MRI

At our clinic, we provide MRI services as part of our comprehensive diagnostic imaging options. MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a valuable tool that helps healthcare professionals obtain detailed images of internal structures within the body. This technique is essential for evaluating various medical conditions and guiding treatment plans across multiple specialties.

Here are some key points about MRI:

Non-Invasive: MRIs capture images without the use of radiation, relying instead on magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high-quality visuals.

Detailed Imaging: This method excels in providing clear views of organs, tissues, joints, and other soft structures, facilitating accurate assessments.

Versatile Applications: MRI is utilized across various medical fields, including neurology, orthopedics, and abdominal and vascular studies, showcasing its broad range of uses.

Provider-Guided Process: MRIs are conducted based on recommendations from your provider, ensuring that they are tailored to your individual care plan.

Informative Results: The images generated during an MRI are crucial for informing diagnoses, monitoring progress, and determining appropriate next steps in treatment.

In summary, MRI is an important component of our diagnostic services, helping to enhance understanding and support effective healthcare decisions.

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Self-Pay Rates

MRI - w/o contrast- $600 .00

MRI - w/ and w/o contrast- $700.00

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Important Information About Implants and Surgeries

If you’ve had surgery and are concerned about implant devices before an MRI, it’s critical to address this due to the strong magnetic fields used in MRI scans, which can interact with certain
implants. Here’s a clear guide to help you navigate this situation:

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Why Implants Matter for MRIs

MRI machines use powerful magnets that can:

• Heat or Move ferromagnetic (metal-containing) implants, potentially causing injury.
• Malfunction or damage electronic devices like pacemakers.
• Distort Images, affecting diagnostic accuracy.

Not all implants are unsafe, but you need to confirm the MRI compatibility of your specific device(s) to ensure safety.

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Steps to Take

1. Inform Your Healthcare Team:
   
   • Tell your doctor and the MRI facility about your surgical history and any implants. Provide details like:
     
     • Type of implant (e.g., joint replacement, stent, pacemaker, cochlear
       implant).
     • Location in your body.
     • Date of surgery (if known).
     • Manufacturer and model (if available).
   • This information helps determine if the implant is MRI-safe, conditional, or unsafe.

2. Check Implant Documentation:
   
   • Review any implant cards, surgical records, or device manuals you received post-surgery. Many implants come with an ID card specifying MRI compatibility.
   • Common designations include:
     
     • MRI-Safe: No restrictions (e.g., non-metallic implants like silicone).
     • MRI-Conditional: Safe under specific conditions (e.g., limited magnetic field strength, like 1.5T vs. 3T scanners).
     • MRI-Unsafe: Contraindicated for MRI (e.g., older ferromagnetic implants or certain pacemakers).
   • If you don’t have documentation, contact your surgeon or the hospital where the surgery was performed.
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3. Consult the MRI Facility:
   
   • The MRI technologist or radiologist will review your implant details. They may:
     
     • Verify compatibility using databases like the manufacturer’s website or the MRISafety.com database.
     • Adjust the MRI protocol (e.g., using a lower-field scanner) for conditional implants.
     • Recommend alternative imaging (e.g., CT scan) if the implant is unsafe.
   • You’ll likely fill out a screening questionnaire about implants and medical history before the scan.
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4. Contact the Implant Manufacturer:
   
   • If compatibility is unclear, the MRI facility or your doctor can contact the implant manufacturer for MRI safety guidelines. Have the implant’s serial or model number ready, if possible.
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5. Discuss with Your Doctor:
   
   • If your implant is MRI-unsafe, your doctor can evaluate whether the MRI is essential or if another test (e.g., CT, ultrasound) can suffice.
   • For urgent cases, they may explore specialized facilities with protocols for complex implants.

