Our team of experienced MRI technologists at South Jersey Radiology will provide specific guidelines regarding your appointment. Here are the important guidelines to follow:

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing that doesn’t contain any metal such as belts, jewelry, buttons, or zippers.
• Avoid eating or drinking in the hours prior to your MRI. Based on the specific details for your exam, our staff at South Jersey Radiology will provide specific time periods to restrict eating or drinking.
• If you have any metal artifacts in your body such as cardiac devices, dentures, or hearing aids, please inform our staff at South Jersey Radiology or your referring doctor.

An MRI scan is a non-invasive medical imaging study that doesn’t expose you to radiation. However, an MRI machine uses a magnetic field, which may prevent certain individuals with metal implants from undergoing an MRI. If you are an individual who has a metal implant such as a pacemaker, a vagus nerve stimulator, an insulin pump, a cochlear implant, or a deep brain stimulator, please consult with your referring physician before scheduling an MRI. In some cases, these metal devices may not be compatible with our MRIs, and another medical imaging study will be recommended.

South Jersey Radiology has advanced protocols and sequences that can accommodate patients with cardiac devices such as pacemakers. Please consult with your referring physician to determine if an MRI works with your type of pacemaker and if it is right for you.

During an MRI scan, it is strongly encouraged to remain as still as possible. Any movement during the MRI scan could decrease or skew the quality of the images.

Some patients who are concerned about claustrophobia may be worried about an MRI scan. At South Jersey Radiology, our MRI imaging centers offer wide-bore MRIs equipped with fast scan technology. Wide-bore MRIs allow for “feet first” scanning and provide an extra 12 inches of space. All of our wide-bore MRIs are equipped with fast scan technology that decreases scan times by up to 30% in comparison to traditional MRIs. If you’d prefer any mild sedation methods, please speak with your referring provider to see what works best for you.

Prior to the start of your MRI scan, one of our experienced MRI technologists will go over your medical history with you. Then, you will be escorted to a table that will slide into the MRI machine, a cylinder-shaped tube that is surrounded by a magnet. You will be asked to lie still on the table for the duration of the scan. On average, an MRI scan takes between 15 – 90 minutes to complete. Afterward, you will be able to leave our office and continue with your daily routine after the scan is completed.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are both medical imaging techniques that capture detailed images of the body’s internal structures. However, both techniques have different preferred use cases and may be recommended for different reasons.

MRIs use a combination of magnets, radio waves, and a computer to produce highly detailed images of soft tissue structures including the brain, spinal cord, and organs. MRIs do not utilize any form of radiation.

CT scans use a series of X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of the body. Generally, CT scans are faster than an MRI and are better equipped to capture images of bones and harder tissue structures. CT scans do use a small amount of radiation to help visualize hard tissue structures that can be more difficult to view.

At South Jersey Radiology, all of our medical imaging techniques are compliant with Image Wisely guidelines to ensure radiation exposure is kept to a minimum.

Once your MRI scan is completed, one of our subspecialized radiologists will analyze the results and develop a detailed report for your referring doctor. Your doctor will receive the report within 48 hours and follow up with you to go over the results.

South Jersey Radiology is in-network with 99% of insurance carriers. Please contact your insurance carrier to inquire about SJRA’s in-network status. In some cases, insurance companies may attempt to tell you which radiology centers are preferred. As the patient, you have the right to choose if you would like your study performed at South Jersey Radiology.