Frequently Asked Questions

What insurance plans do you accept? - We accept most insurance plans. If you have a question about whether your insurance will be accepted, please contact us at 719-955-4332. Some insurance plans require pre-authorization and/or a referral. We will work with your referring physician to obtain these. We will ask for a copy of your insurance card and any referral form that is required by your insurance company when you arrive for your appointment.
Who will perform my exam? - A registered technologist who has had extensive training in radiological procedures.
Who will interpret my exam? - A radiologist who has pursued specialized training in diagnostic radiology and advanced training in MRI will interpret your examination and provide a written report to your referring physician. All radiologists are Board Certified by the American Board of Radiology and Fellowship trained.
Do I have to go where my Dr. refers me? - No, you can choose where you would like to go, regardless of your doctor's recommendation.
How will I get the results of my exam? - A written report will be sent to your referring physician within 12 business hours of your exam. Referring physicians in certain specialties, such as neurology, neurological surgery, physical medicine, orthopedics and other specialists will want to review the actual films, which our courier will deliver to their offices.
What if another doctor requests my films? - You or your physician may notify us prior to your appointment and we will deliver your films to your physician. You may also stop by the facility and check out your films to carry with you to your appointment if you prefer. Please call in advance so your films will be ready.
My child is going to have an exam – may I be with them in the room? - One parent is encouraged to be with the child. Please call in advance to discuss options for your child.

MRI Specific Questions

What do I do if I am pregnant, is MRI safe? - Currently we scan pregnant patients only when it is considered medically beneficial. Your referring physician and an MRI Board Certified Radiologist will consult with one another and will sign consent forms deeming the MRI as a medically necessary procedure. Your doctor will then discuss the risks and benefits, and you will be asked to sign a consent form at the time of your appointment. The Radiologist will be available to discuss your exam and the risks and benefits of the procedure with you at the time of your appointment if you would desire.
What should I wear to my MRI appointment? - Typically street clothes are fine. A comfortable, loose fitting sweat suit or jogging outfit would be acceptable as well. For females, if we are scanning your spine, neck, chest or abdomen we will ask you to remove your bra. A sports bra contains no metal and would not need to be removed prior to scanning. We do have hospital gowns and robes, as well as scrub suits that we can have you change into, if necessary. We will ask you to place any loose metal from your pockets into a lockable storage area.

Your technologist will ask you to remove anything metallic, such as dentures, hearing aids, jewelry, hairpins or articles of clothing that may contain metal, such as underwire bras. These items, along with your purse, wallet, keys, pagers, cell phones or other personal items will be secured in a locker during your exam. You may be asked to change into scrubs, but if you are wearing sweats or clothing without any sort of metal, you may not be asked to change.
What is MRI? - MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a way to look inside your body without the use of X-rays. It is completely painless. MRI can allow your doctor to see certain types of tissue and can provide very important information about the brain, spine, joints and internal organs. MRI can allow your physician the opportunity for early detection of disease or injuries so proper treatment may be started as soon as possible.
How does MRI work? - Your body is composed of atoms. Water or hydrogen atoms make up 95% of the human body. Usually the hydrogen atoms within the body spin at random. When you have an MRI, you are placed in a strong magnetic field that is up to 8,000 times stronger than that of the earth, which causes these atoms to realign and spin all in the same direction. Like CT, MRI acquires images that are a "slice" of anatomy. Using the magnetic fields and radio waves, remarkably detailed cross-sectional images of the body can be obtained. A computer processes these images to produce detailed pictures of the anatomy.
Can anyone have an MRI? - Because some metals interfere with the function of the MRI equipment, certain patients are not able to have an MRI exam. The following equipment or conditions may create problems with an MRI. Please call with concerns about any of the following metals in your body.
- A pacemaker or pacing wires
- Metal fragments in one or both eyes
- Inner ear implants
- Cerebral anuerysm clips
- Implanted neuro stimulator
- Tens unit
- Certain metal implants
How long does it take? - The exam usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. If your doctor orders your MRI exam with contrast, the exam may take longer to complete.
What is contrast? - In some cases, your doctor may order your test with contrast. This is a fluid that is injected into a vein (usually in your arm). This helps to make certain details on the exam clearer and is routine for certain MRI exams.
What will happen during the MRI exam? - You will be asked to lie down on the examination table on your back. The table will slide smoothly into the opening, and you will be positioned either head first or feet first, depending on the type of exam. Once the exam begins, it is important that you are as still as possible. You will hear "knocking" and "banging" noises, and the hum of the machine. This is all normal and you will be able to talk to the technologist during your procedure. You will be able to listen to the radio, or you may bring a favorite CD, or choose one at our facility.
What if I feel anxious or claustrophobic? - One of the first things we recommend to anyone who thinks they might feel anxious or claustrophobic during an exam is an advanced trip to our facility to actually look at the scanner. We often find that once patients see how wide the opening is and how short the scanner is, their anxiety is eliminated. Remember, MRI scanners have changed dramatically over the last 10 years, and are no longer made with such small, restrictive openings and long "tubes" or "tunnels".

Our technologists are very skilled at helping you feel relaxed and comfortable during your exam. It often helps to listen to music during your exam. You may have a family member in the room with you if you desire. In very rare instances, a patient may require sedation, which must be scheduled ahead.

CT Specific Questions

What is a CT Scan? - Computer Assisted Tomography (CAT), also known as CT (computerized tomography) is an x-ray technique that uses a special scanner to create cross-sectional images of the body and head. This produces "slices" like the slices in a loaf of bread. Our CT scanner performs spiral slices – the newest and fastest scanning technology available.

CT's can image the internal portion of the organs and separate overlapping structures precisely. Unlike standard X-rays which take a picture of the whole structure being examined, CT has the ability to image that same structure one cross-section or "slice" at a time. This allows the internal body area being examined to be depicted in much greater detail than standard X-rays. CT is also able to provide clear imaging of both soft tissue, such as the brain, as well as dense tissue like bone.

Because a CT scan uses an ultra-thin, low dose X-ray beam, radiation exposure is minimized.
How will I prepare for my CT Scan? - Depending on the area of the body being imaged, you may be asked to drink a flavored mixture called contrast that will aid in the evaluation of your stomach and intestines.

Certain types of studies also require an IV contrast material, which will be administered through a vein (usually in your arm), once you are in the exam room.

If your exam requires an IV contrast material to highlight certain parts of your body, you may feel a warm sensation throughout your body and/or a metallic taste in your mouth once the IV is administered.
What will happen during the exam? - When you enter the exam room, you will be asked to lie on the CT table. The technologist will explain the procedure to you and position you on the scanning table. The table will then move to center on the part of your body being examined. You will be able to see out both ends of the scanner, and you will be able to talk to your technologist via a two-way microphone. The table will move within the scanner during the exam. It is normal to hear whirling or clicking noises while the exam is being done.

While the exam is being done, all you need to do is relax and remain as still as possible. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time.