McLean County Orthopedics has a nice, open MRI. If you are scheduled for MRI, you will be asked a series of questions to determine if you are safe to have an MRI. Although the machine is called an "Open" MRI, there is still a concern if you are very claustrophobic and sometimes a sedative (valium) is prescribed. The scheduler will discuss this with you. If you are on a stable dose of oxygen at home, then you can use oxygen at the MRI.
Answers to commonly asked questions: 1) What is MRI? MRI is "Magnetic Resonance Imaging." A magnetic field & radio waves produce a cross-sectional views of the body, patterned much like slices of bread. By collecting a series of images, MRI can create a multi dimensional view. 2) Will it hurt? The actual exam itself does not cause any pain. However, due to the fact that you must stay completely still during the exam, your body may become stiff. We advise taking a Tylenol or Ibuprofen before you come. ONLY take Tylenol or ibuprofen if you know it’s safe for you. 3) What might prevent me from having an MRI? The scheduler will review this in detail. Some issues are: pacemaker or defibrillator, intra-cranial clips, metal shards in the eye (eye CT may be required for further investigation), spinal cord stimulator, etc. 4) What should I wear? The scheduler will specify the ones that pertain to you. They might include, but are not limited to: No metal on your clothes. This includes zippers, metal buttons, snaps etc. You will need to wear in or bring with you something with elastic like a sweat suit. If you do not have anything completely metal free, come as metal free as you can get. You will be asked to remove all metal objects from your body. Examples are earrings, watch, necklace, hair pins, glasses, etc. You might need to bring or change into shorts or a short sleeve shirt. There are NO dietary restrictions. You can have your normal, routine day including medicines. 5) Will my Insurance cover it? It is the patient’s responsibility to check with their insurance regarding coverage and pre-certification. We bill the MRI’s under both the physicians name and our facility. The scheduler might be able to help you if you have any problems with this. 6) If I’m already scheduled for an exam, can I add another while I’m in there? No, each body part takes its own 45min. time slot and order. You would first need to ask your physician if they will order another MRI. Then you could call the scheduler to see if there were any additional openings. 7) Where do I go? Appear at the main downstairs MCO desk, which is located on the main floor, west side of the building. 8) When do I get my results? After your MRI is scheduled, you will be sent to a receptionist to make your follow-up appointment. This appointment will be made for seven days after the date of your MRI to allow time to get the results; unless your physician specifies otherwise.