Question 1

How should I prepare for an MRI?

Accepted Answer

Our team of experienced technologists at South Jersey Radiology will provide specific guidelines regarding your appointment. It is important to arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment. Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing that doesn't contain any metal. Avoid eating or drinking in the hours prior to your MRI. Based on the specific details for your exam, specific time periods to restrict eating or drinking will be provided by our staff. If you have metal artifacts in your body including cardiac devices or hearing aids, inform our staff or your physician.

Question 2

Is an MRI safe?

Accepted Answer

An MRI is a non-invasive medical imaging study that doesn’t expose you to radiation. However, an MRI machine uses a magnetic field, which may prevent certain individuals with metal implants from undergoing an MRI.  If you are an individual who has a metal implant such as a pacemaker, a vagus nerve stimulator, an insulin pump, a cochlear implant, or a deep brain stimulator, please consult with your referring physician before scheduling an MRI. Select office locations offer the ability to accommodate pacemakers. In some cases, the model of your pacemaker may not be compatible with our MRIs, and another imaging study will be recommended by your referring physician.

Question 3

Can I move during an MRI?

Accepted Answer

During an MRI, it is important to remain as still as possible. Any movement during the MRI could decrease or skew the quality of the images obtained. Our technologist will be communicating with you throughout the entire study, instructing you when slight movement is allowed.

Question 4

Can I get an MRI if I am claustrophobic?

Accepted Answer

Some patients who are concerned about claustrophobia may be worried about getting an MRI. At South Jersey Radiology, our MRI imaging centers offer wide-bore and open MRIs to ensure our patients are at ease. Our wide-bore MRIs are equipped with fast scan technology that reduces scan times by up to 30% compared to traditional MRIs. In addition, these types of MRI machines allow for “feet first” scanning (if the study permits) and provide an extra 4 inches of space. If you’d prefer any mild sedation methods prior to your appointment, please speak with your referring physician to see what works best for you.

Question 5

What happens during an MRI?

Accepted Answer

Before the start of your study, one of our patient service representatives will go over your medical history with you. Once complete, one of our experienced MRI technologists will lead you to a table, which will slide into the MRI machine, a cylinder-shaped tube surrounded by a magnet. It is important to remain still on the table for the duration of the study to ensure the best images are captured. On average, an MRI takes between 15 – 90 minutes to complete (depending on the body part). Afterward, you will be able to leave our office and continue with your daily routine.

Question 6

How is an MRI different from a CT scan?

Accepted Answer

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) are both medical imaging techniques that capture detailed images of the body’s internal structures. However, different reasons may warrant your physician to recommend one technique over the other as they have different preferred use cases. MRIs use magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissue structures, including the brain and spinal cord. MRIs do not use any form of radiation. CT scans, also known as CAT scans, use a series of X-rays to produce cross sectional images (slices) of the body. CTs are faster than MRIs and capture images of bones and hard tissue structures with more detail. CTs use a small amount of radiation to visualize hard tissue structures that can be more difficult to view. At South Jersey Radiology, all of our medical imaging techniques are compliant with the Image Wisely guidelines to ensure radiation exposure is kept to a minimum.

Question 7

When will I receive my results?

Accepted Answer

Once your study is completed, one of our board-certified, subspecialized radiologists will analyze the results and develop a detailed report for your referring physician. Your physician will receive the report within 48 hours and follow-up with you to go over the results.  After 5 – 7 days, your reports and images will be available to you via our easy-to-access patient portal.

Question 8

Is an MRI covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

South Jersey Radiology is in-network with 99% of insurance providers. Please contact your insurance provider to inquire about SJRA’s in-network status. Some insurance companies may try to direct you to their preferred radiology center. As the patient, you have the right to choose if you would like your study performed at South Jersey Radiology.

Question 9

How much does an MRI cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of an MRI can be different based on a number of factors including location, insurance coverage, and type of study. Lastly, cost can depend heavily on where you choose to go to get the MRI. Hospital-based MRI scans are more expensive than South Jersey Radiology’s outpatient imaging centers, which cost up to 60% less than hospital-based imaging studies. If you have insurance, it may cover some or most of the cost. However, you might still owe an out-of-pocket or deductible cost at the time of your scan. SJRA will provide an estimate for the amount you will owe based on your insurance coverage at the time of your appointment. You can also talk to your insurance company to understand what they will cover.

Services

Medical imaging made easy for you

Imaging Services We Offer:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Computed Tomography (CT)

Ultrasound

Nuclear Medicine

PET/CT

Amyloid PET/CT

Pylarify PSMA PET/CT

Angiography

Arthrography

Bone Density (DEXA)

Digital X-Ray

Low-Dose CT Lung Screening

Comprehensive Women's Imaging Services

Women's Imaging Services We Offer:

Screening & Diagnostic Mammography

Breast Biopsy

Breast MRI

Breast Ultrasound

Discover an SJRA Center Near You

Cherry Hill

Haddonfield

Marlton (Greentree)

Mount Laurel

Medford

Moorestown

Route 73 (Voorhees)

Turnersville

Voorhees (Carnie Blvd)

Sewell (Washington Twp)

West Deptford

Willingboro

Women’s Center at Cross Keys

Women’s Center at Medford

Women’s Center at Mount Laurel

Women’s Center at Voorhees

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