Common Implants and MRI Considerations

Here’s a quick overview of implants often encountered post-surgery:

• Orthopedic Implants (e.g., hip/knee replacements, screws, plates):
  
  • Most modern orthopedic implants (titanium or non-ferromagnetic alloys) are MRI-safe or conditional.
  • Older stainless steel implants may be unsafe or cause image distortion.
• Cardiac Devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators):
  
  • Older devices are often MRI-unsafe, but many newer ones are MRI-conditional with specific protocols (e.g., reprogramming the device before/after the scan).
  • A cardiologist must be involved to ensure safety.
• Vascular Stents/Clips (e.g., coronary stents, aneurysm clips):
  
  • Most modern stents are MRI-safe after a waiting period (e.g., 6–8 weeks post-implantation).
  • Some older aneurysm clips are ferromagnetic and MRI-unsafe.
• Neurostimulators (e.g., deep brain stimulators):
  
  • Often MRI-conditional, but require specific settings and manufacturer approval.
• Cochlear Implants:
  
  • Some are MRI-conditional; others require magnet removal or are unsafe.
• Dental Implants or Fillings:
  
  • Usually safe but may cause minor image distortion near the mouth.
• Foreign Bodies (e.g., shrapnel, bullets):
  
  • Must be evaluated case-by-case, especially if near vital organs.

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Safety Precautions

• Never Assume Safety: Even if you’ve had an MRI before, changes in implant status or MRI technology (e.g., higher-field scanners) require re-evaluation.
• Emergency Implants: If you had emergency surgery and aren’t sure about implants, request an X-ray or CT to identify foreign objects before the MRI.
• Jewelry and External Devices: Remove all metal jewelry, hearing aids, or external devices, as these are unsafe in the MRI room.

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What If the Implant Is MRI-Unsafe?

• Alternative Imaging: Your doctor may order a CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray, which don’t use magnetic fields and are generally safe for most implants.
• Risk-Benefit Analysis: In rare cases, if the MRI is critical (e.g., for a life-threatening condition), your doctor and radiologist may weigh the risks versus benefits and proceed with strict precautions.
• Specialized Facilities: Some centers have expertise in imaging patients with complex implants, using low-field or open MRI systems.

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Patient Tips

• Keep Records: Store implant cards or surgical reports in an accessible place for future medical procedures.
• Ask Questions: Confirm with the MRI technologist what specific precautions will be taken.
• Advocate for Yourself: If you’re unsure about your implant’s status, insist on verification before proceeding.
• Insurance and Pre-Authorization: If your MRI requires pre-authorization (as discussed previously), ensure implant-related concerns are communicated to avoid delays or denials.

Your safety is the priority. Most modern implants are designed with MRI compatibility in mind, but verification is essential.

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Insurance Information

We accept all major commercial insurance plans, as well as Medicare, Georgia Medicaid, workers’ compensation, auto insurance, and attorney letters of protection (LOPs). Please call us to inquire or confirm coverage.

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Key Points to Understand

• Timeframe: Pre-authorization can take anywhere from 24 hours to 10 days, depending on the insurer and urgency. Delays may occur if additional information is needed.
• Not a Guarantee of Payment: Approval means the scan is deemed medically necessary, but coverage depends on the patient’s insurance plan (e.g., copays, deductibles).
• Denials and Appeals: If denied, patients or providers can appeal with additional documentation or request a peer-to-peer review between the ordering physician and an insurer’s medical reviewer.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Without pre-authorization, patients may face significant costs. For example, an MRI can cost $400–$3,500, and a CT scan $300–$2,000, depending on the facility and location.
• Exceptions: Some plans waive pre-authorization for emergencies or specific conditions, but this varies by insurer.

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Patient Tips

• Verify Insurance Requirements: Contact your insurance provider to confirm if pre-authorization is needed for an MRI or CT scan.
• Communicate with Your Doctor: Ensure your healthcare provider submits all necessary documentation to avoid delays or denials.
• Follow Up: Check the status of the pre-authorization with your doctor’s office or insurer if you don’t hear back promptly.
• Understand Your Plan: Review your insurance policy for coverage details, including copays or out-of-network costs.

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Why It Matters

Pre-authorization helps balance access to advanced imaging with cost control but can be a source of frustration due to delays or denials. Understanding the process empowers patients to navigate it effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.