MetroWestBrochure_4 panel_MW4.qxd 8/15/13 11:13 AM Page 1 What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging? Planning Your Exam Your physician has sent you for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam. MRI is a sophisticated, painless, non-invasive method for looking at parts of your body in great detail in order to diagnose conditions and recommend treatments. What is the exam like? An MRI exam takes between 20 and 60 minutes. During your exam, you will be positioned on a cushioned table which rests in the center of the MRI examining area. When the exam begins, the table will move into the magnet. It is very important that you lie as still as possible during the exam, since movement will blur the images. We have prepared this information to help you understand what is involved and to answer any questions you may have regarding your MRI exam. MRI takes high-resolution pictures of your body using a magnetic field and harmless radio waves. Computer technology is then used to produce detailed images. These images have many advantages over X-ray or Computerized Tomography (CT) scans. Virtually every part of the body can be imaged by MRI without the need for X-rays or surgery, including soft tissue (muscles, blood vessels, tendons, internal organs) and bones. MRI is used to study joints in all parts of the body. Abnormalities of the spine, nerves and vertebral discs, or sports-related injuries such as torn ligaments and fractures, can be identified on MRI scans. Normal shoulder. For certain studies, the injection of a harmless intravenous contrast medium may be necessary to enhance specific anatomical structures. At all times, the technologist will be outside the room and will be able to see and hear you via a microphone. Will I feel anything? No, you will feel nothing. You will hear some repetitive knocking sounds. This is the normal sound of the machine acquiring information. For your comfort, we offer earplugs and headphones with your choice of music. You may even bring your own CDs or MP3 player. MRI Arthrography MRI arthrography is used to assess disease in and around the joints (most commonly shoulder, wrist and hip). A contrast solution is instilled into the joint under fluoroscopic (xray) guidance. The injection of contrast takes between 5-10 minutes and has little associated discomfort. After the contrast is instilled, a conventional MRI is obtained to provide images of the joint which is better visualized with the injected contrast. Again, remaining still is important to assure that we get the best possible images. You should not experience significant discomfort after the exam, but if you do, please contact the office and our radiologist will discuss this further with you. Applications for imaging the heart, abdomen, pelvis and breast are helping physicians to diagnose extremely challenging diseases with more confidence and accuracy. Veins and arteries also can be seen using magnetic resonance angiographic (MRA) techniques. For claustrophobic patients, our scanner enables feet first exams for nearly all MR procedures. For larger patients, it supports up to 440 lbs, without table movement restrictions. We also perform Breast MRI and MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy. Breast MRI is a scan used for detecting and staging breast cancer and other breast abnormalities. Ruptured subscapularis tendon (arrow). How do I get the results? The images will be interpreted by one of our Radiologists who is specially trained to evaluate MRI and MRA images. Your physician will have access to your results within 24 hours, and will then discuss the findings with you. Advantages …of an MRI • Early, Accurate Diagnosis – lets your physician make an earlier more accurate diagnosis and thus begin treatment sooner. • Patient Safety – provides complete safety with no radiation and with no known side effects. • Patient Comfort – involves just a brief exam in a relaxed setting with no special preparation required. • Convenience – performed in an office setting, and may avoid surgeries or other invasive and costly tests. …of MetroWest MRI • Attractive center offering high-quality services • Highly trained, board-certified medical and technical staff • State of the art equipment • Convenient and easy access from major roads • Ample free parking • Ground level access in a modern facility • Located in Framingham, on Worcester Road (westbound on Route 9) • Accredited by the American College of Radiology and Joint Commission For Your Personal Safety, please read carefully While we pre-screen you with your physician upon referral, it is important that you review the following list and tell us if any of these apply. You may not be able to have an MRI exam. Please notify our staff in advance if you have: • A pacemaker • A brain aneurysm clip • A Starr Edwards heart valve prior to 1972 • Ever been a metal worker or have metal in your eyes • A metal plate, pin or other metallic implant • Had surgery, especially in the ear • Claustrophobia MetroWestBrochure_4 panel_MW4.qxd 8/15/13 11:13 AM Page 2 0 Exit 13 RT 126 RT 9 RT 30 RT 30 St RT 9 i on Un A 761 Worcester Road From Route 9 West Bound Follow Route 9 West past Route 126 exits. Proceed through the next set of lights past the shopping center (Staples/Trader Joe’s/Walgreens). About 1/4 mile on the right, look for the sign for 761 Worcester Road, (Wellness Center, a red brick building). We are located on the first floor on your immediate right after entering the building. From Route 9 East Bound Proceed past Edgell Road/Main Street exit. At the second traffic light after the exit make a U-turn onto Route 9 West past the shopping center (Staples/Trader Joe’s/Walgreens). About 1/4 mile on the right, look for the sign for 761 Worcester Road, (Wellness Center, a red brick building). We are located on the first floor on your immediate right after entering the building From the Mass Pike (I-90 West) Take exit 13/Natick. Go right at the end of the exit ramp onto Route 30 West and continue about a mile to the intersection of Routes 9 and 30. Proceed on Route 9 West and follow directions as above from Route 9 West. From the Mass Pike (I-90 East) Take exit 12/Framingham and follow Route 9 East directions. Questions… Please call our Center at 508-872-7674 Financial Arrangements: MetroWest MRI must have your complete Medical Insurance information before you arrive at the Center. We work with your physician to pre-register you and pre-approve your insurance coverage. You may use VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card, Care Credit, personal check, cash or set up a payment plan for your portion of the bill. Our billing office will be happy to assist you. For bill inquiries, email [email protected] or call 888-674-4369 MetroWest MRI Patient Information RT 9 RT 126 Exit 12 d rR ste rce Wo in Ma Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled exam, then simply check in and wait for the technologist to call you. Here are a few things to remember prior to your appointment: • Bring all insurance information. • If your ordered exam is the result of a Workers Compensation or Motor Vehicle Accident, we need to verify this information prior to your appointment. • Bring any previous diagnostic films (X-rays, CT scans or other MRIs). • Eat, drink and take medications as normal, unless you have been specifically told otherwise when your appointment was confirmed by one of our medical office assistants. • Leave valuables at home, or in your car – no metallic objects can be worn or carried into the exam area (for example, watch, jewelry, keys and coins). Lockers are available in our exam areas for safekeeping of belongings. Directions Edgell R d Planning Your Visit Please note that you will receive a separate bill from MetroWest Radiology Assoicates for the Radiologist’s interpretation of your MRI. MetroWest MRI will share your medical insurance information with MetroWest Radiology Assoicates and they will also submit an insurance claim for you. Cancellations: Cancellations are sometimes unavoidable and we would ask that you notify us at least one day in advance by telephoning 508-872-7674. Appointment Date & Time Your physician has scheduled you for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam at MetroWest MRI. Date:__________________________________________ Time: _________________________________________ Plan to arrive 15 minutes BEFORE your scheduled appointment MetroWest Wellness Center MetroWest MRI 761 Worcester Road, Rte. 9W Framingham, MA 01701 Phone: 508-872-7674 Fax: 508-620-7123 01/13 761 Worcester Road, Rte. 9W Framingham, MA 01701 Phone: 508-872-7674 Fax: 508-620-7123 www.metrowestmri.com