performed by one of our local Radiology departments and cleared by a Radiologist before a MRI scan is performed.

• What if I had the metallic object removed?

  • For safety reasons, you must have the x-rays and cleared by a Radiologist.

• May I have someone in the MRI suite with me during the scan?

  • Yes.  However the person will need to complete a modified screening questionnaire on their own medical history.

  

If you have any questions during the examination, don’t hesitate to ask your technologist or contact us at 601-485-2485 if there are other questions we can answer for you.