TruSCAN
MRI Stand-Up, "High Field", OPEN MRI
OPEN MRI
Multi-Slice CT
Intervention & Pain Management
X-ray & Fluoroscopy
Ultrasound
Accepted Insurance Providers
TruSCAN
MRI Stand-Up, "High Field", OPEN MRI
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Q:
What's the difference between the TruSCAN MRI Stand-up, "High
Field", Open MRI and other MRI's?
A: There are several differences. Perhaps the most important is
that while all other MRI machines scan the patient when they are
lying down or recumbent, our MRI actually allows you to sit or stand
for your study. Often a "weight bearing" MRI is the only
position in which the patient's symptoms occur.
Also, due to
the design of the TruSCAN MRI Stand-up, we can image patients in
a variety of positions, referred to as positional MRI or pMRI, that
are not possible in other MRIs. These positions include flexion,
extension and rotation.
Most open MRI's
are considered "low field", having a magnet strength of
.23T or .3 Tesla. Our "high field" magnet is a .6T strength
which assists us in securing quality images in this unique, non-claustrophobic
setting.
Q:
I've been claustrophobic in other machines, how "Open"
is this one?
A: Our new TruSCAN MRI Stand-up allows you to sit or stand and watch
a TV monitor mounted on the wall in the exam room. There are no
obstacles to make you feel confined. If your doctor orders an MRI
in a recumbent position (lying down), the ceiling of the room is
the only thing over your head.
Q:
Are there any special preparations or restrictions?
A: You only need to prepare for an MRI if you are having IV sedation
or contrast (dye), in which case you should not eat for several
hours prior to your exam. Rose Radiology Center, Inc. (RRC) staff
will provide you with specific instructions at the time you schedule
your appointment.
Q:
Why is it important to remove any metallic objects before I enter
the MRI room?
A: You'll need to remove all metal objects for safety reasons and
because they can cause artifacts to appear on the MRI image.
Q:
Will there be any problems if I have had surgery in which metal
has been implanted?
A: As a rule, no. However, please be sure to notify our technologist
of any prior surgeries before your exam. Patients with pacemakers
or certain types of aneurysm clips should not have an MRI.
Q:
Is there any risk?
A: MRI is a very safe diagnostic procedure. There have been no health
risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used
by the machine.
OPEN
MRI
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Q:
What is the difference between an MRI and a CT?
A: Unlike CT, MRI does not use radiation. Instead, MRI creates high-quality
images through the combination of a magnetic field and radio waves.
MRI is much more sensitive to the imaging of the soft tissues of
the body than CT.
Q:
What's the difference between an "OPEN" MRI and a "tube"
type MRI?
A: Some patients feel high levels of anxiety when subjected to the
confining space of tube-type MRI's. Our OPEN MRI has an unobstructed
view from three sides, allowing you to see and talk to our technologist
during your exam. Our "open" scanner provides for a higher
level of comfort over conventional, "tube shaped" MRI
machines.
Q:
What body parts can the MRI scanner evaluate?
A: Physicians use the MRI exam to evaluate one part of the body
at a time. The MRI can take images of the head and brain, neck,
back, abdomen, pelvis, shoulder, knee, ankle foot, blood vessels
(MRA) and more.
Q:
Are there any special preparations or restrictions?
A: You only need to prepare for an MRI if you are having IV sedation
or contrast (dye), in which case you should not eat for several
hours prior to your exam. Rose Radiology Center, Inc. (RRC) staff
will provide you with specific instructions at the time you schedule
your appointment.
Q:
Why is it important to remove any metallic objects before I enter
the MRI room?
A: You'll need to remove all metal objects for safety reasons and
because they can cause artifacts to appear on the MRI image.
Q:
Will there be any problems if I have had surgery in which metal
has been implanted?
A: As a rule, no. However, please be sure to notify our technologist
of any prior surgeries before your exam. Patients with pacemakers
or certain types of aneurysm clips should not have an MRI.
Q:
Is there any risk?
A: MRI is a very safe diagnostic procedure. There have been no health
risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used
by the machine.
Q:
Can I get an MRI if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: While an MRI scan has no known side effects, it is not recommended
for pregnant women unless it is medically indicated. If you are
breastfeeding and have contrast as part of your exam, please suspend
nursing for 24 hours after your exam.
Q:
Why is the scanner so noisy?
A: The MRI scanner works with strong magnetic fields that build
up energy. The energy is released as loud knocking sounds. Our technologist
will offer you a set of ear plugs to make your exam more comfortable.
Multi-Slice
CT
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Q:
How long does the CT exam require?
A: A CT scan requires that you relax and lie still for 10 to 30
minutes per exam. If contrast is given or multiple exams are performed,
more time will be needed.
Q:
Will I have to change my clothes?
A: We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes. However, our
technologist will provide you with pants and a top to change into.
Q:
Are there any special preparations / restrictions?
A: If your exam requires a contrast to be used, please do not eat
anything for 3 to 4 hours prior to your exam. Exams requiring contrast
material include studies of the head, soft tissue, neck, chest abdomen
and pelvis.
Q:
Can I have a CT when I am breastfeeding?
A: If you are breastfeeding and have contrast as part of your exam,
please suspend nursing for 24 hours after your exam.
Q:
Can I take my prescribed medication?
A: Yes, for any CT exam, you may continue taking your prescribed
medication(s). However, if you are a diabetic taking Glucophage,
you should stop taking this medication for 48 hours after any contrast
procedure.
