Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe and pain-free diagnostic imaging technique that combines magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s structures. While X-rays are typically used to view bones and joints, MRIs are better suited for organs, muscles, and other soft tissues. Ultimately, being able to see detailed images of these tissues enables doctors to diagnose and monitor diseases, tumors, and various internal injuries.
“Open” MRI refers to a specific type of MRI machine that features a non-confining opening, typically located beside or in front of the patient. Unlike conventional closed-bore MRI machines, where patients must lie inside a narrow tube, open MRI systems feature magnets positioned above and below you, or on either side, leaving the front and sides completely open. This design eliminates the enclosed tunnel and helps you feel more comfortable during your scan.
A painless, radiation-free imaging technique, MRI is completely safe for most patients. Given the powerful magnets involved, it’s also important to let your technologists know if you have any metal devices on or inside your body, including:
• Cardiac pacemakers
• Artificial heart valves
• Aneurysm clips
• Inner ear implants
• Intrauterine devices
• Permanent eyeliner
• Metal fragments
• Biostimulators
If a friend or family member is accompanying you to your exam, it’s likewise important to let your technologists know if they have any of these devices.
While MRI exams are more expensive than CT scans and X-rays, they offer several key advantages. Most importantly, they enable radiologists to detect subtle abnormalities in soft tissues, which may indicate the presence of cancer, heart disease, and other serious conditions. Likewise, MRI images help doctors differentiate between healthy and unhealthy tissues.
In addition to its diagnostic benefits, MRI is a radiation-free imaging technique.
Some conditions warrant MRI exams right away, but doctors usually order them after viewing the results of CT scans, X-rays or other imaging procedures. Given their higher costs, doctors and insurers often want to exhaust other options first.
You can get an MRI at a hospital, hospital-affiliated imaging facility or outpatient imaging center, and you may be able to choose where you have your scan. American Health Imaging specializes in affordable outpatient imaging, with 45+ centers across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Texas. AHI offers MRI scans for up to 60% less than hospital-based imaging and is in-network with 99% of insurance plans. Same-day and next-day appointments are also available for most MRI scans.
An outpatient imaging center is a facility focused specifically on diagnostic imaging services such as MRI, CT, X-ray and ultrasound. Unlike a hospital, you visit an outpatient imaging center specifically for your scheduled exam, which can provide a simpler, more streamlined imaging experience.
An outpatient imaging center can offer a more convenient and affordable alternative to hospital-based MRI. American Health Imaging has 45+ centers across the South, with MRI scans that cost up to 60% less than hospital-based imaging. AHI is also in-network with 99% of insurance plans and offers same-day and next-day appointments for most MRI scans. Many locations feature wide-bore MRI machines, faster scanning technology and extended hours to make your imaging experience more comfortable and convenient.
A physician or other qualified healthcare provider must order an MRI. Your provider will determine whether an MRI is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history and other diagnostic information. The order will also specify the area of your body that needs to be examined. American Health Imaging requires an imaging order before scheduling your MRI.
At the start of your MRI exam, your technologist will ask you to remove jewelry, belts, and other metal objects, and they will help you lie comfortably on a cushioned table. That table will then slide into the circular MRI machine, which contains the large magnet necessary to produce detailed images. As your technologist collects images, they’ll be able to see, hear, and speak to you, alleviating any concerns you may have.
To provide for maximum comfort during your exam, American Health Imaging has invested in MRI machines with large openings and slim profiles, which help to prevent feelings of claustrophobia. You won’t feel like you’re entering a narrow tunnel, and depending upon the area of your body being imaged, your head and feet may still be in the open.
AHI’s faster scanning MRI technology is available at many of our centers and helps reduce certain scan times to as little as 8 minutes, so you spend less time on the table.
Yes. American Health Imaging offers open MRI at select locations. Open MRI machines provide a more spacious design that can be a good option for patients who experience claustrophobia, have difficulty with enclosed spaces, or need additional room. Select locations also offer multi-position open MRI that allows imaging while sitting, standing, or lying down.
Yes. Most American Health Imaging locations offer wide-bore MRI scanners, which provide more space than traditional MRI machines and may be more comfortable for patients who feel anxious in enclosed spaces.
Once your doctor determines that an MRI is necessary for your diagnosis, their office will typically notify our staff and schedule your appointment accordingly. We will then verify your health insurance coverage and obtain any necessary pre-approvals or certifications. If you don’t have health insurance or if you’re facing a high deductible, we also offer excellent self-pay rates.
We offer same-day appointments for most MRI exams and have early morning, evening and weekend availability at many locations to ensure your exam fits within your normal schedule.
Most MRI exams require no special preparation. If your exam needs any, our team will give you instructions when you schedule.
Most MRI exams can be completed in 30 to 60 minutes. Your doctor may request that your MRI be enhanced using a contrast medium. MRI exams with contrast usually take a few minutes longer than the same exam without contrast. More time may be required if your doctor has ordered multiple studies.
AHI now offers Faster Scanning MRI technology at many locations, reducing scan time to as little as 8 minutes, depending on the exam. These shorter scan times create a more comfortable imaging experience for anxious patients or those in pain.
In most cases, yes. However, it is important to advise our staff if your guest is pregnant or has any metallic objects on or inside their body.
Yes. Your teeth and dental work will not be affected by the exam.
Most patients do not require sedation and will be able to drive immediately following the exam. If you do require a sedative to relax, however, please arrange for a friend or relative to drive you home.
After your exam results are finalized, your doctor will receive them and discuss your findings with you. You will receive a patient-friendly report via text 48 hours after the report is finalized.
Reports are sent via our Scanslated patient report system and provides easy-to-understand explanations of your scan and diagrams. View your report anytime on your computer or mobile device once sent.
MRI scan costs vary widely depending on where you go. Hospital-based MRIs can typically cost $3,500 or more — and you may receive multiple bills from different departments. At American Health Imaging, our patients pay up to 60% less with a single, easy-to-understand bill.
While our services are value-priced, our equipment is state-of-the-art. By focusing solely on diagnostic imaging, we utilize specialized, expertly trained radiologists who read the images, which can be an extra cost when using hospital imaging services. We also invest in the newest, highest-quality MRI equipment and offer extra amenities you won’t find at hospitals, including curbside parking and same-day scheduling.
We’re in-network with 99% of insurance plans. If you have a high-deductible plan or no insurance, ask about our self-pay rates when you schedule. There are no hidden fees and no surprise bills.
Don’t pay more than you need to for your MRI. To save hundreds or even thousands of dollars, schedule your procedure at an American Health Imaging center today.
At American Health Imaging, most of our locations offer Wide-Bore MRI machines, which are significantly more spacious than standard MRI tunnels. Many of our exams can be completed in as little as 8 minutes, reducing the time spent inside the machine.
Our technologists are experienced in working with anxious patients and will guide you through each step, let you know how long each scan segment will last, and check in on your comfort throughout your scan. If you’re concerned about claustrophobia, let us know when you schedule, and we’ll match you with the most comfortable machine option at your nearest location. We also offer Open MRI at select centers for patients with more severe anxiety.
