WHAT IS OPEN MRI

Open MRI, or Open Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a powerful innovation in diagnostic imaging.  Its special qualities allow comparable imaging without the confining
experience of "closed" MRI.

PREPARATION

MRI exams are scheduled through physician refferal only.

There is no special preparation for an MRI exam.  You can eat normally and contiue to take prescribed medications as required.  When you arrive at Dodge City Diagnostics, you will need to remove all metal objects that you may be carrying.  This includes watches, jewelry, coins, keys, pens, eyeglasses, dentures, and hairpins.  Since the magnet will erase information on bank cards and credit cards, these should be stored in the locked dressing room that will be provided fo your personal belongings.  You may be asked to change into a gown and the MRI technologist will escort you into the scanning room.

Let us know if you have or suspect that you have: 
Pacemaker                Prosthetic Device               Metal Implants

DURING THE EXAM

You will lie comfortably on the "patient couch" and a special coil will be attached to the area of your body being examined.  The couch then slides into position.  Your technologist will direct the scan from the computer console, or "command center" of the system, and will talk with you through a speaker while the images are being produced and viewed on the monitor.  You may be asked to lie very still at a particular moment, but for the most part you can relax while the scanner and the technologist do the work.  You can arrange with our receptionist to have a close friend or family member sit with you throughout the exam.  An average exam takes about 45 minutes.

 That's all there is to it! 

AFTERWARDS

Your scan will be reviewed and interpreted by an MRI specialist and the interpretation will be relayed to your physician who will discuss the results with you.  If you have any questions at all about your exam, do not hesitate to ask your physician.

Our goal is to make your visit as easy and comfortable as possible with a speedy and accurate interpretation of the results of your scan.

To learn more about the Hitachi Arias II OPEN MRI
go to our our favorite links page to visit the Hitachi web site.