Q:
How will I feel after the exam?
A: In most cases, you can resume normal activity immediately.
Intervention
& Pain Management
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Q:
How long will the exam take?
A: Each injection usually requires 30 to 60 minutes.
Q:
Will I need to change clothes for the exam?
A: Yes, our technologists will provide you with appropriate gowns
when you arrive at our facility.
Q:
Will the procedure be painful?
A: Some exams are designed to relieve pain, while others are done
to reduce your symptoms for diagnostic purposes. Because Rose Radiology
Center, Inc. (RRC) radiologists are very experienced and skilled;
they perform the procedure quickly and accurately, minimizing your
discomfort.
Q:
Can a family member or friend come with me during the procedure?
A: Unless there are unique circumstances, we do not allow family
or friends in the exam rooms so that the radiologist and technologist
can focus all their attention on you.
Q:
What are the most common medications used for injections?
A: Lidocaine and Marcaine, local anesthetics, and Celestone Soluspan
or Depomedrol, a water-soluble steroid, are the most often used
medications for therapeutic injections.
Q:
Will I need someone to drive me there and back?
A: Your reflexes may be temporarily impaired from the exam or you
may experience numbness around the injection site, so you will want
to arrange for a driver as a safety precaution. RRC will not perform
the exam unless you have a driver with you.
Q:
Can I go right back to work after my procedure?
A: For most procedures you will be able to return to work if you
choose, however, there are a few examinations that may require you
to miss work. Please ask the RRC staff when you make your appointment.
Q:
If I experience pain after my procedure, what can I do?
A: Generally the pain is temporary and responds to typical analgesics.
You may continue to take your prescribed pain medication until you
obtain relief.
Q:
What kind of relief can I expect from the injected medication and
how long will it last?
A: The amount and length of relief varies by patient and procedure.
If the injection reaches the source of your pain, you are likely
to experience improvement by 2 to 5 days after the procedure.
Q:
What happens if the injection fails to relieve my pain? Is it a
waste of time?
A: Whether the injection relieves your symptoms or not, your physician
will gather valuable data on the source and nature of your pain.
If you experience no relief, your doctor may use the process of
elimination to move on to the next most likely source of distress.
Sometimes it requires several injections to achieve the relief you
desire.
X-ray
& Fluoroscopy
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Q:
Are x-rays safe?
A: Very low radiation dosage in x-ray, as well as Spiral CT scans
and fluoroscopy, make them extremely safe as diagnostic procedures.
Q:
Are any special preparation / restrictions for an x-ray exam?
A: Should your exam require a contrast, some prep may be required.
Our staff will inform you if prep is required when you schedule
your appointment.
Ultrasound
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Q:
Why do I need a full bladder for a pelvic Ultrasound?
A: Sound waves travel more easily through liquids than through surrounding
tissues and air. Consequently, a full bladder facilitates passage
of sound waves through it, making the uterus and ovaries behind
the bladder easier to see.
Q:
Why can't I eat or drink anything before my abdominal ultrasound?
A: When you eat, drink, or even chew gum, you introduce air into
the stomach and bowel. Sound waves do not penetrate air, making
it harder to see the target organs. Food can also make your gall
bladder contract, making it harder to image.
Q:
If there are ulcers in my stomach, can the ultrasound see them?
A: No.
Q:
Can ultrasound be harmful to my unborn baby?
A: To date, there have been no proven ill effects from conducting
regular ultrasound exams on pregnant women.
Accepted
Insurance Providers
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Rose Radiology
Centers, Inc. is a participating provider for the following insurance
plans:
AETNA
AMERIGROUP (ALL PLANS)
ANCICARE
BCBS BLUE OPTIONS
BEECHSTREET CORPORATION – with over
500 insurance companies through the Beechstreet Network such as
BENESIGHT OR CORESOURCE be sure to check beechstreet.com to see
if your plan is covered under the Beechstreet Corporation
BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD FLORIDA
CCN/FIRST HEALTH
CHOICE MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
CIGNA
CITRUS HEALTH CARE
DELTA MEDICAL INC.
EVERCARE
EVOLUTIONS
HEALTHCARE SYSTEM – COMMERCIAL &
WORKERS COMP
FIRST HEALTH/CCN
FL
BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER PROGRAM
FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
GALAXY HEALTH NETWORKS
GHI
HEALTH OPTIONS
HEALTHEASE
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY INSURANCE
HUMANA HEALTH CARE (ALL PLANS)
MED OPTIONS
MEDLINK
MEDFOCUS
MEDICAID/CONSULTEC
MEDICARE
MEDSOLUTIONS
MIDWEST DIAGNOSTIC MANAGEMENT – COMMERCIAL
& WORKERS COMP
MULTIPLAN
NETWORKS B & C
ONECALL MEDICAL
PARTNERCARE
PASCO
CO. SCHOOL BOARD INS.
PHCS
PROGRESSIVE MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
QUALITY HEALTH PLANS (QHP)
RAILROAD MEDICARE
SOUTHCARE PPO
TRICARE/CHAMPUS
UNITED HEALTHCARE
UNIVERSAL
HEALTHCARE
USA MANAGED CARE ORGANIZATION
VOCATIONAL REHAB – STATE OF FLORIDA
WELLCARE-STAYWELL
TECH HEALTH
WE
ALSO ACCEPT AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE AND ATTORNEY’S LETTERS OF
PROTECTION.
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