What Can I Expect When I Get an MRI?

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An MRI exam is often used to take internal images of the body. This can help a doctor learn more about many different types of conditions. During this exam, the patient will lie in a large, tube-like machine that uses a strong magnet and radio waves to retrieve these internal images. According to the Medical Associates of Northwest Arkansas, an MRI can take as little as 10 minutes or up to two hours.

If this is your first time getting an MRI, you may be nervous because you don’t know what to expect or how much it may cost once the test is done. Fortunately, through JHS Community, you can use your membership discount services toward your MRI as being a part of your Health Care Sharing Ministry Membership. Let’s dive into some of the key things you can expect during your MRI test.

Before Your MRI

Some patients may be nervous about receiving an MRI because they suffer from claustrophobia. The confined space within the MRI machine can often trigger claustrophobia. Luckily, special accommodations can be made for you if you suffer from this condition. Your doctor will make every effort to ensure you can get through the MRI comfortably. The more relaxed you are, the more accurate the images will be.

Your doctor will have gone over the details with you about why the MRI is being used for your condition. In most cases, the MRI is used to scan the body for potential growths, injuries, or anomalies. This information is then used by the doctor to create an accurate treatment plan for you. Before your MRI, you should ask any concerning questions on why this scan is necessary. You will feel more confident about the procedure if you have all of the information you need.

The Day of the MRI

Each patient’s experience will be different, but in general, here are a few things you can expect during the day of the MRI. You should arrive early in case there is any additional paperwork to fill out. You will be asked to change clothes and will be given a hospital gown or scrubs. Nothing metal of any type can enter the MRI machine, hair pins, glasses, jewelry, zippers, and other items must be removed. You will also need to make sure you have a ride home if you were given anti-anxiety medication or sedation. You will not be allowed to drive home if you are under the influence of any medication.

During the MRI

When the exam finally starts, you will be placed on a padded table. This table slides into the machine. This is where your scan will take place. You will have access to a call button if you have any questions or are experiencing any difficulties. You will hear thumping sounds while inside the machine. This is nothing to be alarmed over and just means that the scan is in progress. You may be given earplugs or earphones to block the loud noises. You will be instructed to stay very still during the exam. The movement will compromise the integrity of the images.

Please do not move during the exam – if you start to feel distressed, you can use the call button to notify the technician that you are experiencing an issue, and the staff will assist you. If you begin to feel uncomfortable during the exam for any reason and have not yet been given medication to help you relax, you may then be given medication. It’s important that you try very hard to comply with what the technician or staff are requesting of you so that you can get an accurate scan and get the process completed more quickly.

After the MRI

After your MRI is over, you can leave the MRI machine after your scan, and will be brought to a room where you can dress back into your everyday clothes and retrieve your belongings. There is usually no recovery time required after an MRI. In most cases, the patient is free to return home following the test. However, if you were given any anti-anxiety medication or sedation, you would not be allowed to drive yourself home. You will need to have a pre-arranged ride home.

Receive Discounts on Your Imaging Services

As a part of your membership discount services with JHS Community, you can receive a discount on your imaging services, such as an MRI, through our exclusive partnership with One Call Medical (OCM) and Galaxy Health Network. This can help make paying for the imaging process that much easier, and savings can range from anywhere from 40% to 75% off CT and MRI scans.

For more information about how your membership discount services through JHS Community can be used toward your MRI scans or other imaging services, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at JHS Community today.