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Choosing to have your exam at Advanced Open Imaging provides you with access to the quality, personal care and scope of professional services that are necessary to gain important information about your health. Your comfort and concerns are very important to us. We respect the trust you have placed in us and will see to it that you are always treated with care and sensitivity.
Sincerely,
The Physicians and Staff of Advanced Open Imaging
Your examination will take place in a large, well lit, specially designed scanning room. The MRI technologist will help you to lie on a padded exam table which slides into the center of the Open magnet. Because the body part to be examined must be located in the center of the magnetic field, your whole body may be placed inside the machine. The center of the machine is located just 2.5 feet from the end. While the machine is in operation, it is normal to hear intermittent humming and thumping sounds. Motion can distort images, so you will be asked to lie still for 5 to 15 minutes at a time. Depending on the information your physician needs, your complete examination could take from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Just relax, breathe normally and try to remain as still as possible. The technologist performing the exam will keep you informed about what is going on throughout the study and will be there to assist you during all phases of the examination.
A report from our radiologist will be forwarded to your physician. Your physician will schedule an appointment with you to discuss the results.
Generally, MRI is a covered benefit of a medical insurance plans, however, most insurance carries require prior authorization. It is important to understand that billing does not guarantee payment or eligibility for insurance benefits. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, it is best to contact your insurance company. Patients are responsible for all co-payments and deductibles. If you have any questions about our fees or if you need to make special payment arrangements, please call our billing office at 425-771-8161, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m PST.
1. Are you claustrophobic? Are you able to lie in one position without pain or muscle spasms? Ask your doctor about prescribing sedation medication or pain medication/muscle relaxants.
2. You may eat normally and take any regular medications before and after your examination.
3. If you are having a brain or eye exam, do not wear any eye or facial make-up as it may cause artifact on your images.
4. Bring any sedation or pain/ muscle relaxor medication with you. Because some medication can cause drowsiness, you may need to arrange for someone to drive you home from your exam.
5. Due to the strength of the magnetic field, it will be necessary for you to remove your watch and secure your wallet and car keys in a personal locker (provided). The MRI magnet will erase information on credit cards. Gold wedding rings may be worn because they are nonmagnetic.
6. You may be asked to change into a hospital scrubs to avoid possible interference from zippers, buckles, metallic writing or silk screening.
Tell your doctor or the MRI technologist if you have any of the following conditions which may make a MRI examination impossible or unsafe:
- Pacemaker
- Aneurysm clips
- Inner ear implants
- Pregnant
- Bone or neurostimulators
- Metal shavings and/or BB's in your eyes
- Permanent eyeliner
- Some physical limitations
- Allergies or previous reaction to a contrast agent
For you convenience, you may download an Imaging Referral form here. Please fill out the form and give it to our receptionist prior to your examination.
Lynnwood Imaging Referral Form (pdf)
Meridian Imaging Referral Form (pdf)
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