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To obtain an MRI image, a patient is placed inside a large magnet that is shaped like a tube. Patients must remain very still during the imaging process to prevent blurring of the image. Contrast agents (often containing the element gadolinium) may be given to a patient intravenously during the MRI to increase the speed at which protons realign with the magnetic field.

Most of the MRI scanners at Sentara are wide bore MRI machines, with a few exceptions noted in our MRI location information. MRIs are shaped like a tube, with the open space in the middle referred to as the bore. While MRI is safe, accurate and painless, its tube-like shape can create some anxiety issues for some patients. On a traditional MRI, the bore size is roughly 60 centimeters in diameter or under two feet. With a large-bore MRI machine, the opening is 70 centimeters. This additional space makes a difference in better accommodating patients and making them more comfortable.

To produce high-quality images, patients must generally remain very still throughout the entire MRI procedure. Infants, small children and other patients who are unable to lie still may need to be sedated or anesthetized for the procedure. Not all Sentara sites are able to provide sedation or anesthesia. Your appointment will be booked at a site that provides these services if needed.

Claustrophobia with MRI

Claustrophobia is a common issue during MRI exams, especially when exam time requires the patient to lie down and hold still for a long period of time (anywhere between 15 to 90 minutes). To aid in a better experience, please tell your provider or the person scheduling your test if you are afraid of tight/enclosed spaces, you should contact your care team so they can prescribe medication to help you relax and reduce anxiety.

3T MRI (Wide bore)

3T MRI is an advanced closed MRI machine with a 3.0 Tesla magnet in the scanner. These machines provide more magnetic strength than traditional MRI imaging.

1.5T MRI (Traditional or wide bore)

On a traditional MRI, the bore size is roughly 60 centimeters in diameter or under 2 feet. With a wide-bore MRI machine, the opening is 70 centimeters.

Your referring physician will determine the best machine type for your MRI. The best MRI machine depends on what part of the body is being scanned, your safety and comfort as well as whether you have any type of metallic implant or device.

Breast MRI

A breast MRI can offer more information about the extent of breast cancer than is possible with a mammogram alone. MRI can also be used to screen for breast cancer in people at higher-than-average risk. A breast MRI usually requires the use of contrast that is injected into a vein in the arm during the procedure. A dedicated breast coil is used for breast imaging. Patients will lie on their stomach during the scan. Please note that not all of our MRI locations offer this type of imaging. You will be scheduled at a specific location in your area that offers this type of service.

Cardiovascular MRI

A cardiac MRI is usually requested if someone has more advanced or complex heart conditions. It can examine blood vessels and how blood flows through them. A cardiovascular MRI may involve a contrast agent given via IV to help create better images of tissues and blood vessels.

Other types of Specialty MRIs offered at Sentara:

• Abdominal
• Cervical
• Chest
• Extremity
• Head
• Lumbar
• MRA (angiography)/ MRV (Venography)
• Pelvic
• Thoracic

Generally, this is a safe test. However, the following guidelines must be in place to avoid safety risks.

• Critical to identify all implanted devices. Some implanted devices are MRI Conditional or MRI Unsafe. We need to know ALL items implanted in your body, not just near the area of interest. Metal and electronic items can interfere with the magnetic field of the MRI unit and image quality, cause burns or become harmful projectiles.
• If you are pregnant, you and your ordering provider must sign the pregnancy consent form before you can be scanned. This will need to be obtained in advance.
• You must change into Sentara approved clothing. Clothing is often designed with metal fibers, and this could cause burns.
• If contrast, such as gadolinium, is used, you will be given additional instructions.

MRIs present unique safety hazards for patients with implants, external devices and accessory medical devices. Examples of implanted devices include artificial joints, stents, cochlear implants and pacemakers. An external device is a device that may touch the patient like an external insulin pump, a leg brace or a wound dressing. An accessory device is a non-implanted medical device (such as a ventilator, patient monitor) that is used to monitor or support the patient.

Please alert the scheduling department of any implant or medical device at the time you make the appointment. The MRI team needs to research devices before appointment time. The imaging coordinator will need to determine if an MRI is safe for you if you have a medical device. If you have an implant card for your device, bring it with you to your MRI exam so that you can help the MRI technologist identify what type of device you have.

Whether insurance covers your MRI will depend on your insurance plan. Typically, MRIs are covered by insurance when they are deemed medically necessary. This may be for diagnosing a condition or monitoring the progress of an existing condition or treatment. For the MRI to be considered medically necessary, a healthcare provider will need to provide a referral.

Your insurance may also decline coverage if it believes an alternative imaging test, such as an X-ray, might suffice for your medical treatment. Contact your insurance company to ask if you will need to pay for any or all of the cost of the procedure.

Sentara reviews all orders and documents to ensure medical necessity is met for all procedures. Sentara’s concierge team then requests preauthorization details from your referring provider. If, for any reason, the scan is not covered, a team member will contact your ordering physician’s office.

Sentara requires the following information for MRI appointments. Your doctor’s office should provide this information directly to the location where you will have your test.

• Completed signed Sentara MRI request order
• Office note - History and physical?

The following information will be needed for some tests and should be provided by your doctor’s office:

• Pathology report corresponding to anatomical diagnosis?(for certain tests)
• Previous imaging reports (for comparison readings)

猫咪社区 Plan members

If you’re a 猫咪社区 Plan member, the provides accurate, real-time estimates for all covered services, including imaging such as MRIs. Cost estimates can be tailored to your individual benefit plan taking your deductible, out-of-pocket limits, cost-sharing, coinsurance, and copayment amounts into consideration. You get a more accurate estimate all in a secure, confidential online tool that’s easy to access and simple to use.

Medicare coverage

Medicare may cover MRIs, but generally, a doctor must order the scan, and it must be for a medically necessary reason.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has a specific list detailing the . Please note we provide this information for your reference, but your doctor’s office will handle this process for you.