Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the body. MRIs are a non-invasive option to help your doctor gain insight into your health. Healthcare professionals use an MRI to diagnose a variety of conditions that affect the body, including the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and ligaments. Because an MRI does not use radiation, it provides an ideal option for routine monitoring of conditions throughout the different stages of life including pregnancy.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Our MRI Imaging Locations
South Jersey Radiology offers MRI imaging services across 6 of our office locations. Each one of our office locations are conveniently located minutes away from major highways and bridges. With evening, weekend, and same-day appointments available, finding the answers you need has never been easier. View our office locations today.
Reasons for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Doctors order MRIs when they need to assess the health of the soft tissues and non-boney structures of the body. Your doctor may recommend an MRI if he or she suspects you may have one of the following conditions:
- Blood vessel malformations
- Chest, abdomen, or pelvic tumors
- Heart problems
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
- Joint injuries
- Liver, bile duct, or pancreatic conditions
- Traumatic brain injuries or stroke
I was extremely nervous going into my MRI. The tech's compassion and sincere care throughout was beyond anything I expected.
South Jersey Radiology West Deptford Patient
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding proper preparation and expectations can help alleviate any worries you may have prior to your appointment. Learn about what happens before, during, and after your MRI scan with our frequently asked questions.
Our team of experienced technologists at South Jersey Radiology will provide specific guidelines regarding your appointment. Here are the important guidelines to follow:
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing that doesn't contain any metal such as belts, jewelry, buttons, or zippers.
- Avoid eating or drinking in the hours prior to your MRI. Based on the specific details for your exam, our staff will provide specific time periods to restrict eating or drinking.
- If you have metal artifacts in your body including cardiac devices or hearing aids, inform our staff or your doctor.
An MRI scan 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.
In some cases, these metal devices may not be compatible with our MRIs, and another medical imaging study will be recommended.
South Jersey Radiology has advanced protocols and sequences that can accommodate patients with cardiac devices such as pacemakers. Please consult with your referring physician to determine if an MRI works with your type of pacemaker and if it is right for you.
During an MRI scan, it is strongly encouraged to remain as still as possible. Any movement during the MRI scan could decrease or skew the quality of the images.
Some patients who are concerned about claustrophobia may be worried about an MRI scan. At South Jersey Radiology, our MRI imaging centers offer wide-bore MRIs equipped with fast scan technology. Wide-bore MRIs allow for “feet first” scanning and provide an extra 4 inches of space.
Our wide-bore MRIs have fast scan technology equipped that reduces scan times by up to 30% compared to traditional MRIs. If you'd prefer any mild sedation methods, please speak with your referring provider to see what works best for you.
Prior to the start of your MRI scan, one of our experienced MRI technologists will go over your medical history with you. The technologist will lead you to a table, which will slide into the MRI machine, a cylinder-shaped tube surrounded by a magnet. You must remain still on the table for the duration of the scan.
On average, an MRI scan takes between 15 – 90 minutes to complete. Afterward, you will be able to leave our office and continue with your daily routine after the scan is completed.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are both medical imaging techniques that capture detailed images of the body's internal structures. However, different reasons may warrant your doctor 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 utilize any form of radiation.
CT scans use a series of X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of the body. CTs are faster than MRIs and capture images of bones and harder 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 Image Wisely guidelines to ensure radiation exposure is kept to a minimum.
Once your MRI scan is completed, one of our subspecialized radiologists will analyze the results and develop a detailed report for your referring doctor. Your doctor will receive the report within 48 hours and follow up with you to go over the results.
South Jersey Radiology is in-network with 99% of insurance carriers. Please contact your insurance carrier 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.
© 2024 South Jersey Radiology Associates, P.A.