Champlain Valley Open MRI

PREPARATION
Please arrive 15 minutes in advance of your scheduled time unless otherwise instructed. Kindly bring, or ask your physician to send, any previous MRI or X-ray films or reports that are related to your current examination. This will allow our radiologists to provide a complete and comprehensive consultation to your physician. There are no fasting requirements before your examination. You should continue with your normal routine unless otherwise instructed for special circumstances.

Our receptionist will greet you at the door and introduce you to our staff, who will review your medical history. At that time the procedure will be explained and you will have time to ask any questions you might have about the examination. Please advise the technologist if you have any of the following:

Cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators or other implanted devices.
Aneurysm clips or previous brain surgery
Metal shavings or rust in the eye
Metal fragments from military service or work
Surgical implantation of any metal, wire, or electronic devices.
Artificial cardiac valves
Pregnancy
Any recent surgery

You will be given appropriate apparel for your examination, usually a pair of shorts or a t-shirt. A locker will be provided for your clothing, jewelry and personal items. Please wear as little makeup as possible and remove any under-wire bras, hairpins or metallic skin patches used for birth control or smoking cessation.

THE EXAM
You should not experience any unusual feeling or discomfort during your exam. You will lie comfortably on a specially designed, padded table. During the exam, you will hear the equipment make a series of knocking sounds, which are normal and not harmful in any way. Certain patients will be informed and advised concerning the use of intravenous (IV) contrast (sterile, diluted and saline based gadolinium) as part of their MRI examination. The exam normally lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. You may have a friend or relative accompany you during your MRI. We suggest you bring a music CD or your choice to enjoy during your exam as you will be offered your choice of headphones or earplugs.

INSURANCE
Please bring your insurance identification and drivers license to your appointment. Champlain Valley Open MRI does participate in most insurances and we do have a billing specialist available to explain the billing process to you. If you have any billing questions, please contact us. We will be happy to assist you.