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OA has added a Siemens MAGNETOM®
Harmony™ magnetic resonance scanner to our existing facility. This
1.0-Tesla unit allows us to provide MRI services to our patients in
an easy and expedient fashion without the hassles of 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.
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Anxiety free!
The MAGNETOM®
Harmony™ scanner is a short magnet that
offers fast, efficient, quality scanning and minimizes the chances of
claustrophobia. |
Before Your MRI
Our receptionist will call you at home to ask several screening
questions. It is important that you answer these questions accurately to ensure your
safety in the magnetic field. Important questions include:
• Do you have a pacemaker or any metallic implants?
• Do you have cerebral aneurysm clips or vascular clips?
• Are you pregnant?
• Have you had an eye injury involving metal? (You may be
asked to have facial x-rays to make certain there are no metal fragments.)
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Insurance and Prior Authorization
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. The MRI Center does not
interpret the MRI studies; this must be done by a qualified
radiologist and is the responsibility of Southern Maine Radiology, a
part of Spectrum Medical Group. Please be aware that you will receive
a separate bill from that group. If you have a primary care
physician, please notify him or her of the request for an MRI. We will
be happy to help if you have any questions or concerns. .
Preparation for Your MRI
There are no restrictions in your use of medications or your diet
prior to the MRI. We suggest that you wear comfortable clothing (preferably without
zippers) as you will be required to lie still for an extended period. You will be asked to
remove all jewelry and other accessories before your scan. For your convenience, a locked
compartment will be provided for your personal items.
The MRI Exam
We ask that you arrive at OA thirty 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 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. It consists of a series
of scans requiring you to lie very still, as the magnet is sensitive to motion. You will
hear a muffled thumping noise while the scans are performed. For your comfort, you will be
provided with ear plugs or earphones to listen to music (feel free to bring your own
selection!). The technologist will check in with you between series to make sure you are
comfortable.
We hope to make your experience at OA's MRI Center
pleasant and comfortable. Please let our staff know how we can best meet your personal
needs during this examination.
ACR Statement
The MRI Center at OA has been awarded the maximum, three-year term of
accreditation in MRI Services as the result of an extensive survey by the
American College of Radiology (ACR).
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. OAP is pleased to have
received this distinction as we continue to look for ways to enhance our
delivery of patient services.
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