Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't find the answer to your question here, please give University Medical Imaging a call at (916) 922-6747
MRI is an advanced medical imaging technique that provides clear images of internal organs and body tissues without the use of radiation. The MRI uses radiowaves and a strong magnetic field to produce its images.
MRI is safe and painless. Refer to Special Situations for more details on safety. The most important safety precautions have to be taken with patients who have pacemakers or ferro-magnetic metals in the body. There are also precautions for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
To schedule an exam, call the center at (916) 922-6747. If the exam was requested by your physician, you will need to have your referral request and your insurance information available when you call. If you are scheduling a self-referral, contact the center to obtain appointment and payment information.
Refer to Preparation for MRI. Generally speaking, wear comfortable clothing without zippers or snaps, avoid wearing jewelry and if registration paperwork has already been completed, arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment to check in. Otherwise, please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment to complete registration forms.
Bring the referral request you received from your doctor and your insurance information. If you haven't done so already, click on the appropirate patient registration form icon. Fill out the form online, and print it out. Sign the form, and bring it to your appointment with the other papers.
MRI Patients
X-RAY Patients
Upon arriving, you will be greeted by our front office staff. If you haven't already, they will ask you to fill out patient registration information and provide answers to any questions you have related to your exam. You will be escorted to your private spacious dressing suite where you will be asked to change into loose fitting scrubs or gown if necessary. After changing, the technologist will speak to you regarding your exam and position you on a padded table in the imaging suite. Several sets of images will be taken, you will hear intermittent buzzing or knocking noise, which is normal. Ear plugs are provided and you may choose to listen to music of your choice. During the scan, it is important to hold very still, as movement will cause blurring of the pictures. Throughout the entire examination, you will be able to speak to the technologist via an intercom. The exam will take approximately 20- 30 minutes. All you need to do is rest, relax and remain still as the MRI scanner does its work.
During an MRI scan, you will hear loud knocking sounds. These sounds are normal and should not worry you. Despite the loud noise, the technologist operating the machine will be able to hear you if you have any questions or concerns.
For MRI exams, you may eat and drink as you normally would.
Depending on the type of scan you need, a contrast medium may be administered to enhance the images of your tissues and organs. If required, contrast material will be given intravenously when you arrive for your scan.
If you know this in advance of the exam, please discuss this with your physician. If necessary, your physician can prescribe an oral medication to help you relax. Follow your physician's instructions about when to take your prescription. You may need someone to drive you to and from your MRI appointment. Even if you are claustrophobic, our technologist will work with you to help you feel at ease throughout your exam. Our short bore scanner with flared openings will also help to reduce patient anxiety.
We attempt to have individuals on staff at our center that speak primary languages spoken in the community it serves. We also offer access to outside interpretation services for supplemental needs.
If your child requires supervision in your absence, you must bring someone to do this. If they are of an age where they may remain in the waiting area without supervision, this is acceptable.
Patients whose weight exceeds 350 lbs (159 kg) may be unsuited for an MRI scan.
Most imaging exams are covered by most insurance plans. The imaging center will verify benefits for every patient who has insurance. A list of insurance providers is available here.
Diagnostic imaging procedures vary in length, depending on the type of exam. MRI ordinarily takes between 20-35 minutes to complete.
Medical imaging is generally safe and painless. Refer to Special Situations for more details on safety. The most important safety precautions have to be taken with patients who have pacemakers or ferro-magnetic metals in the body. There are also precautions for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additional considerations are made for patients who are diabetic, or on certain medications.
When your exam is complete, your images will be interpreted by a Board Certified Radiologist, who will provide a report to your physician within 24 hours of your exam. Your physician will contact you to review the exam results with you.
See the "Contact Us" page.
You may refer to Patient Rights for more details. We are required by law to keep your medical information private and to give you notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with regard to medical information about you.