How should I prepare for my MRI?
Preparation for your MRI is very simple. There is no need to change your eating habits, and you may take any
prescribe medication you normally would. Please remove all piercings and any metal from your body before showing
up. You will be provided some comfortable wear to change into for the scan. If there is some music you would like
to listen to during the scan, please feel free to bring a CD with you.
What happens during my exam?
Once you have arrived, checked in, and have changed into your gown the technologist will assist you onto
the padded table where you will be comfortable situated. While the scan is in progress you will hear a knocking
noise coming from the scanner. This noise is completely normal and there is no need for alarm. Throughout the
exam you will be able to speak to the technologist through the intercom. If you wish, we will provide you with earplugs.
Most exams take between 30 and 45 minutes. After the examination you may resume normal activities.
I am a breastfeeding mother. Can I have an MRI?
Absoultely. MRI uses a large magnet and radio signal to produce images; there is no radiation involved. The only
real danger with MRI is if you have metal on or in your body that could be affected by the magnet. Once the scan is done
you may return to all normal activity, including breast feeding.
What are the side effects of an MRI?
There are no known side effects of an MRI.
Can I have a copy of my scan?
Yes. We will be happy to provide you with a copy of your scan on CD for no additional charge.
How does MRI work?
MRI utilizes the physical properties of magnetic fields, radio waves and computers to generate images of the tissues
within the body. MRI signals from the body are generated using a safe magnetic field in combination with radio waves
of a specific frequency. The MRI signals are detected and converted to a form which the computer can understand.
The computer processes the MRI signals from the body to form the MR images. Different tissue characteristics are
revealed through this process and are thereby translated into different contrast levels on the MR images. The trained physician
can then view the MR images and form a clinical diagnosis.
When will I get my results?
Our Radiologist will interpret your scan within one hour after the completion of your examination. It will then be
sent to your physician by their preferred method. Many of our patients schedule physician appointments on the same day
as their scan.
Will you bill my insurance?
Yes. Please make sure to bring insurance information with you.
Will you tell me the price of a scan up front?
Yes. Please give us a call and we will let you know exactly what the price of the test will be.
How many bills will I receive?
You will receive one bill from Fairbanks Community Imaging. It includes the everything from the scan to the interpretation from the Radiologist.