MRI Center: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that uses radio frequency waves and a magnetic field rather than radiation to create detailed pictures of your body. An MRI scan shows details that an x-ray alone cannot. The MRI measures the energy frequencies released by the body's cells as they react to radio waves within a magnetic field. There are no known side effects to having an MRI. The MRI Center at OA uses a Siemens Harmony™ short-bore MRI. This offers patients a spacious, well-lit opening on both ends, which reduces anxiety and claustrophobia. The very short length of the MRI scanner permits the patient's head to remain outside the magnet during some procedures.

This Siemens unit allows us to provide MRI services to our patients in an easy and expedient fashion without the hassles of scheduling and traveling to outside facilities or hospitals. Our MRI is currently fully functional with appointments available quickly for patients who need urgent evaluation.

To ensure optimum results, our highly qualified and caring technologists have received specialized training in the Siemens magnet, and work hand-in-hand with our physicians.

The images are interpreted by radiologists from Southern Maine Radiology, the largest radiology practice for Maine Medical Center. These physicians work closely with the physicians at OA in communicating findings of your exam.

What do I have to do to prepare for an MRI?

No special preparation is needed. You may eat, drink, and take prescribed medications prior to the MRI. We suggest that you wear or bring with you something loose and comfortable to wear during the exam (preferably without zippers). If your clothes contain snaps or zippers we will provide you with something else to wear. You will be asked to remove all jewelry (inclusive of any jewelry worn as the result of body piercing), removable dental work, hearing aids, and glasses. For your convenience, a locked compartment will be provided for your personal items, If your physician or medical provider has prescribed sedation medication for you, please arrange for someone to bring you to and from our office on the day of your MRI.

What do you need to know about me before I have an MRI?

As the MRI uses a safe, but very powerful magnet, to ensure your safety we need to know if you:

• Are pregnant or have an IUD
• Have a pacemaker or internal cardio-defibrillator (lCD)
• Have a morphine or insulin pump
• Have an ear implant
• Have any metallic implants
• Have any cerebral aneurysm or vascular clips
• Have ever been exposed to shrapnel or had metal or rust in your eves or face
• Have ever done welding/machinist/automotive work (even as a hobby or in school)
• Have ever had rust or metal in your eyes that you've had to wipe out, rinse out, or for which you have had to seek medical attention

How long will I be at OA for my MRI exam?

You can expect to be at our facility for approximately one to two hours, depending on the type of scan you are having. We ask that you arrive at OA 30 minutes before your exam. Please check in with the front desk receptionist in the main waiting area. The MRI receptionist will escort you to the MRI Center where you will meet with the radiology technologist. The technologist will review the screening questionnaire and the procedure with you, and answer any questions you may have. If your study requires the use of a contrast material, the technologist will start an intravenous (IV) line for that injection. The exam itself will last from 30-60 minutes.

How do I get the results of my MRI?

When the exam is finished the images will be reviewed for quality. Although we understand that you will be anxious to know the results of your study, our technologists are not at liberty to discuss results with you at the time of your exam. Your OA physician/provider will discuss the results of your scan with you at the time of your follow-up appointment.

Why is there a separate charge for interpretation of my MRI?

Your MRI is billed in two parts. The first is for the MRI scan itself (technical component). The second is for the reading (professional component by the Radiologist) of the MRI. (Please see the information below about the Spectrum Medical Group.)

Will my MRI be covered by my insurance?

Various insurance companies require prior authorization before the MRI can be performed. Please make certain that your insurance information is up-to-date to avoid potential delays. Our receptionist will verify insurance coverage for the performance of the MRI, but is unable to verify this for interpretation services. If you do not have one of the policies listed below, you may want to call your insurance company to discuss this further. If there are any questions about billing for MRI interpretive services, please call the Spectrum Radiology billing office at 773-8133.

The following is an abridged list of insurance companies with which Spectrum Medical Group participates:

• Aetna
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Benefit Plan
• Cigna
• Comprehensive Benefit Administrators (CBA)
• CorVel
• Definity Health
• First Health
• Great West (One Health Plan)
• Harvard Pilgrim
• Health Net
• Health Plan, Inc.
• HealthScope
• Martin's Point
• Medicaid (Maine and New Hampshire)
• Medicare
• MMC PHO
• Patient Advocates
• RR Medicare
• Tricare
• United Food & Commercial Workers
• United Health Care
• Workers' Compensation

"The day I come in for my MRI, what can I expect?"

After you check in with the front desk receptionist in our main lobby, an MRI staff member will escort you to the MRI Center. There you will meet with an MRI technologist. He/she will review the screening questionnaire, explain the procedure to you, and answer any questions you might have. If your clothing has snaps or zippers you will be asked to change your clothes and remove jewelry, etc. If your study requires the use of contrast material, the technologist will start an intravenous (IV) line for that injection. Before the exam starts the technologist will position you and give you a "call button." Additionally, the technologist will check in with you periodically throughout the exam. You will hear a muffled thumping noise while the scan is being performed. For your comfort we will provide you with earplugs or earphones to listen to music (feel free to bring your own CD).

Where do I go for my MRI and how do I get there?

Your MRI can only be done at our main office in Portland on 33 Sewall Street, Click here for directions.

What is ACR accreditation?

The ACR awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the practice. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in this field. They assess the qualifications of the personnel and the adequacy of facility equipment. The surveyors report their findings to the ACR's Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report. Accreditation by the ACR demonstrates a commitment to quality care and patient safety. OA is pleased to have received this distinction as we continue to look for ways to enhance our delivery of patient services.

You have a choice. Fellowship trained... board certified... nationally recognized - that's OA. Experience in Motion... right here in Portland, Maine