Patient Preparation for Imaging Appointments

CT Exam (CAT SCAN) Preparations

Patient undergoing a CT scan with two medical professionals standing by the scanner.

Abdominal & Pelvis:

Can have clear liquids and all medications are permitted up to four hours prior to the exam. Patient will need to drink barium liquid at specified time. Barium liquid will taste best cold or may be mixed with orange juice. Specific instructions as follows:

Abdomen Only

Drink two bottles of barium liquid one hour prior to exam time.

Abdomen/Pelvis

Drink one bottle of barium liquid two hours prior and one bottle one hour prior to exam.

Pelvis Only:

Drink two bottles of barium liquid two hours prior to exam time.

Brain with Contrast, Soft Tissue, Neck, Soft Tissue Orbits, Chest:

Can have clear liquids and all medications are permitted up to four hours prior to exam.

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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Preparation

Patient lying inside an MRI machine during a scan, illuminated by soft pink lighting.

No Makeup • No Jewelry • No Hairpins

No preparation needed. Arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled appointment. Wear simple clothing. If you’ve had surgery and are concerned about implant devices before an MRI, please review the details on this page and please let our staff know when making an appointment.

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Have Any Questions?

What services do you offer?

We provide MRI, X-Ray, and CAT Scan imaging services.

Where are you located?

Our facility is located in St. Marys, Georgia. You can find our address and directions on the Contact page.

How can I schedule an appointment?

You can request an appointment by calling us at 912-729-2600.

Can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your appointment by contacting us at least 24 hours in advance. This allows us to accommodate other patients.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring a valid ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any previous medical records relevant to your visit.

What insurance plans do you accept?

We accept most major commercial plans, Medicare, Georgia Medicaid, workers’ compensation, auto insurance, and attorney LOPs.

What is Pre-Authorization?

Pre-authorization is a cost-control measure used by insurance companies to ensure that specific
medical services, like MRIs and CT scans, are medically necessary before they agree to cover
the costs. It involves obtaining approval from the insurance provider before the procedure is
performed. Without this approval, the patient may be responsible for the full cost of the scan,
which can be expensive.

Why Are Pre-Authorizations Required for MR and CT Scans?

Medical Necessity: Insurers want to confirm that the scan is essential for diagnosing or
treating a condition, rather than being ordered unnecessarily.
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Cost Management: MRIs and CT scans are high-cost imaging procedures, so insurers
review requests to control healthcare expenses.
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Appropriate Use: Pre-authorization ensures the scan aligns with clinical guidelines and
is the most appropriate test for the patient’s condition.

How Does the Pre-Authorization Process Work?

1. Physician’s Order: Your doctor determines that an MRI or CT scan is necessary based
on your symptoms or condition.
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2. Submission to Insurer: The healthcare provider’s office submits a pre-authorization
request to the insurance company.

This typically includes:
‍- Patient information (e.g., name, insurance ID).
- Details of the procedure (e.g., type of scan, body part being imaged).
- Clinical documentation, such as medical history, symptoms, or prior test results,
to justify the need for the scan.
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3. Insurance Review: The insurer reviews the request, often using medical criteria or
guidelines (e.g., from the American College of Radiology).

They may:
‍- Approve the request if it meets their criteria.
- Deny it if they deem the scan unnecessary or if alternative tests are recommended.
- Request additional information if the documentation is incomplete.
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4. Notification: The healthcare provider and patient are informed of the decision, typically
within a few days to a week, though urgent cases may be expedited.
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5. Scheduling the Scan: If approved, the scan can be scheduled. If denied, the doctor may
appeal the decision or explore alternative diagnostic options.

Can I confirm if my insurance is accepted?

Yes, please call us to verify your coverage before your appointment.

How should I prepare for an MRI?

You can review the exam preparation instructions on this page.

Will my insurance cover all medical expenses?

You can review the exam preparation instructions on this page.

When will I receive my results?

Your referring provider will typically receive results within 24–48 hours.

Can I access my results directly?

Please speak with your provider about accessing your scan results.

What is an MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the body’s internal structures, such as organs, tissues, bones, and nerves. It’s particularly effective for imaging soft tissues like the brain, muscles, and heart.

How Does an MRI Work?

1. Magnetic Field: The MRI machine creates a strong magnetic field (typically 1.5T or 3T, where T stands for Tesla) that aligns the protons (hydrogen nuclei) in water molecules within your body’s tissues.

2. Radio Waves: Short bursts of radio waves are sent through the body, knocking the protons out of alignment.
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3. Signal Detection: As the protons realign with the magnetic field, they emit faint radio signals. These signals vary depending on the tissue type (e.g., fat, muscle, or fluid), as different tissues have different water content and relaxation times.
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4. Image Creation: A computer processes the signals to generate detailed, cross-sectional images. Multiple images can be combined to create 3D models.
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5. Contrast (Optional): In some cases, a contrast agent (usually gadolinium-based) is injected to enhance visibility of certain structures, like blood vessels or tumors.
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Key Features:
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No Radiation: MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves, not ionizing radiation,
making it safer for repeated use.
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High Detail: Excellent for soft tissue contrast, ideal for detecting brain
abnormalities, tumors, or joint injuries.
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Scan Time: Typically 15–60 minutes, depending on the area scanned.
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Environment: Patients lie in a narrow tube, which can be noisy (ear protection is
provided) and may cause claustrophobia for some.

What is a CT Scan?

A Computed Tomography (CT) scan, also called a CAT scan, is an imaging technique that uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the body. It’s effective for visualizing bones, organs, and soft tissues and is often used for detecting fractures, tumors, infections, or internal injuries.

MRI vs. CT: Key Differences

Imaging Method: MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves; CT uses X-rays.
Best For: MRI excels at soft tissue detail (e.g., brain, joints); CT is better for bones, lungs, and quick assessments.
Radiation: MRI has none; CT involves low-dose radiation.
Time: MRI is slower; CT is faster.
Contraindications: MRI is unsafe with certain implants; CT is generally safe for implants but not ideal for pregnant patients due to radiation.

How Does a CT Work?

1. X-Ray Beams: The CT scanner rotates a series of X-ray beams around the body,
taking multiple images (or “slices”) from different angles as the patient moves
through a circular gantry.
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2. Detectors: Detectors opposite the X-ray source capture the X-rays that pass
through the body. The amount of X-ray absorption varies by tissue density (e.g.,
bone absorbs more than soft tissue).
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3. Image Reconstruction: A computer processes the X-ray data to create detailed 2D
cross-sectional images, which can be stacked to form 3D models.
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4. Contrast (Optional): Iodine-based contrast dye may be injected or swallowed to
highlight blood vessels, organs, or abnormalities.
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Key Features:

Radiation: CT uses ionizing radiation, which carries a small risk, especially with
repeated scans.
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Speed: Scans are fast, often taking 5–15 minutes, making CT ideal for
emergencies (e.g., trauma or stroke).

Versatility: Excellent for imaging bones, chest, abdomen, and detecting conditions like fractures, lung issues, or cancers.
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Environment: The scanner is a wide, open ring, less confining than an MRI, and quieter.
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Safety Notes: CT scans are generally safe for patients with implants, as they don’t use magnetic fields. However, radiation exposure is a concern, particularly for pregnant women or those needing multiple scans. Contrast dye can cause allergic reactions or kidney issues in some patients.

Need to Schedule a Scan? We’re Here to Help

If you have questions about your scan or need assistance with booking an appointment, we are here to help. Please reach out when you are ready, and we will work together to address your needs.

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Patient lying inside an MRI machine during a scan

912-729-2600

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Helping you feel informed and ready for your imaging appointment.